Fiber Optic Directional Sensor with Wide-Field Expanding Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional launch detection systems for ballistic missiles and other projectiles have a narrow field of view, making them bulky, heavy, and expensive, and require large aircraft for operation, which are undesirable due to detectability and limited detection range.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic directional sensor with a hemispherical dome surface and a flat surface, comprising fused optical fibers that expand the field of view using additional optical elements, allowing for detection from smaller aircraft and improved detection range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging sensors with high resolution are used, then image quality is improved, but field of view becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple independent optical fibers, each detecting light from a specific direction. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high resolution (through individual fiber detection) and wide field of view (through collective coverage of all fibers), resolving the contradiction between image quality and field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D imaging sensors to a 3D directional detection system using optical fibers arranged in specific geometries. This dimensional change enables the system to capture directional information while maintaining both high resolution and wide field of view capabilities simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If conventional launch sensors with narrow field of view are used, then detection resolution is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical optics (lenses, mirrors, telescopes) with a fiber optic-based detection system. This substitution eliminates bulky mechanical components while maintaining detection resolution through the optical properties of the fibers themselves, significantly reducing sensor size and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental detection parameter from image formation (conventional optics) to light detection and directional determination (fiber optics). This parameter change enables high-resolution detection without the weight penalty of traditional optical systems.
3Reliability
If conventional sensors are positioned on large aircraft, then detection capability is improved, but detectability by enemies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from conventional optical imaging to fiber optic light detection, enabling the use of smaller, less detectable aircraft platforms while maintaining detection capability through the inherent sensitivity of optical fibers to light from projectiles.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sensors operate from large stand-off distances, then aircraft detectability is reduced, but detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter to optical light detection, which is sufficiently sensitive to accurately detect projectiles at close ranges while allowing the aircraft to operate from positions that are tactically advantageous, thereby maintaining both accuracy and operational flexibility.
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 fiber optic directional sensor provides a wide field of view, enabling detection of projectiles from smaller aircraft at closer distances and simultaneous detection of multiple objects, enhancing launch detection capabilities while reducing the size and weight of the detection system.
Implementation Method 1
Each optical fiber extends from the dome surface to the flat surface... One end of each optical fiber is substantially perpendicular to the sensor's dome surface
Implementation Method 2
an optical element joined to the domes surface for expanding the field of view of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic directional sensor has a substantially hemispherical dome surface and a substantially flat surface. The sensor is formed from a plurality of optical fibers fused to one another, and each optical fiber extends from the dome surface to the flat surface. One end of each optical fiber is substantially perpendicular to the sensor's dome surface, and the opposite end of the fiber is substantially perpendicular to the sensor's flat surface such that an end face of the fiber is substantially tangent to the dome surface, and another end face of the fiber is substantially tangent to the flat surface. The sensor further includes an optical element which expands the field of view of the sensor and chromatically controls the incoming light. Using the sensor, light from projectiles, such as missiles, bullets, and other weaponry, can be detected, and the locations of the projectiles can be determined.