Adaptive Weapon Stabilization via Electrical Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crew-served weapon mounts face inaccuracies due to motion-induced and operator-specific factors, limiting their effectiveness in stabilizing aim points and efficiently engaging targets, especially in suboptimal conditions, and existing stabilization systems compromise situational awareness and crew capacity.
Innovation Solution
A stabilization assembly with gimbals, electrical motion control actuators, motion sensors, and a control processor that allows switching between stabilization and free-slew modes, enabling precise aim adjustment and compensation for platform motion, while preserving situational awareness and crew capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical locking mechanisms or gyroscopic spinning masses are used to fix the weapon position, then stabilization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical locking mechanisms and gyroscopic spinning masses with an electrical motion control system. Electrical actuators receive commands from a control processor that uses sensor data to calculate correction vectors, substituting complex mechanical stabilization with an electrical control architecture that achieves similar or better accuracy without the associated mechanical complexity and weight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stabilization subsystem fixes weapon position through mechanical means, then aim point stability is improved, but operator flexibility and situational awareness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic stabilization system where the control processor can adjust stabilization parameters in real-time based on operational conditions. The system transitions from fixed mechanical locking to adaptive electrical control, allowing the operator to modify aim point adjustments dynamically while maintaining stability through software-based control rather than rigid mechanical constraints.
3Productivity
If traditional crew-served weapon mounts are used, then situational awareness and high slew rates are maintained, but motion-induced inaccuracies and angular spread increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor platform motion and weapon position, feeding this data to the control processor. The processor calculates correction vectors based on this feedback and sends commands to electrical actuators to compensate for motion-induced inaccuracies, thereby maintaining aim point accuracy despite platform movement while preserving the rapid slew capabilities of traditional mounts.
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
The system enhances the accuracy and precision of crew-served weapons by stabilizing aim points and allowing for flexible operation, reducing collateral damage and ammunition usage, while maintaining high situational awareness and crew capacity.
Implementation Method 1
two or more electrical motion control actuators, one or more motion sensors sensing motion of the assembly in one or more inertial degrees of freedom
Implementation Method 2
two or more electrical motion control actuators, one or more motion sensors sensing motion of the assembly
Implementation Method 3
a stabilization assembly comprising one or more gimbals configured to be moved in one or more directions relative to a host platform
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilized platform is provided with active sense and adaptive control is provided that allows an operator, during operation, to switch between an electrically assisted operational mode to a manual operational mode. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and articles are also described.