Aiming System with Gimbal and Radiographic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aiming systems for disrupters are relatively imprecise, which can be a limitation in scenarios requiring higher precision, such as analyzing electronics components of explosive devices to determine their manufacturer or origin.
Innovation Solution
Aiming system utilizing a radiation source and detector to generate radiographic images of the target, allowing for precise alignment of the aiming device and disrupter, with a grid aiming arrangement that enables precise positioning without the need for multiple iterations, using a gimbal arrangement for independent rotation about multiple axes to maintain alignment with the radiation source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional aiming methods are used for disrupters, then the system is simple to operate, but the aiming precision is relatively imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the aiming system with radiation source and detector) that mediates between the operator and the target. This intermediary provides precise aiming capability through radiographic imaging and grid alignment, resolving the contradiction by adding a specialized subsystem that enhances precision without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical aiming methods with a radiographic imaging-based alignment system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical sights or manual alignment, the system uses radiation generation, detection, and digital image processing to achieve precise positioning, thereby improving aiming precision while maintaining operational simplicity through automated alignment procedures.
2Measurement precision
If iterative radiographic imaging is used to adjust the aim point, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the time required for aiming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the grid aiming arrangement in the radiographic image before the actual aiming process. The grid provides pre-established reference lines and alignment markers that guide the operator in a single-step alignment process, eliminating the need for multiple iterative adjustments and reducing the time required to achieve accurate aim point positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the radiographic image as a copy or representation of the target area, allowing the operator to plan and execute aiming without repeatedly exposing the actual target. The grid overlay on the radiographic copy enables precise virtual alignment before physical disruption, reducing both time and radiation exposure while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
3Productivity
If the disrupter is aimed at the target without precise alignment, then the operation is faster, but the accuracy of impact on the target decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiographic imaging system serves as an intermediary that enables rapid yet accurate target acquisition. By providing a visual representation of the target with overlaid grid lines and aim point indicators, the system allows operators to quickly identify and align with the correct impact location without sacrificing precision, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators (such as grid lines, aim point markers, and alignment references) that provide immediate visual feedback to the operator. These visual cues enable rapid identification of the correct aim point and verification of alignment, allowing operators to achieve accurate impacts quickly without requiring multiple adjustment cycles or complex procedures.
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
Enables precise aiming and positioning of the disrupter, ensuring accurate impact on the target, enhancing the precision of disrupting or disabling mechanisms, particularly useful in analyzing and neutralizing explosive devices.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation generating device or device or a radiation source (e.g., an x-ray source) that is configured to emit radiation towards a proximal side of a target
Implementation Method 2
an x-ray source that is configured to emit radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An aiming system including a first member securable to a device having a point source, a second member selectably rotatable about a first axis relative to the first member, a third member selectably rotatable about a second axis oriented non-parallel to the first axis, and an aiming member having a third axis. The aiming system including the aiming member connected to the third member. A selectable rotation about each of the first axis and the second axis can be independently performed. During the selectable rotation about each of the first axis and the second axis with the aiming member in a first position, the point source, a point on the first axis, a point on the second axis, a point on the third axis are maintained mutually coincident with each other.