FLIR Adapter Chassis for Vehicle ISU Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The night vision capability of the modern tripod-mounted TOW missile systems provides better resolution and clearer visibility than the vehicle-mounted version, but this improved resolution cannot be readily transferred to vehicle-mounted systems due to differences in available space and mechanical adjustments, making it difficult to align the reticle with the image and maintain accurate aiming.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system adapter and chassis that allows for a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system designed for infantry tripod mounts to be used in vehicle-mounted Integrated Sight Units (ISUs), leveraging existing ISU mounting points without modifications, and includes components for thermal and shock dissipation, wire routing, and optical path reorientation to maintain accurate aiming and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infantry tripod-mounted night vision systems are transferred to vehicle-mounted ISUs, then night vision resolution and clarity are improved, but mechanical adjustments and available space differences make integration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A custom adapter is introduced as an intermediary component that bridges the infantry tripod-mounted night vision system and the vehicle-mounted ISU. The adapter includes a mounting plate with mounting holes that interface with the ISU housing, and adjustment mechanisms that allow optical components to be positioned correctly despite differences in available space and mechanical adjustments between the two systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The night vision system is divided into separable components (optical components, mounting plate, adjustment mechanisms) that can be independently assembled and adjusted. This segmentation allows the optical components to be mounted on the adapter plate and positioned to achieve the required optical pathway while accommodating the constraints of the vehicle-mounted ISU environment.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing mounting points are leveraged in vehicle-mounted ISUs, then retrofitting and upgrading processes are simplified, but compatibility issues may arise
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter mounting plate is designed to interface with existing mounting points in the ISU housing while also providing specialized mounting holes for the optical components. This universal design allows the same adapter to be used across different ISU configurations, simplifying retrofitting while maintaining compatibility through standardized mounting interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter plate incorporates locally optimized features such as specifically positioned mounting holes and adjustment mechanisms that address the unique requirements of the night vision system integration. These local quality enhancements ensure proper optical alignment and compatibility while leveraging the existing universal mounting infrastructure of the ISU.
3Reliability
If thermal and shock dissipation components are incorporated, then ruggedness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter integrates thermal and shock dissipation features directly into the mounting structure itself, merging these protective functions with the mechanical mounting components. This consolidation achieves ruggedness enhancement without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same structural elements serve multiple protective and functional purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system and method that provides simplified mounting points and attachment interfaces for associated components. Specifically, the system and method generally comprise a mounting system, including a new support chassis, which allows for a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) aiming system which was built to be placed in an infantry system for a TOW missile, to be used in a vehicle mounted ISU system.