Armed Optoelectronic Turret Independent Sight Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Armed optronic cupolas face limitations in weapon orientation due to physical interactions with other equipment, and the simultaneous rotation of the optronic sight with the weapon can be misinterpreted as a threat, restricting the observable zone and causing field obstructions.

Innovation Solution

The optronic sight is mounted to rotate independently around the bearing axis, allowing independent orientation without rotating the weapon, and a centralized computer coordinates drives to ensure unobstructed vision and prevent misinterpretation of the sight's rotation as a threat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the weapon and optronic sight are mounted integral in rotation around a bearing axis, then the structure is simplified, but the weapon orientation is restricted due to physical interactions with other equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting structureVSAvoidweapon orientation range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is segmented into two independent rotational mechanisms: an inner bearing for the optronic sight and an outer bearing for the weapon. This allows the sight to rotate independently around the bearing axis while the weapon can be positioned independently, eliminating physical interactions and enabling full 360° orientation for both components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If the optronic sight rotates around the bearing axis to make observations, then the observable zone is enhanced, but the weapon rotates simultaneously which can be misinterpreted as a threat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservable zoneVSAvoidthreat misinterpretation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational function is segmented between two independent components: the optronic sight rotates independently on the inner bearing for observation, while the weapon remains stationary or rotates independently on the outer bearing. This decoupling allows the sight to achieve 360° observation coverage without causing the weapon to rotate, thereby eliminating threat misinterpretation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the weapon and sight are mounted to rotate together, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field of vision is obstructed by the weapon body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting mechanismVSAvoidfield of vision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting mechanism is divided into two independent rotational systems: the inner bearing allows the optronic sight to rotate freely for observation, while the outer bearing positions the weapon independently. This segmentation eliminates the obstruction problem where the weapon body would block the sight's field of vision, as both components can be oriented independently without physical interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3123097B1Armed optoelectronic turret

Publication Date: 2018.05.09 SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE (FR)

Figure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to an armed optoelectronic turret including a body {3) pivoting around a bearing axis (Z), a weapon (15) rotatably secured to the body (3) according to the bearing axis (Z) and mounted such as to pivot about a first site axis (XI), and an optoelectronic viewfinder (6) mounted such as to pivot about the same bearing axis (Z) irrespective of the pivoting of the body (3) about the bearing axis (Z).