Ruggedized Two-Axis Beam Steering with Integrated Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical beam steering systems face challenges in harsh environments due to sensitivity to misalignment and out-of-focus conditions, requiring precise and expensive mounting, and often lack space and access for adjustments, especially in applications like aircraft and military settings where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A ruggedized optical beam steering device featuring a gimbal supported within a roll cage, with integrated linear and angular adjustment mechanisms using springs and threaded rings, allowing for precise alignment without separate fixtures, and simplified manufacturing for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If fast lenses are used to minimize overall size, then the product size is reduced, but sensitivity to misalignment and out of focus conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a mounting plate for secure installation, a gimbal mechanism for angular adjustments, and a roll cage structure for lateral positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the mounting plate providing stable base support, the gimbal enabling precise angular control through nested rings, and the roll cage facilitating lateral alignment adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal mechanism acts as an intermediary between the mounting plate and the optical component, providing intermediate angular adjustments. The nested ring structure with bearing surfaces allows for precise control of tilt and pan angles, serving as a mediator that translates rough positioning into fine angular alignment without requiring direct manipulation of the optical component itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical mounts are positioned at different angles to steer beam, then beam steering capability is improved, but space and access requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions are merged into a single integrated device. The gimbal mechanism combines tilt and pan adjustments in one compact structure, while the roll cage integrates lateral positioning and angular orientation. This consolidation provides multi-axis beam steering capability without requiring separate optical mounts positioned at different angles, significantly reducing the overall space requirement and improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal mechanism employs a nested ring structure where inner rings are positioned within outer rings, allowing multiple degrees of freedom in a compact configuration. The bearing surfaces and adjustment mechanisms are nested within each other, enabling complex angular adjustments while minimizing the device's external dimensions and maintaining ease of access for all adjustment points.
3Ease of manufacture
If light springs are used to hold components together, then assembly simplicity is improved, but reliability in harsh environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate incorporates recesses that receive and secure the optical component before final assembly, providing preliminary positioning and protection. This beforehand cushioning ensures proper alignment and prevents damage during assembly and operation in harsh environments, while maintaining the simplicity of the assembly process through pre-configured mounting features.
4Manufacturing precision
If separate fixtures are used for angular adjustments, then adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs its own angular adjustments through integrated adjustment mechanisms built into the gimbal and roll cage structures. The bearing surfaces, threaded fasteners, and positioning features are self-contained within the device, eliminating the need for external separate fixtures. This self-service capability maintains adjustment precision while reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides precise beam steering with reduced spatial requirements, enhanced durability for harsh environments, and simplified manufacturing, addressing the limitations of existing systems by integrating adjustments within the main component and reducing the need for additional fixtures.
Implementation Method 1
The optical component is supported within a gimbal which rotates about a pan axis
Implementation Method 2
The gimbal is rotatably supported within a roll cage which rotates about a tilt axis
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
An optical beam steering device (10) is disclosed which includes an optical component (12) for interacting with an optical beam, a gimbal (14) supporting the optical component, a roll cage (16) supporting the gimbal, and a mount (18) that houses and rotatably supports the roll cage. The roll cage and the mount include adjustment features allowing for both linear and angular adjustments of the gimbal and the roll cage.