Sight Optical Axis Harmonization via Geometric Sensor Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guided missile sights with multiple optical sensors face challenges in compact design due to the need for bulky beam splitters and triple mirrors, which restrict spectral usability and require complex alignment adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The use of a combiner, a reflective pane transparent across relevant spectral ranges, to align optical axes without adjustments, replacing the need for beam splitters and allowing for flexible sensor arrangement, with a low-residual reflection alignment mark for visibility across sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beam splitters and triple mirrors are used to align optical axes, then axis harmonization is achieved, but the sight becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from the complex beam splitter and triple mirror system, isolating the essential requirement of reflecting light at 45-degree angles. This is achieved by positioning sensors at vertices of a regular polygon where geometric symmetry naturally provides the required optical path alignment, eliminating the need for separate alignment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for sensors, establishes the geometric arrangement for automatic axis alignment, and replaces the alignment function previously performed by beam splitters and mirrors. The regular polygon geometry universally applies to any number of sensors arranged around the central optical axis.
2Measurement precision
If beam splitters are used for axis alignment, then optical axes are harmonized, but spectral usability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes beam splitters from the optical path entirely, replacing their alignment function with geometric sensor positioning. This extraction eliminates the spectral limitations inherent in beam splitter coatings, allowing each sensor to detect its full spectral range without interference from wavelength-selective optical components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical components are used for alignment, then axis harmonization is achieved, but the sight size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function with the sensor housing structure itself. The geometric arrangement of sensors at polygon vertices integrates the alignment mechanism into the basic structural framework, eliminating the need for separate alignment components and reducing overall sight volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear optical path management (requiring multiple components along the beam path) to a radial geometric arrangement where sensors are positioned at vertices of a regular polygon. This dimensional change from linear to radial organization allows automatic alignment through geometric symmetry, reducing the space required for optical components.
4Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged with beam splitters, then axis alignment is possible, but adjustment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the alignment action in advance during the manufacturing stage by fixing sensors at precise vertices of a regular polygon. This preliminary geometric arrangement ensures that optical axes are automatically harmonized without requiring field adjustment or calibration, making the system ready for immediate use.
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 solution enables compact, adjustment-free axis harmonization in spatially restricted sights, maintaining spectral freedom and reducing bulkiness, while ensuring alignment marks are visible across all sensors with minimal residual reflection.
Implementation Method 1
the alignment mark generated by a alignment mark projector is reflected by means of a combiner in the beam path leading from the scene to the optical devices
Implementation Method 2
The term combiner is understood to mean a reflective pane that is translucent in a large spectral range
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The arrangement according to the invention allows adjustment-free axis harmonization even in spatially highly confined sight housings, by the omission of a central spectrally acting beam splitter.