Ballistic Solution Calculation Using Drone Wind Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ballistic systems for projectiles face challenges in accurately calculating flight paths due to complex wind conditions, relying on user interpretation and prone to error, especially in high-stress situations where time is critical and target movement is a factor.
Innovation Solution
A ballistic system utilizing airborne devices, such as drones, to gather wind data along the projectile's flight path and transmit it in real-time to a ballistic computer, which calculates compensation values for wind and elevation to adjust the firearm's scope, enhancing accuracy under various environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wind measurement devices (anemometers, visual indicators) are used to gauge wind speed and direction, then shooters can obtain wind data, but the measurements are highly prone to error due to user interpretation and wind bracketing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wind measurement devices (anemometers, visual indicators requiring user interpretation) with electronic sensor systems that automatically measure wind speed and direction. These electronic sensors provide objective, quantifiable data without human interpretation errors, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ballistic computer as an intermediary that receives raw sensor data, processes it through ballistic algorithms, and outputs corrected aim points. This intermediary system transforms unreliable manual measurements into reliable computational results, resolving the contradiction by mediating between the physical measurement process and the final shooting decision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are positioned downrange to gather accurate wind data, then wind measurement accuracy improves, but deployment is time consuming and may not be practical when time is critical or target is moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single airborne device (drone, balloon, or aircraft) that performs multiple functions: it travels to various downrange positions, gathers wind data at each location, and transmits data back to the ballistic computer. This multi-functional device eliminates the need for multiple separate sensor deployments, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic airborne platforms (drones, balloons, aircraft) that can move rapidly to designated positions and adjust their location as needed. These dynamic systems replace static sensor arrays, enabling quick deployment and repositioning to capture wind data at critical points along the projectile trajectory without time-consuming manual setup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static sensor systems are used, then wind data can be collected, but the system cannot adapt to changing wind conditions or moving targets in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where airborne sensors continuously measure wind conditions, transmit data to the ballistic computer, which recalculates the ballistic solution in real-time and provides updated aim points. This closed-loop feedback system adapts to changing wind conditions and moving targets, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability by ensuring the shooting solution remains accurate despite environmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions airborne sensors and the ballistic computer to gather wind data and calculate compensation values before the shooter fires. This preliminary action ensures that accurate wind measurements and ballistic solutions are available in advance, allowing the shooter to account for wind conditions without delay, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of calculating a ballistic solution for a projectile are provided. A ballistic system may include an airborne device, a ballistic computer, a data interface, and a flight module, or any combination thereof. The airborne device (e.g., a drone) may be operable to gather wind data along or adjacent to a flight path of a projectile to a target. The ballistic computer may be in data communication with the airborne device to receive the wind data. The ballistic computer may be configured to calculate a ballistic solution for the projectile based on the wind data. The data interface may be in data communication with the ballistic computer to output the ballistic solution to a user. The flight module may be configured to calibrate a flight path of the airborne device.