Flying Target Simulator for Laser Weapon Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of laser weapon systems is inefficient due to the time-consuming and costly nature of extensive flight tests required to study the energetic effect of laser beams on moving targets, necessitating a more cost-effective and efficient simulation method.
Innovation Solution
A simulator system comprising a target, an actuating unit, and a control unit that replicates the movements of a flying target, housed within a container with a protective area to absorb energy, allowing for detailed examination of laser weapon systems' effectiveness without actual flight tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extensive flight tests are conducted to study the energetic effect of laser beams on moving targets, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a simulation device that replicates the essential characteristics of flight tests without requiring actual flights. The simulation device includes a target that can be moved through three-dimensional space to reproduce target trajectories, allowing laser effectiveness measurements to be conducted in a controlled environment rather than through extensive actual flight tests, thereby reducing time and cost while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation device acts as an intermediary between theoretical laser weapon system design and actual flight testing. It provides a middle ground where virtual or simulated flight conditions can be tested, allowing researchers to gather data on laser effectiveness against moving targets without committing to expensive and time-consuming actual flight tests
2Measurement precision
If extensive flight tests are conducted to study the energetic effect of laser beams on moving targets, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation device creates a cost-effective copy of flight test conditions, allowing repeated measurements of laser effectiveness against moving targets without the prohibitive costs of actual flight tests. The device uses movable targets and controlled environments to replicate flight scenarios, eliminating the need for expensive aircraft, fuel, and operational costs associated with real flight tests
3Adaptability or versatility
If the target is moved through complex trajectories to simulate real flight, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation device achieves universality by designing a multi-functional system where a single apparatus can reproduce various target trajectories and flight conditions. The target mounting mechanism can be positioned and moved in three-dimensional space to simulate different flight paths, allowing the same device to test laser effectiveness against multiple types of targets under diverse conditions without requiring separate specialized equipment for each scenario
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
Enables comprehensive simulation of target movements and energetic effects, reducing the need for costly flight tests and providing a safer, more efficient means to test and compare laser weapon systems' performance across different phases of flight.
Implementation Method 1
Furthermore, the system also has a protection area, which is arranged around the opening of the container, which absorbs the energy of the active system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The device (1) has positioning unit (3) such as industrial robot for moving the flying target (2). The control unit (4) is connected to the positioning unit. The control unit is arranged to move and locate the flying target on the positioning unit during a flight of the flying target. The container is provided with an opening through which the flying target is locked. An independent claim is included for method for simulating flying target of active system.