Disruptor Alignment Using Rear Mirror and Collimated Laser Reference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current disruptor alignment technologies are complex, inefficient, and often require iterative adjustments, limiting precision and safety when positioning a disruptor close to a target, especially for dismantling explosive devices without causing them to explode.

Innovation Solution

A method and assembly that utilize a single laser source positioned behind the disruptor to align its firing axis with a line of sight, allowing for precise and rapid positioning of the disruptor using a rear-mounted mirror and display screen, enabling the disruptor to be placed close to the target while maintaining high precision and minimizing adjustment iterations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a laser is integrated into the head of an arrow (disruptor), then parallax problems between the disruptor and aiming laser are eliminated, but the laser is lost after the arrow is sent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidlaser loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate parts: the disruptor (arrow) with its mounting laser, and the independent laser source with collimator. This segmentation allows the disruptor laser to remain with the arrow while the reference laser source remains stationary, preventing laser loss while maintaining alignment precision through the collimation method

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A collimator is introduced as an intermediary component that creates a virtual image of the disruptor laser at the focal plane. This intermediary allows the reference reticle to be aligned with the disruptor's line of fire without requiring the disruptor laser itself to be present at the reference point, thus preventing laser loss while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of substance

If a sighting laser is provided close to the arrow, then the laser is not lost after sending, but a parallax difference exists

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser retentionVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The collimator creates an optical copy (virtual image) of the disruptor laser at the focal plane of the reference reticle. This copying allows the reference reticle to be positioned away from the disruptor (retaining the laser) while still achieving precise alignment by aligning with the optical copy rather than the physical laser source

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Illumination intensity

If an optic with axis slightly offset from the barrel is mounted, then a fine beam can designate the point aimed and wide beam illuminate the area, but firing error increases and angle of attack cannot be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam coverageVSAvoidfiring precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical offset between optic axis and barrel axis is replaced by an optical alignment system. The collimator and reference reticle provide an optical reference that can be precisely aligned with the disruptor's line of fire, eliminating the need for mechanical co-axis alignment while maintaining firing precision and enabling angle of attack control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If two laser diodes are secured to a disruptor to generate crossed laser planes, then a cross can be projected on the target, but the line of sight is not defined and angle of attack cannot be precisely controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget designationVSAvoidangle control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reference laser source is extracted from the disruptor and placed independently. This allows the disruptor to focus on its primary function (firing) while the separate reference laser provides precise angular reference through the collimator-reticle system, enabling both easy target designation and precise angle of attack control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

5Measurement precision

If alignment adjustments are made iteratively, then good co-linearity can be achieved, but the process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveco-linearity precisionVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The collimator pre-establishes the optical reference and focal plane before the disruptor is positioned. This preliminary action allows the operator to directly align the disruptor with the reference reticle in a single operation, eliminating the need for iterative adjustments while achieving good co-linearity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution allows for precise and rapid alignment of the disruptor, enabling it to be positioned very close to the target with high accuracy, reducing the risk of explosion and improving operational efficiency in emergency situations by simplifying the alignment process.

Implementation Method 1

arrange a laser, suitable for emitting beams along a line of sight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a plane mirror mounted at the rear of the disruptor and arranged perpendicular to the axis of this disruptor to return towards the laser a beam emitted by the latter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2722634B1Method and assembly for positioning and aligning a disruptor for dismantling a target
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP2722634B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2722634B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2722634B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The method involves placing an alignment laser (1) remotely from a target to emit a laser beam (12) according to a line of sight, so that the line of sight is merged with shooting direction. An interrupter (4) is interposed between the laser and a target (8). The interrupter is positioned and directed to allow a shooting axis to be merged with the line for sending the beam emitted by the laser and reflected by a flat centering mirror (3) to a mark centered on the axis by using the mirror placed behind the interrupter and arranged perpendicular to an axis of the interrupter. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a dismantling assembly of a target (2) a pointing device for positioning and aligning an interrupter.