Projectile With Coupling Mechanism for Continuous Vehicle Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking solutions for vehicles on the battlefield lack the ability to remain attached to the target after visual contact is lost, limiting the effectiveness of location-based tracking and electronic disabling capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A projectile with a coupling mechanism, such as a magnet, adhesive, or hook, that attaches to a vehicle and houses an electronics payload including a processor and communications component, enabling continuous tracking and electronic warfare capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If location-based sensors are deployed to track vehicles, then tracking capability is improved, but the ability to remain attached to and stay with the vehicle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile is divided into two functional segments: a coupling mechanism (front section) designed to attach to the target vehicle and a payload section containing the electronics component. This segmentation allows the coupling mechanism to remain attached while the payload performs tracking functions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining attachment and providing continuous tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the projectile and the target vehicle, providing a reliable attachment interface that enables the electronics component to stay with the vehicle. This intermediary structure solves the problem of how to maintain both attachment and tracking functionality simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If visual reconnaissance is used to track enemy movements, then real-time location information is obtained, but tracking is lost when the enemy moves out of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual reconnaissance (optical/mechanical system) with an electronics-based tracking system comprising location components, sensors, and communications components. This substitution enables continuous tracking of vehicle location and electronic signatures regardless of visual contact, resolving the contradiction between real-time information and continuous tracking reliability.
3Reliability
If a coupling mechanism is added to the projectile to attach to the vehicle, then attachment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an attachment device and as a structural component that houses or supports the electronics payload. This universal design reduces overall device complexity by combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure rather than adding separate components.
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 projectile effectively remains attached to a vehicle, providing continuous location tracking and electronic warfare capabilities, enhancing battlefield intelligence and operational effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling mechanism comprises at least one of a magnet, an adhesive, or a hook
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile capable of coupling or otherwise attaching itself to a target. The projectile includes a coupling mechanism that enables the projectile to be coupled to the target. The projectile can include a variety of electronic components including a processor and a data communications component that enables the projectile to transmit data to a remote device.