Electro-Mechanical Super-Elevation System for Weapon Sight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-velocity round weapons, such as automatic grenade launchers, require operators to aim higher than the target due to projectile drop, leading to reduced first-shot accuracy and increased time to target engagement, as existing systems are often large, heavy, power-intensive, and require costly components like mirrors and precision optics.
Innovation Solution
An electro-mechanical super-elevation system (EMSEL) that adjusts the angle of a weapon sight using a compact, lightweight drive unit with integrated sensors and a controller, allowing for rapid and accurate targeting without the need for complex optics or mirrors, enabling the operator to maintain a constant 'eyes-on-target' view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical bracket with iron sights is used for super-elevation, then the weapon can be aimed at different elevation angles, but the first-shot aim accuracy is limited and the operator must estimate target range and adjust to the closest bracket crosshair increment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bracket system with an electro-mechanical system that uses a motor-driven drive assembly to adjust the electronics mount angle. This substitution allows for continuous, precise angle adjustment rather than discrete bracket increments, enabling the operator to accurately target any elevation angle without estimation errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that provide feedback on the current angle of the electronics mount and the weapon's angular orientation. This feedback is used by the controller to calculate and execute precise angle adjustments, ensuring accurate targeting at any elevation angle while compensating for the weapon's movement.
2Measurement precision
If existing super-elevation systems are used, then the weapon can maintain aim accuracy at different ranges, but the systems are large, heavy, and power-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the super-elevation system into separate functional modules: a weapon adapter coupled to the weapon, an electronics mount supporting the weapon sight, and a drive assembly with motor and sensors. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a compact, lightweight system that maintains accuracy without the bulk of traditional integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronics mount serves multiple functions: it supports the weapon sight, provides the adjustable angle mechanism through the drive assembly, and houses the sensors for angle detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining aim accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If traditional super-elevation systems are used, then the weapon can be aimed accurately, but the systems require costly components like mirrors and precision optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, delicate optical components (mirrors, precision optics) with more affordable electronic sensors and a motor-driven mechanical adjustment system. The sensors detect angle changes and provide feedback to the controller, which then adjusts the electronics mount position, eliminating the need for costly optical elements while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex optical-mechanical systems with a simpler electro-mechanical approach using motors and sensors. This replacement reduces manufacturing costs by using readily available components while achieving the same functional result of precise angle adjustment and target acquisition.
4Measurement precision
If traditional super-elevation systems are used, then the weapon can maintain aim accuracy, but the systems require long elapsed time from target identification to target fire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent continuously monitors the weapon's angular orientation through sensors, so when the operator identifies a target and needs to adjust elevation, the system already has real-time data on the current angle and rate of change. This preliminary measurement allows the controller to immediately calculate and execute the precise angle adjustment without delay, reducing the time from target identification to engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly and sensors operate continuously, maintaining real-time tracking of the weapon's angular orientation and electronics mount position. This continuous operation eliminates the need to stop or re-zero the system when adjusting to new targets, allowing seamless, rapid transitions between targets while maintaining aim accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A weapon system includes a weapon, a weapon sight configured to sight a target of the weapon, and an electro-mechanical super-elevation (EMSEL) system. The EMSEL system includes a weapon adapter coupled to the weapon, an electronics mount coupled to the weapon sight, a drive assembly coupled to the weapon adapter and the electronics mount, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine that the weapon is changing in angular orientation. The controller is also configured, in response to the determination that the weapon is changing in angular orientation, to control the drive assembly to adjust an angle of the electronics mount relative to the weapon while the weapon is changing in angular orientation such that the electronics mount remains substantially at a predetermined angle relative to the target.