Dual-Layer Radome for Concurrent EO and RF Sensor Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seeker heads face challenges in simultaneously operating multiple sensors with different wavelength ranges through a common aperture without interference, requiring a solution that allows selective and reversible coverage to ensure effective electromagnetic communication and minimize distortion during flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly comprising an inner transparent cover member for electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength range and an outer radome member for a second wavelength range, including RF, which can be selectively removed during flight to allow concurrent operation of electro-optical and RF sensors without overlap, using materials like Silicon, Silicon oxide, and ceramic materials to ensure transparency and aerodynamic shapes for minimal distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single transparent cover is used for both electro-optical and RF sensors, then the structure is simple, but electromagnetic interference and distortion occur between different wavelength ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The single cover is divided into two separate covers: an inner cover for electro-optical sensors and an outer radome for RF sensors. Each cover is optimized for its specific wavelength range, eliminating electromagnetic interference between the two sensor types while maintaining structural simplicity through their nested arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cover system are assigned different transparency properties tailored to specific wavelength ranges. The inner cover is made transparent to electro-optical wavelengths while the outer radome is optimized for RF transparency, allowing each sensor type to operate with optimal signal transmission without mutual interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer radome is permanently covering the inner cover, then protection is continuous, but RF sensor operation is blocked during flight
Solution Approach 1:
The outer radome is designed with movable or removable characteristics, allowing it to be positioned in different states: covering the inner cover during non-flight phases for environmental protection, and moved away or reconfigured during flight phases to enable RF sensor operation. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer radome alternates between covering and non-covering positions in periodic cycles corresponding to flight phases. During ground storage and non-operational periods, it provides continuous protection; during flight operations, it is moved to allow RF transmission, creating a periodic pattern of protection and operation that maximizes both durability and functionality.
3Measurement precision
If separate dedicated sensors are used for different wavelength ranges, then sensor performance is optimized, but system complexity and aperture utilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor types operating at different wavelength ranges are combined to share a common aperture through the nested dual-cover structure. The inner cover and outer radome work together to enable both electro-optical and RF sensors to access the same optical path, reducing system complexity compared to separate dedicated apertures while maintaining optimized performance for each sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The common aperture structure serves multiple functions: it accommodates both electro-optical and RF sensors, provides a unified mounting interface, and enables coordinated operation of different sensor types. The dual-cover system makes the aperture universal, allowing it to handle multiple wavelength ranges simultaneously rather than requiring separate dedicated apertures for each sensor type.
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
Enables the simultaneous operation of electro-optical and RF sensors through a common aperture with reduced distortion and interference, protecting the inner cover from environmental factors and allowing seamless switching between sensor types based on preset criteria, enhancing the seeker head's operational efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an inner cover member, substantially transparent to electromagnetic (EM) radiation of at least a first wavelength range... said first wavelength range includes wavelengths corresponding to at least one of: the visible spectrum; infra red (IR) spectrum; ultraviolet (UV) spectrum
Implementation Method 2
an outer radome member configured for selectively and reversibly covering the inner cover member and transparent to EM radiation of at least a second wavelength range different from said first wavelength range, the second wavelength range including a radio frequency (RF) wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
A cover assembly is provided, for use with an instrument package having a common aperture. The cover assembly includes an inner cover member and an outer radome member. The inner cover member is substantially transparent to electromagnetic (EM) radiation of at least a first wavelength range. The radome member is configured for selectively and reversibly covering the inner cover member and transparent to EM radiation of at least a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range. The second wavelength range includes a radio frequency wavelength range. The outer radome member is configured for being mounted in overlying relationship with respect to the common aperture of the instrument package. The radome member is configured for being initially in overlying relationship with respect to the inner cover member and for being selectively removed from the overlying relationship with respect to the inner cover member at least during flight conditions.