Deployable Shield for Directed-Energy Weapon Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are inadequate in protecting spacecraft and satellites from directed-energy weapons and space debris, as existing defense mechanisms like reflective shields and ablative surfaces are not adaptable to live threats and can't be easily deployed to suit changing or unknown threats.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system comprising a deployable shield with a reflective or ablative material, supported by hinged or telescopic spokes, which can be repositioned using sensors and controllers to absorb or reflect laser beams, and can operate as part of a swarm to effectively protect entities from directed-energy weapons, including a method for coordinating multiple vehicles to minimize the probability of being struck by a laser beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If reflective shields and ablative surfaces are used to protect against laser weapons, then thermal protection is provided, but the shields cannot be adapted to live threats and are fixed on the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is made deployable and repositionable through hinged spokes that can rotate between stored and deployed configurations. The shield can be dynamically positioned between the vehicle and detected laser threats, and repositioned to respond to unknown or changing threats, transforming a static protective surface into a dynamic defense system.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is deployed in advance of actual laser attack based on sensor detection of incoming laser beams. The system detects threats before they strike the vehicle and deploys the shield proactively to intercept the laser beam, preventing thermal exposure before it occurs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed reflective shields are disposed on-board the vehicle, then protection against laser weapons is provided, but the shields cannot be repositioned to respond to unknown or changing threats
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is supported by hinged spokes that can rotate about axes, allowing the shield to be repositioned between a stored configuration (axes parallel) and a deployed configuration (spokes radial). This mechanical flexibility enables the shield to respond to detected laser threats by rotating into the appropriate protective position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect laser beams and generates data relating to the laser beam including angle of attack, strength, and footprint. A controller receives this feedback data and makes position and/or attitude adjustments to the vehicle to position the shield optimally against the detected threat.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a deployable shield is added to protect against laser weapons, then adaptability to threats is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield support structure is divided into multiple hinged spokes that can rotate independently. Each spoke is a separate segment that can be positioned individually, allowing the shield to be deployed and repositioned without requiring a completely complex monolithic mechanism. The segmentation simplifies the overall actuation and control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield itself is constructed as a thin, flexible structure that can be deployed and repositioned easily. The use of thin film or sheet materials for the shield body reduces the mechanical complexity compared to rigid structures, as the flexible material can conform to the required protective position with minimal additional support mechanisms.
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 system provides effective protection by positioning the shield between the entity and the laser threat, allowing the entity to be safeguarded from damage, and can adapt to changing threats, also protecting against space debris, while being cost-effective and adaptable for use in both space and terrestrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
a shield for absorbing or reflecting a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a shield for absorbing or reflecting a laser beam
Implementation Method 3
The shield may comprise a reflective material
Implementation Method 4
The shield may comprise an ablative layer
Implementation Method 5
the first layer comprises a material with high thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 6
the second layer comprises a material having a high emissivity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
There is provided a vehicle (100) for protecting an entity (300, Fig. 2a) against directed-energy weapons, comprising: a housing (10); and a shield (20) for absorbing or reflecting a laser beam, the shield, in use, extending in a plane from the housing. There is also provided a system of vehicles (100) and a method (fig. 4) of coordinating a plurality of vehicles to protect an entity against directed-energy weapons.