Fixed-Camera Target Tracking With Aerodynamic Nose Windows

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional missiles equipped with gimbaled camera systems are complex, bulky, and non-aerodynamic, leading to increased cost, weight, and drag, as well as requiring cooling systems that delay launch and reduce operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A maneuverable flight apparatus with a target tracking apparatus that includes fixed cameras and a housing with converging exterior surfaces, allowing for efficient tracking of targets without the need for gimbaled systems or cooling, and enabling faster launch preparations and improved aerodynamics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gimbaled camera system is used to track moving targets, then tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the camera to track the target (gimbal mechanism), the patent inverts the approach by keeping the camera fixed and moving the entire missile body to achieve tracking. The fixed camera pointed at the missile's flight path allows the missile's maneuverability to provide the tracking function, eliminating the need for complex gimbal mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical gimbal system with a system that uses the missile's flight control surfaces and propulsion system to achieve tracking. The flight controller adjusts the missile's orientation and path based on target position data, substituting mechanical camera movement with aerodynamic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a gimbaled camera system is used to track moving targets, then tracking capability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking capabilityVSAvoidmissile weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the weight of gimbal mechanisms by inverting the tracking approach. Instead of adding a movable camera platform, the system uses the missile's existing flight control structures (fins, control surfaces) to achieve tracking, significantly reducing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a blunt non-aerodynamic window is used for image capture, then image capture capability is improved, but drag increases and range decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture capabilityVSAvoiddrag

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a curved or domed transparent window at the missile's nose instead of a blunt flat window. This curved geometry maintains aerodynamic efficiency by allowing smooth airflow over the missile's front surface while still providing the necessary transparent aperture for the fixed camera to capture images of the target ahead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Measurement precision

If imaging sensors are cooled using external high-pressure gas bottles, then sensor performance is improved, but launch preparation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor performanceVSAvoidlaunch preparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the external high-pressure gas bottles and associated cooling infrastructure from the missile system. Instead, it uses the missile's own operational heat generation during flight to warm the sensors to optimal operating temperature, eliminating the pre-launch cooling step and associated delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4538631A1Target tracking apparatus and associated systems methods

Publication Date: 2025.04.16 THE BOEING CO

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

A target tracking apparatus (112) includes a housing (130) that defines an exterior surface and comprises an interior cavity (131), a distal opening (140), and an intermediate opening (142). The apparatus also includes a distal-end window (120) attached to the housing over the distal opening and defining a distal end of the target tracking apparatus. The apparatus further includes an intermediate window (122) attached to the housing over the intermediate opening. The apparatus additionally includes a first camera (150A) within the interior cavity, configured to capture images through the distal-end window, and fixed, relative to the housing, such that the first camera does not move relative to the housing. The apparatus also includes a second camera (150B) within the interior cavity, configured to capture images through the intermediate window, and fixed, relative to the housing, such that the second camera does not move relative to the housing.