Claims:
1. A mounting assembly (10) for electro-optic devices, said assembly (10) comprising:
a base plate (120);
an intermediate plate (110) stacked on said base plate (120) in angularly displaceable relation therewith about a vertical axis (VA); and
a top plate (100) stacked on said intermediate plate (110) in angularly displaceable relation therewith about an elevation axis (EA), said top plate (100) having mounting means (105) for mounting a plurality of electro-optic devices thereon.

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base plate (120) includes:
two grooves (125) longitudinally spaced apart from each other and carved at longitudinal ends (120a, 120b) of said base plate (120) to oppositely face each other;
a plurality of pillars (121-124) formed at longitudinal ends (120a, 120b) of said base plate (120), each longitudinal end (120a, 120b) having two laterally spaced apart pillars (121, 124; 122, 123) contiguous to the groove (125) carved therein,
wherein each pillar (121-124) includes a screw (130) threadably passing therethrough to abut said intermediate plate (110) to angularly displace said intermediate plate (110) by rotation of at least one screw (130);
two through-slots (126) formed at each longitudinal end (120a, 120b) to fasten said intermediate plate (110) to said base plate (120).

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said intermediate plate (110) includes:
two projections (115) complementary to said grooves (125) to rest in said grooves (125) when said intermediate plate (110) is stacked on said base plate (120) and facilitate angular displacement of said intermediate plate (110) with respect to said base plate (120);
two through-holes (116) formed at each longitudinal end (110a, 110b) corresponding to said through-slots (126) to facilitate fastening of said intermediate plate (110) to said base plate (120);
a third through-hole (117) formed at a vertex of each longitudinal end (110a, 110b), and a screw (140) threadably passing therethrough to abut said top plate (100) to angularly displace said top plate (110) by rotation of at least one screw (140);
a plurality of vertically extending elements (111-114) formed at longitudinal ends (110a, 110b) of said intermediate plate (110), each longitudinal end (110a, 110b) having two laterally spaced apart vertically extending elements (111-114, 112-113) each including a through-slot (118), and
a protrusion (119) formed at each longitudinal side of said intermediate plate (110), each protrusion having a through-hole (119a).

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein said top plate (100) includes:
a notch (106) corresponding to said protrusion (119), formed adjacent to each longitudinal side of said top plate (100), and having a through-hole (106a) aligning with the through-hole (119a) of each protrusion when said top plate (100) is stacked on said intermediate plate (110);
a pin (107) passing through the aligned through-holes (106a, 119a) to pivotably couple said top plate (100) to said intermediate plate (110) when stacked thereon, and
a plurality of vertically extending elements (101-104) formed at longitudinal ends (100a, 100b) of said top plate (100), each longitudinal end (100a, 100b) having two laterally spaced apart vertically extending elements (101, 104; 102, 103) each including a through-hole (108) aligning with said through-slot (118) of each vertically extending element (111-114) when said top plate (100) is stacked on said intermediate plate (110) to facilitate fastening of said top plate (100) to said intermediate plate (110).
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mounting means (105) is selected from countersink, counterbore and through-hole.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein each groove (125) has a semi-circular shape carved in a top surface of said base plate (120) and said through-slots (126) are formed along the arc of the semi-circular shape of each groove (125) in each longitudinal end (120a, 120b).

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said base plate (120) has central longitudinal gap (120c) forming longitudinal strips (120d, 120e) abutting said longitudinal ends (120a, 120b) of said base plate (120), wherein outer surface of each strip (120d, 120e) at longitudinal ends thereof forms said pillars (121-124) and each strip includes a plurality of through-holes (127) to facilitate mounting of said assembly (10) on a platform.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein:
said projections (115) are longitudinally spaced apart from each other and formed at either longitudinal ends (110a, 110b) of said intermediate plate (110) to oppositely face each other, wherein each projection (115) has a semi-circular shaped formed below said intermediate plate (110) at a bottom surface thereof and said two through-holes (116) are formed along the arc of the semi-circular shape of each projection (115) at each longitudinal end (110a, 110b);
said protrusion (119) is centrally formed at each longitudinal side of said intermediate plate (110); and
said intermediate plate (110) includes two openings (110c 110d) formed therein on either sides of said protrusion (119) to enable the mounted electro-optic devices to be fastened through said mounting means (105) from a rear side of said assembly (10).

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said notch (106) is centrally formed adjacent to each longitudinal side of said top plate (100) in a transverse groove (109) carved therebelow.

10. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein said screw (140) threadably passes from a bottom surface of said intermediate plate (110) through the third through-holes (117) and abuts a bottom surface of said top plate (100) at a vertex of each longitudinal end (100a, 100b) of said top plate (100) to angularly displace said top plate (110) by rotation of at least one screw (140).
, Description:FORM – 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTION 10, RULE 13)

MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRO-OPTIC DEVICES

BHARAT ELECTRONICS LIMITED
WITH ADDRESS:
OUTER RING ROAD, NAGAVARA, BANGALORE 560045, KARNATAKA, INDIA

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to mounting assembly for electro-optic devices.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Electro-optic devices or sensors such as CCD Camera, Thermal Imager, Laser range finder, etc., are used together in many applications. When used together, the electro-optic devices need to be harmonized with a master reference to ensure that during operation all the electro-optic devices/sensors are looking or focusing at the same point/object to make sure that an operator gets the same data when viewing through any of the devices/sensors. Hence, harmonization of the electro-optic devices with the master reference is very important for efficient operation of the devices.

[0003] During harmonisation of an electro-optic device with a master reference, the electro-optic device needs to be moved in both horizontal and vertical directions to match the line of sight of the device with the line of sight of the master reference. Conventional technique of harmonization involves introducing one or more shims between a mounting surface and the electro-optic device to move the device as per requirement. However, a disadvantage with use of shims is that fine adjustment of the electro-optic device is not possible as minimum movement of the device is restricted by the thickness of the shim. Also, if an electro-optic device is replaced in field with a different or another device, the shim arrangement for the other device will be different from the earlier device. This causes a lot of inconvenience in the field and hence shims cannot be repeatedly used for harmonization. Another technique is to use a set of motors to move an electro-optic device to its required position. Although easy, the use of motors makes the system very complex and also adds to the costs.

[0004] There have been certain endeavors to develop mechanisms for harmonizing electro-optic devices/sensors. US Patent publication number US 2018/0340846 A1, refers to sensor alignment systems and methods for positioning, orienting, and/or aligning a magnetostrictive sensor. However, the alignment system is based on pivot joints which does not provide accurate control over the alignment, making it difficult to achieve precise positioning of the sensor.

[0005] Further, an Indian Patent Application number 881/MUM/2005 refers to a system for producing constrained angular motion and, in particular, to a system for precision angular motion mechanism for alignment and positioning of optic elements using a selective combination of turning pair-screw pair and self-aligning ball-bearing. However, the system is applicable to very precise applications as it can produce only single direction alignment and is difficult to adapt to a multi-directional alignment.

[0006] There is therefore felt a need to develop a solution to simplify the harmonization of an electro-optic device with a master reference.

SUMMARY
[0007] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a mounting assembly that simplifies the harmonization of one or more electro-optic devices with a master reference. This summary is neither intended to identify essential features of the system and method as per the present disclosure nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the system and method as per the present disclosure.

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mounting assembly that simplifies the harmonization of one or more electro-optic devices with a master reference.

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mounting assembly that can be employed in a wide variety of applications wherever two or more line of sights need to be aligned with each other.

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mounting assembly that achieves harmonization of one or more electro-optic devices with a master reference in a time effective and repeatable manner.

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mounting assembly that enables fine adjustment of one or more electro-optic devices.

[0012] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mounting assembly that enables accurate control over harmonization of one or more electro-optic devices to achieve precise positioning of the devices.

[0013] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mounting assembly that enables multi-directional alignment of one or more electro-optic devices during harmonization thereof.

[0014] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mounting assembly for electro-optic devices. The mounting assembly comprises at least three plates namely, a base plate, an intermediate plate and a top plate stacked over each other using a groove and projection arrangement, and one or more pins. One or more electro-optic devices are mounted on the top plate. The groove and projection arrangement forms an angularly displaceable relation of the intermediate plate with the base plate about a vertical axis to enable the electro-optic devices to be turned in horizontal direction. One or more pins forms an angularly displaceable relation of the top plate with the intermediate plate about an elevation axis to enable the electro-optic devices to be turned in vertical direction.
[0015] The mounting assembly includes fine threaded screws to control the angular displacement and/or adjustment of the intermediate plate and the top plate about the vertical and horizontal axes respectively, and locknuts to fasten the plates in their place after their alignment.

[0016] The mounting assembly is scalable as per requirement to suit sensors of any size and shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0017] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and units.

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a mounting assembly for electro-optic devices according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the mounting assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates horizontal adjustment of the mounting assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 4 illustrates vertical adjustment of the mounting assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The various embodiments of the present disclosure describe about a mounting assembly for electro-optic devices or sensors.

[0023] In the following description, for purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present disclosure, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems.

[0024] However, the assembly is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Further, the structures shown in the figures are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are meant to avoid obscuring of the presently disclosure.

[0025] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for explanatory purposes to help the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0026] In optical systems having multiple electro-optic devices such as cameras, the line of sight varies for each camera. This calls for a flexible technique to align the line of sight of each camera with the line of sight of a master reference and thereby harmonize each camera to the master reference. The mounting assembly as disclosed herein provides a flexible and simplified technique to harmonize one or more electro-optic devices or sensors to a master reference.

[0027] In an exemplary implementation as illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the mounting assembly (10) comprises a base plate (120), an intermediate plate (110), and a top plate (100). The intermediate plate (110) is stacked on the base plate (120) in an angularly displaceable relation with the base plate (120) about a vertical axis (VA), and the top plate (100) is stacked on the intermediate plate (110) in an angularly displaceable relation with the intermediate plate (110) about an elevation axis (EA). The mounting assembly (10) with the three plates (120, 110, 100) stacked over each other is affixed to a platform (not particularly shown) with the top plate (100) having one or more electro-optic devices or sensors mounted thereon through mounting means (105).

[0028] The base plate (120) comprises at least two grooves (125) carved therein, a plurality of pillars (121-124) and a plurality of through-slots (126). The base plate (120) is typically an elongated plate having longitudinal ends (120a, 120b) with a central longitudinal gap (120c) therebetween to form longitudinal strips (120d, 120e). The grooves (125) are longitudinally spaced apart from each other and are carved at the longitudinal ends (120a, 120b) of the base plate (120) to oppositely face each other.

[0029] The longitudinal strips (120d, 120e) abut the longitudinal ends (120a, 120b) of the base plate (120). The outer surface of each longitudinal strip (120d, 120e) at both its longitudinal ends forms at least a pillar, whereby four pillars (121-124) are formed at the longitudinal ends of the strips (120d, 120e) and hence at the longitudinal ends (120a, 120b) of the base plate (120). Two pillars (121, 122) are formed at either longitudinal ends of the strip (120d), and two pillars (123, 124) are formed at either longitudinal ends of the strip (120e). Accordingly, the pillars (121, 124) are laterally spaced apart at the longitudinal end (120a) of the base plate (120) and the pillars (122, 123) are laterally spaced apart at the longitudinal end (120b) of the base plate (120).

[0030] Each pillar (121-124) is contiguous to the grooves (125) carved in the base plate (120) at its longitudinal ends (120a, 120b). Each pillar (121-124) includes tapped holes to facilitate a screw (130) to threadably pass therethrough to abut the intermediate plate (110) stacked on the base plate (120). Thus, at least four screws (130) abut the intermediate plate (110) after threadably passing through their respective pillars (121-124), whereby by the rotation of at least one screw (130) angularly displaces the intermediate plate (110) in horizontal direction with respect to the base plate (120) about the vertical axis (VA).

[0031] Two through-slots (126) are formed at each longitudinal end (120a, 120b) to fasten the intermediate plate (110) to the base plate (120). Each longitudinal strip (120d, 120e) comprises a plurality of through-holes (127) for affixing the assembly to the platform.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, each groove (125) has a semi-circular shape carved in a top surface of the base plate (120) and the two through-slots (126) are formed along the arc of the semi-circular shape of each groove (120) at each longitudinal end (120a, 120b).

[0033] The intermediate plate (110) comprises at least two projections (115), a plurality of through-holes (116, 117), a plurality of vertically extending elements (111-114), and protrusions (119). The intermediate plate (110) is typically an elongated plate having longitudinal ends (110a, 110b) with two openings (110c, 110d) formed therein. The projections (115) are longitudinally spaced apart from each other and are formed at the longitudinal ends (110a, 110b) of the intermediate plate (110) to oppositely face each other. The projections (115) are complementary to the grooves (125) such that the projections (115) rest in the grooves (125) when the intermediate plate (110) is stacked on the base plate (120) and facilitate horizontal angular displacement of the intermediate plate (110) with respect to the base plate (120) when at least one of the four screws (130) is rotated.

[0034] Two through-holes (116) are formed at each longitudinal end (110a, 110b) corresponding to the through-slots (126) in the base plate (120) to facilitate fastening of the intermediate plate (110) to the base plate (120).

[0035] A third through-hole (117) is formed at a vertex of each longitudinal end (110a, 110b) and a screw (140) is threadably passed therethrough to abut the top plate (100) stacked on the intermediate plate (110). Thus, at least two screws (130) abut the top plate (100) whereby the rotation of at least one screw (140) angularly displaces the top plate (100) in vertical direction with respect to the intermediate plate (110) about the elevation axis (EA). Typically, each screw (140) threadably passes from a bottom surface of the intermediate plate (110) through the third through-holes (117) and abuts a bottom surface of the top plate (100) at a vertex of each longitudinal end (100a, 100b) thereof to angularly displace the top plate (110) by rotation of at least one screw (140).

[0036] Typically, four vertically extending elements (111-114) each having a through-slot (118) are formed at the longitudinal ends (110a, 110b) of the intermediate plate (110). Two vertically extending elements (111, 114) are formed laterally spaced apart at the longitudinal end (110a) of the intermediate plate (110), and two vertically extending elements (112, 113) are formed laterally spaced apart at the longitudinal end (110b) of the intermediate plate (110).

[0037] A protrusion (119) is formed at each longitudinal side of the intermediate plate (110), and each protrusion includes a through-hole (119a).

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, each projection (115) has a semi-circular shape formed below the intermediate plate at a bottom surface thereof and the two through-holes (116) are formed along the arc of the semi-circular shape of each projection (115) at each longitudinal end (110a, 110b); the protrusion (119) is centrally formed at each longitudinal side of the intermediate plate (110); and the two openings (110c 110d) are formed on either sides of the protrusion (119) to enable the mounted electro-optic devices to be fastened through the mounting means (105) from a rear side of the mounting assembly (10).

[0039] The top plate (100) comprises, mounting means (105), notches (106), and a plurality of vertically extending elements (101-104). The top plate (100) is typically an elongated plate having longitudinal ends (100a, 100b). The mounting means (105) include, but are not limited to, countersink, counterbore, through-holes and the like, to facilitate mounting of one or more electro-optic devices thereon.

[0040] Each notch (106) includes a through-hole (106a) and is formed adjacent to each longitudinal side of the top plate (100). Each notch (106) corresponds to each protrusion (119) of the intermediate plate (110), such that the through-hole (106a) of each notch (106) aligns with the through-hole (119a) of each protrusion when the top plate (100) is stacked on the intermediate plate (110), and a pin (107) is passed through the aligned through-holes (106a, 119a) to pivotably couple the top plate (100) to the intermediate plate (110) when stacked thereon.

[0041] Typically, four vertically extending elements (101-104) each having a through-hole (108) are formed at the longitudinal ends (100a, 100b) of the top plate (100). Two vertically extending elements (101, 104) are formed laterally spaced apart at the longitudinal end (100a) of the top plate (100), and two vertically extending elements (102, 103) are formed laterally spaced apart at the longitudinal end (100b) of the top plate (100). Each vertically extending element (101-104) of the top plate (100) corresponds to each vertically extending element (111-114) of the intermediate plate (110) such that the through-hole (108) thereof aligns with the through-slot (118) of each vertically extending element (111-114) when the top plate (100) is stacked on the intermediate plate (110) to facilitate fastening of the top plate (100) to the intermediate plate (110).

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, each notch (106) is centrally formed adjacent to each longitudinal side of the top plate (100) in a transverse groove (109) carved below the top plate (100).

[0043] The screws (130) are made of fine threads to enable very fine rotations of the screws which in turn enables the horizontal angular displacement of the intermediate plate (110) in horizontal direction to be finely and accurately controlled to place/adjust the intermediate plate (110) in appropriate position and ensure precise horizontal alignment and angular positioning of the electro-optic devices mounted on the top plate (100). Similarly, the screws (140) are also made of fine threads to enable very fine rotations of the screws which in turn enables the vertical angular displacement of the top plate (100) in vertical direction to be finely and accurately controlled to place/adjust the top plate (100) in appropriate position and ensure precise vertical alignment and angular positioning of the electro-optic devices mounted on the top plate (100).

[0044] Referring now to figures 3 and 4, the horizontal and vertical adjustment of the mounting assembly (10) is illustrated for horizontal and vertical alignment of the electro-optic device mounted on the assembly (10) to achieve harmonization of the electro-optic device with the master reference. To align the electro-optic device in horizontal direction, the four screws (130) passing through the pillars (121-124) of the base plate (120) are used. Initially, misalignment between the electro-optic device and the master reference is estimated by aiming/focussing both at a same object/point. Accordingly, based on the misalignment, at least one screw (130) in the base plate (120) is adjusted to horizontally angularly displace the intermediate plate (110) in left or right direction about the vertical axis (VA) to bring the electro-optic device in line with master reference and align the line of sights thereof in vertical axis (VA). After correct harmonisation is ensured in vertical axis (VA), all the screws (130) are tightened and a locknut of the screws (130) on the inside of the pillars (121-124) is tightened to arrest the displacement/movement of the intermediate plate (110). The presence of four screws (130) in the pillars (121-124) at the corners of the assembly (10) ensures that the plates (120, 110) will be locked in place and will not be able to move accidentally.

[0045] Additionally, screws maybe inserted through the through-slots (126) of the base plate (120) and the through-holes (116) of the intermediate plate (110) to ensure proper locking of the plates (120, 110) for demanding applications.

[0046] Similarly, to align the electro-optic device in vertical direction, at least one of the two screws (140) passing through both the third through-holes (117) provided in intermediate plate (110) are adjusted after determining the misalignment error between the electro-optic device and the master reference. The screws are adjusted to vertically angularly displace the top plate (100) about the elevation axis (EA) till the electro-optic device is fully harmonized/aligned with the master reference and the line of sights thereof are aligned in elevation axis (EA). After correct harmonization is ensured in the elevation axis (EA), both the screws (140) are tightened and locknuts of the screws (140) on the top surface of the intermediate plate (110) are tightened to arrest the displacement/movement of the top plate (100) and fix the elevation position.

[0047] Additionally, screws may be inserted through the through-slots (118) in the vertically extending elements (111-114) of the intermediate plate (110) and the through-holes (108) in the vertically extending elements (101-104) of the top plate (100) to lock the plates (110, 100) in position for demanding applications.

[0048] The whole alignment procedure takes very less time compared to shims as the procedure involves adjustment of only the screws. Also, the presence of multiple screws and locknuts ensures that the positioning of the plates, the harmonization of electro-optic device with the master reference and thereby the alignment of the line of sights thereof will not be disturbed even under demanding circumstances. Furthermore, the procedure can be repeated any number of times even in field as the it is quite simple. The fine threaded screws help in very fine adjustment of plates to ensure proper harmonization/alignment between the electro-optic device and the master reference. Moreover, the use of groove and projection arrangement and pins makes the assembly very compact. Furthermore, the design of plates is such that the mounting assembly can be scaled to suit electro-optic device of any size and shape.

[0049] At least some of the technical advantages provided by the mounting assembly for electro-optic devices as disclosed herein. The mounting assembly include simplified harmonization of one or more electro-optic devices with a master reference, and employability of the mounting assembly in a wide variety of applications wherever two or more line of sights need to be aligned with each other. The mounting assembly further includes achieving harmonization of one or more electro-optic devices with a master reference in a time effective and repeatable manner, enabling fine adjustment of one or more electro-optic devices, enabling accurate control over harmonization of one or more electro-optic devices and thereby achieving precise positioning of the devices, and enabling multi-directional alignment of one or more electro-optic devices during harmonization thereof.

[0050] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the invention.