Satellite Scanning Mirror and Image Rotation Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning optical systems for satellites face challenges in compactness and cost due to the size and complexity of optical image rotation devices required to compensate for the rotation of scanning mirrors, which affects image stabilization and system bulk.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical system design where the scanning mirror and optical image rotation device share a common rotation drive and are positioned closely, with the image rotation device comprising a set of N odd mirrors, allowing for parallel input and output beam axes and synchronized rotation to compensate for image rotation without increasing system size or mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional optical image rotation device is used to compensate for scanning mirror rotation, then image stabilization is achieved, but system size and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical image rotation device with the scanning mirror assembly by sharing a common rotation drive mechanism. The optical image rotation device is positioned adjacent to the scanning mirror with their rotation axes aligned, allowing both components to be driven by a single motor through a common transmission mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate drive systems and reduces overall system mass while maintaining image stabilization capability.
2Reliability
If a traditional optical image rotation device is used to compensate for scanning mirror rotation, then image stabilization is achieved, but system bulk and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical image rotation device and scanning mirror into a single integrated assembly that shares a common rotation drive. This merging reduces the number of independent components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the necessary image stabilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The common rotation drive mechanism serves dual functions: it drives both the scanning mirror for scene scanning and the optical image rotation device for image stabilization. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by eliminating redundant drive mechanisms and simplifying the control architecture.
3Productivity
If the scanning mirror rotates to perform scanning, then scene coverage is achieved, but image rotation occurs in the focal plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing an optical image rotation device that pre-compensates for the rotation caused by the scanning mirror. The optical image rotation device is positioned to receive the optical beam from the scanning mirror and rotate it in the opposite direction, thereby canceling out the unwanted image rotation before the image reaches the focal plane. This allows the scanning mirror to perform its scanning function while the optical image rotation device simultaneously maintains stable image orientation.
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 design results in a significantly reduced overall size and mass of the optical system, making it suitable for satellite installations while maintaining effective image stabilization and scanning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating scanning mirror arranged to receive an incident beam of rays and to return a beam of rays, called input beam, along a given axis, called first axis
Implementation Method 2
an optical instrument arranged to receive the beam of input coming from the scanning mirror, and in returning a beam of rays, called output beam, along a given axis, called second axis
Implementation Method 3
an optical image rotation device, arranged on the second axis and arranged so as to receive the output beam
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical system (100) comprising: - a rotating scanning mirror (30) arranged to receive an incident beam of rays (11) and reflect a beam of rays, called the input beam (12), along a first axis (121), - an optical instrument (20) arranged to receive the input beam from the scanning mirror (30) and reflect a beam of rays, called the output beam (13), along a given axis, called the second axis (131), - an image rotation optical device (40) disposed on the second axis and arranged to receive the output beam, characterized in that the optical instrument (20) is arranged to reflect the output beam parallel to the input beam, in a direction opposite to said input optical beam, towards the image rotation optical device, and in that the scanning mirror (50) is arranged to have a rotation axis (300) aligned with the first incident axis,in that the optical image rotation device (40) is arranged so as to present a rotation axis (400) aligned with the second axis, and in that the optical system comprises a common means for rotating (50) the optical image rotation device and the scanning mirror around their respective rotation axes.