UAV Optical Payload Integrating Shared Telescopic Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical payloads for Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in reducing size and weight while maintaining functionality, aerodynamic performance, and image quality, particularly in providing simultaneous low and high magnification views over different spectral ranges and fields of view.
Innovation Solution
The optical payload system incorporates a yoke assembly with rotatable optical and electrical components, including primary and secondary video cameras, a laser rangefinder, and a laser target designator, which are integrated to share a large aperture telescopic lens system and a cryocooler, and utilize a network switch to merge video images into a single packetized data stream for transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video cameras and laser systems are integrated into a single optical payload, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and volume footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple video cameras (wide field of view and narrow field of view), laser rangefinder, and laser target designator into a single integrated optical payload. These systems share common components including the large aperture telescopic lens system, focal plane arrays, and cryocooler, merging multiple functions into one unified device that reduces overall complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The optical payload is designed as a universal system where a single large aperture telescope serves multiple functions: imaging for wide field of view video camera, imaging for narrow field of view video camera, and as a beam combining optic for laser rangefinder and laser target designator. The focal plane arrays and cryocooler also serve multiple purposes across different operational modes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video cameras and laser systems are integrated into a single optical payload, then functionality is improved, but volume footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the laser rangefinder and laser target designator are positioned within the same optical path as the video cameras. The beam combining optic allows laser beams to be transmitted through the same large aperture telescope used by the video cameras, effectively nesting multiple systems within a shared volume. The hollow cylindrical yoke assembly provides a compact structure that houses all components in a space-efficient arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical systems share common components to reduce volume: the large aperture telescopic lens system serves all imaging and laser functions, the focal plane arrays are shared between wide and narrow field of view cameras, and a single cryocooler cools all infrared sensors. This merging of components dramatically reduces the volume footprint compared to having separate systems for each function
3Volume of moving object
If a large aperture telescopic lens system is shared among multiple systems, then volume footprint is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The large aperture telescopic lens system is designed as a universal optical component that must meet precise manufacturing tolerances to serve multiple functions: wide field of view imaging, narrow field of view imaging, and laser beam transmission. The single optic is engineered with precision coatings and geometries that enable it to perform all these functions simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple separate optical components while maintaining high manufacturing precision
4Productivity
If video images from multiple cameras are merged into a single data stream, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical switching systems with electronic and software-based solutions for merging video data streams. A processor receives video data from both wide field of view and narrow field of view cameras, applies digital image processing techniques, and combines the images into a single composite video stream for transmission. This electronic approach reduces mechanical complexity while improving data transmission efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A compact optical payload for an unmanned aircraft includes two infrared cameras for wide and narrow field viewing, a daylight color camera, a laser pointer and a laser range finder.