Shared Telescope Assembly for Satellite Optical Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing satellite telecommunications systems require multiple high-precision optical telescope assemblies for inter-satellite links, which are costly, size-intensive, and complex to manufacture and test, due to the need for separate optics and support structures for each communication terminal.
Innovation Solution
A shared telescope assembly is used for multiple communication terminals, providing a single optical train that directs aperture-specific optical signals between internal and external optical assemblies, allowing independent control of each terminal's direction and reducing the overall size and mass of the optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate optical telescope assemblies are used for each communication terminal, then each terminal can independently direct signals, but the overall size, mass, and manufacturing complexity of the optical system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate optical telescope assemblies into a single shared optical system. Multiple communication terminals share common optical components including a single optical bench, mounting structure, and telescope assembly, while maintaining independent directional control through individual adjustable mechanisms for each terminal.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared optical telescope assembly serves multiple communication terminals simultaneously, providing universal functionality. A single optical system with common components (optical bench, mirrors, lenses) supports multiple terminals that can independently direct signals to different satellites, eliminating the need for duplicate specialized assemblies for each terminal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate optical telescope assemblies are used for each communication terminal, then each terminal can independently direct signals, but the overall size and mass of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate optical telescope assemblies into a single shared optical system. Multiple communication terminals share common optical components including a single optical bench, mounting structure, and telescope assembly, while maintaining independent directional control through individual adjustable mechanisms for each terminal.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared optical telescope assembly serves multiple communication terminals simultaneously, providing universal functionality. A single optical system with common components (optical bench, mirrors, lenses) supports multiple terminals that can independently direct signals to different satellites, eliminating the need for duplicate specialized assemblies for each terminal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate optical telescope assemblies are used for each communication terminal, then each terminal can independently direct signals, but the cost of manufacturing and testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate optical telescope assemblies into a single shared optical system. Multiple communication terminals share common optical components including a single optical bench, mounting structure, and telescope assembly, while maintaining independent directional control through individual adjustable mechanisms for each terminal.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared optical telescope assembly serves multiple communication terminals simultaneously, providing universal functionality. A single optical system with common components (optical bench, mirrors, lenses) supports multiple terminals that can independently direct signals to different satellites, eliminating the need for duplicate specialized assemblies for each terminal.
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
This approach simplifies manufacturing and testing, reduces costs, and minimizes the size and mass of the optical communication payload, while enabling efficient inter-satellite communication with multiple neighboring satellites.
Implementation Method 1
each external optical assembly may include an input sub-aperture arranged facing the same parabolic mirror so that each corresponding aperture-specific optical signal is reflected by the same parabolic mirror
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system includes a plurality of internal apertures, a plurality of external optical assemblies and a telescope assembly positioned between the plurality of internal apertures and the plurality of external optical assemblies. Each internal aperture is operable to receive a corresponding aperture-specific optical signal. Each external optical assembly corresponds to one of the internal apertures, and each external optical assembly is operable to direct the aperture-specific optical signal of the corresponding internal aperture in a corresponding external direction. The external direction for each external optical assembly is independently controllable and the telescope assembly defines a shared optical train arranged to direct the aperture-specific optical signals between each internal aperture and the corresponding external optical assembly.