Replaceable dome assembly

摘要

Techniques and structures to facilitate efficient replacement of windows/domes of optical systems, such as turreted pointer/tracker systems and seekers and other such gimbal-based or fixed targeting systems. The techniques can be implemented, for example, in a mounting ring or bezel, wherein the dome/window center of curvature is actively aligned during assembly to a reference feature on a mounting bezel during the dome-to-bezel alignment. This reference feature then mechanically registers the dome-bezel assembly to a given chassis. In some embodiments, the techniques allow for positioning of a replacement window/dome on an optical lens system, such that co-boresight of multiple beam paths is automatically maintained.

主权项

1. An optical dome mounting system, comprising:
a plurality of alignment bushings, each having a head portion and a chassis engagement portion; and a dome mount having a first side for engaging with an optical dome and an opposing side for engaging with a chassis and having a plurality of recesses therein, each recess for floatingly receiving the head portion of a corresponding one of the alignment bushings, wherein the head portion of each alignment bushing has an outer circumference that is less than an inner circumference of its corresponding recess such that the difference in size between the outer circumference of the head portion and the inner circumference of the recess allows for about 0.2-2.0 mm of play therebetween; and wherein mechanical registration of the alignment bushings with the recesses of the dome mount allows for positioning of a replacement optical dome of an optical system such that co-boresight of multiple beam paths through the optical dome is automatically maintained, the multiple beam paths associated with one or more devices configured to at least one of transmit and receive an optical signal through the optical dome.