Reconfigurable Exhaust Director for High Energy Beam Interference Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
High energy beam systems powered by fuel-burning generators face interference from heated exhaust gases, which distort atmospheric conditions and affect the direction and focus of the beams.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a beam-producing unit, a power unit with a gas turbine engine, and a reconfigurable exhaust system that includes an exhaust director and controller, capable of redirecting exhaust gases based on information related to high energy beam guidance, such as atmospheric and beam configuration data, to minimize interference with the beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a fuel-burning generator is used to power the beam-producing unit, then electrical power is provided to the beam-producing unit, but heated exhaust gas distorts atmospheric conditions and interferes with beam direction and focus
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust gas flow is separated from the beam path by extracting the harmful exhaust stream and redirecting it through a side outlet away from the optical axis, eliminating the interference between heated exhaust gas and the high energy beam
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the exhaust director configuration based on real-time beam guidance information, atmospheric conditions, and beam position data to continuously optimize exhaust redirection and maintain beam accuracy
2Measurement precision
If the exhaust director is reconfigured to redirect exhaust gas away from the beam path, then beam accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust director serves multiple functions: it redirects exhaust gas away from the beam path, controls atmospheric conditions in the beam path, and can be dynamically adjusted based on various operational parameters, making it a multi-functional component that addresses multiple system requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust director acts as an intermediary component between the exhaust system and the beam path, mediating the interaction by redirecting exhaust flow while maintaining beam integrity without requiring direct modification of either the generator or beam-producing unit
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the exhaust director is made reconfigurable with multiple configurations, then exhaust gas interference is managed effectively, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from beam guidance information, atmospheric sensors, and beam position data to automatically adjust the exhaust director configuration, eliminating the need for manual operation and simplifying system control through closed-loop feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of exhaust redirection based on real-time operational conditions and beam requirements, with the controller autonomously managing exhaust director configuration without external intervention
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 effectively manages exhaust gas interference, allowing for accurate guidance and direction of high energy beams by dynamically adjusting the exhaust gas path in response to real-time guidance information, thereby improving beam stability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The exhaust director may include a Coanda nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A self-powered laser system for discharging high energy light beams is disclosed. The laser system includes a laser unit, a power unit, and an exhaust system. The laser unit is capable of discharging beams in multiple directions. The exhaust system directs exhaust gasses discharged from the power unit.