Artillery Shell Guidance via Steerable Fins and GPS Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Artillery shells exhibit high circular error probability (CEP) due to inaccuracies in trajectory control, leading to significant deviations from the intended target, especially at longer ranges.
Innovation Solution
A device with controllable fins, guided by continuous location information from GPS, is integrated into the artillery shell to stabilize and steer the shell in flight, using mechanical axial disengagement and multiple sets of fins to produce anti-spin and lifting forces, enabling precise trajectory correction and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard artillery shell is fired with high initial accuracy from an accurate canon, then the shell achieves long-range flight capability, but the circular error probability remains high (500m or more at 40km range) due to trajectory control inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the artillery shell's trajectory actively controllable through steerable fins that can adjust their angle of attack during flight. The fins transition from a fixed configuration to a dynamically adjustable one, allowing real-time trajectory correction based on GPS location data and control algorithms, thereby resolving the contradiction between long-range flight capability and hitting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the shell's actual trajectory using GPS receivers and comparing it with the desired trajectory. The control system processes this feedback information and adjusts the fin angles accordingly to correct deviations, significantly improving circular error probability from 500m to under 50m at 40km range.
2Measurement precision
If control fins are added to the artillery shell to enable trajectory correction, then hitting precision improves dramatically, but device complexity increases due to additional control systems and mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the fin assembly to perform multiple functions: providing aerodynamic stability during flight, enabling trajectory correction through steering, and generating lift for altitude control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby managing device complexity while achieving precise hitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the guidance, navigation, and control functions into an integrated system where GPS receivers, control electronics, and steerable fins work as a unified assembly. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function, while still achieving dramatic improvements in hitting precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the front portion of the device is mechanically disengaged to enable free turn about the spin axis, then spin stabilization is achieved, but structural complexity increases due to disengagement mechanisms and bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the guidance device into a front portion (containing control fins) and a rear portion (containing electronics), connected through a mechanical disengagement mechanism with bearings. This segmentation allows the front portion to rotate freely about the spin axis while maintaining structural connection, achieving spin stabilization with manageable mechanical complexity.
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 solution significantly improves the circular error probability (CEP) of artillery shells by stabilizing spin, controlling lift, and steering the shell to the target, ensuring accurate hits even at extended ranges and providing safety features for detonation control.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one set of fins may be used to produce anti-spin force to suppress the tendency of the forward portion of the device to spin with the main portion of the shell
Implementation Method 2
The at least one set of fins may be used to control the lift of the shell
Implementation Method 3
by guiding the artillery shell during its flight using controllable fins to steer the artillery shell while receiving substantially continuous location information, for example from a global positioning system (GPS)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for guiding an artillery projectile to a target. In one embodiment, the method includes providing control commands to change an angle of attack of one or more roll stabilizing fins and providing control commands to change an angle of attack of one or more lift guiding fins; and controlling the roll angle to provide a lift force to guide the projectile along a trajectory, wherein the projectile is configured to spin about its longitudinal axis during flight.