Collar Optical Detection Device for Self-Guided Flying Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical detection devices on self-guided flying machines face challenges with thermal heating and shock exposure due to their frontal position, which also limits their spectral band detection capabilities and compromises aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
The optical detection device features windows arranged in a collar around the perimeter of the machine's body, with inclined portholes and an optical system using curved and plane mirrors to direct signals to a common sensor, allowing for spectral filtering and maintaining symmetry and aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the optical detection device is positioned at the front of the flying machine, then the field of view is wide and unobstructed, but the device is exposed to thermal heating and shock impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection device is repositioned from the traditional frontal position to the lateral side of the flying machine body. This spatial relocation in another dimension allows the device to maintain an unobstructed field of view for detecting targets ahead while being physically shielded from direct thermal heating and shock impacts by the machine's body structure.
2Strength
If hard materials such as sapphire are used for portholes, then durability is improved, but transparency in certain infrared spectral bands is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Different portholes in the optical detection device are made from different materials optimized for specific spectral bands. For example, sapphire portholes are used for visible and ultraviolet detection where high durability is needed, while zinc sulfide or other infrared-transparent materials are used for infrared detection where spectral transparency is critical. This local differentiation allows each porthole to have the optimal material properties for its specific detection function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If viewing windows are angled to reduce shock impact, then shock resistance is improved, but aerodynamic constraints and symmetry are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection device utilizes the asymmetric lateral position on the flying machine body to achieve shock resistance. The windows are configured with specific angular orientations that are optimized for the side-mounted position, allowing them to deflect shock impacts effectively while maintaining aerodynamic compatibility with the machine's overall asymmetric configuration.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple portholes are arranged in a collar, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple portholes arranged in a collar configuration are integrated into a unified structural assembly mounted on the lateral side of the flying machine. The portholes share common mounting structures, support mechanisms, and optical alignment systems, which reduces the overall structural complexity compared to having separate detection units. This merged configuration also provides overlapping detection coverage that enhances the total field of view.
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
This configuration minimizes thermal heating and shock exposure while enabling detection across various spectral bands, preserving the machine's aerodynamics and allowing for efficient signal processing and imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system associated with each porthole, the optical system being located behind the porthole and comprising a curved mirror reflecting the optical signal towards a flat mirror
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
An optical detection device is included in a self-guided flying vehicle, the self-guided flying vehicle being made up of a dome situated at the head of the self-guided flying vehicle, a propulsion device located at the rear of the self-guided flying vehicle and a body situated between the dome and the propulsion device. The optical detection device (105) comprises at least two windows (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) arranged as a collar around the circumference of the body of the self-guided flying vehicle.