Spherical Field Changer for Vibration-Resistant Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field changer devices are unsuitable for large optical equipment due to mass imbalances, which lead to alignment defects and sensitivity to vibratory environments, and are inefficient in size and balancing, especially in applications like telescopes and air navigation where mass minimization and precision are critical.
Innovation Solution
A rotary magazine of spherical shape with optical channels inclined at the same angle to the rotation axis, allowing for different rotation angles to minimize size and weight, and featuring a compact design with diametrically opposed bores for lenses, optimizing mass, size, and balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary magazine with multiple optical channels is used in field changers, then the ability to switch between different magnifications is improved, but the mass imbalance and sensitivity to vibrations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning optical channels at different angular intervals around the rotation axis rather than symmetrically. Specifically, the channels are arranged at angles of 0°, 120°, and 240°, creating an asymmetric distribution that balances the center of gravity during rotation while maintaining the ability to switch between different magnifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diameter of the magazine is increased to accommodate larger optical components, then the capacity to hold different objectives is improved, but the overall size and mass of the device worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of optical channels to a three-dimensional spherical arrangement. By distributing channels in three dimensions around the rotation axis at specific angular intervals, the design accommodates multiple objectives of varying sizes without increasing the overall magazine diameter, thus reducing the volume while maintaining capacity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the magazine is designed with a fixed structure to maintain alignment, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to balance during rotation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameters of optical channel positioning to achieve both alignment precision and rotational balance. By setting specific angular intervals (0°, 120°, 240°) and positioning channels at precise angles relative to the rotation axis, the design maintains manufacturing precision while ensuring the center of gravity remains balanced during rotation, reducing the need for additional balancing mass.
Data Source
AI summary
A field changer device (4) comprising:a rotary magazine (5) of spherical general shape mounted so as to rotate about a rotation axis (R) coincident with an axis of symmetry of the magazine (5), which is inclined to a fixed principal optical axis (X); andat least three optical channels (A, B, C) provided in said magazine (5) and having concurrent respective optical axes (XA, XB, XC) inclined at the same angle (α) to the rotation axis (R),it being possible for said magazine (5) to rotate about its rotation axis (R) through predetermined rotation angles (β1, β2, β3) in order to place each of the optical channels (A, B, C) alternately along the principal optical axis (X), the optical channels (A, B, C) being arranged in the magazine (5) in such a way that at least two of the rotation angles (β1, β2, β3) of the magazine (5) are different.