Fixed-Camera Target Tracking for Low-Drag Missile Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional missiles equipped with gimbaled camera systems are complex, bulky, and non-aerodynamic, leading to increased cost, weight, and drag, as well as the need for cooling systems that delay launch and reduce operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A maneuverable flight apparatus with a target tracking apparatus featuring fixed cameras and a unique window configuration, allowing for efficient tracking of targets without the need for gimbaled systems or cooling, thereby reducing weight, drag, and launch preparation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gimbaled camera system is used to track moving targets, then tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gimbal system with a fixed camera mounted on a maneuverable flight apparatus. The flight apparatus itself performs the tracking function by maneuvering its body to orient the fixed camera toward the target, substituting mechanical camera movement with mechanical platform movement. This eliminates the complex gimbal mechanism while maintaining tracking capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gimbaled camera system is used to track moving targets, then tracking capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the heavy gimbal mechanism by fixing the camera to the missile body and using the missile's own maneuverability to achieve tracking. The weight savings from removing the gimbal system, bearings, and associated mechanical components directly improves the missile's performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If a blunt non-aerodynamic window is used to capture images, then image capture is enabled, but drag increases and range decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a curved or domed window shape that is aerodynamically optimized. The curved surface allows the window to capture images while maintaining a streamlined shape that reduces drag. The curvature is designed to minimize flow separation and pressure drag, allowing the missile to maintain higher speeds and extended range.
4Measurement precision
If imaging sensors are cooled using external high-pressure gas bottles, then sensor performance is improved, but launch preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a cooling system that is pre-integrated into the missile structure, with cooling channels and thermal management components built in during manufacturing. The cooling medium is pre-loaded into internal reservoirs, eliminating the need for external gas bottles and allowing the sensor to be cooled and ready for launch without additional preparation steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A target tracking apparatus includes a housing that defines an exterior surface and comprises an interior cavity, a distal opening, and an intermediate opening. The target tracking apparatus also includes a distal-end window attached to the housing over the distal opening and defining a distal end of the target tracking apparatus. The target tracking apparatus further includes an intermediate window attached to the housing over the intermediate opening. The target tracking apparatus additionally includes a first camera within the interior cavity, configured to capture images through the distal-end window, and fixed, relative to the housing, such that the first camera does not move relative to the housing. The target tracking apparatus also includes a second camera within the interior cavity, configured to capture images through the intermediate window, and fixed, relative to the housing, such that the second camera does not move relative to the housing.