Fratricide Probability Calculation Using Spherical Projection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for calculating fratricide probabilities in weapon systems are time-consuming and prone to errors, especially with increasing field coverage, due to the lack of systematic characterization of gun-restriction firing zones and ordnance interception hazards.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using spherical geometry to determine fratricide probability by calculating the angular firing zone, quantifying the frontal area of interception hazards, and combining slew and trajectory angles, which allows for accurate and automated calculations of fratricide probabilities for various weapon systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calculations are used for fratricide probability, then simplifying assumptions can be made to render calculations tractable, but the results are time-consuming and yield limited accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefratricide probability accuracyVSAvoidcalculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calculation methods with an automated computer-based system that performs fratricide probability calculations. The system uses a processor to execute algorithms that compute probabilities without requiring manual simplifying assumptions, thereby achieving both high accuracy and computational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the calculation approach by changing from manual parameter-based simplifying assumptions to computer-based precise parameter calculations. The system calculates exact firing zone boundaries, interception hazard parameters, and probability values through automated computation rather than manual approximation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If field coverage is increased to improve prediction accuracy, then errors expand exponentially with conventional methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidcalculation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces error-prone manual calculation methods with an automated computer-based system that maintains calculation reliability even as field coverage expands. The system systematically processes large numbers of parameters and calculations without the exponential error accumulation that plagues conventional manual methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses systematic characterization to create reusable models and templates for calculating fratricide probabilities across different field coverage scenarios. Once the calculation framework is established, it can be copied and applied to various weapon systems and configurations without recalculating fundamental relationships, maintaining reliability across expanded coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Extent of automation

If systematic characterization of firing zones and interception hazards is implemented, then automated calculations become possible, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation automationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal calculation system that handles multiple weapon system types, firing zone configurations, and interception hazard scenarios through a single automated framework. The system uses standardized parameters and methods that can be applied across different platforms, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms complex physical concepts into standardized computational parameters that can be systematically processed. By defining firing zones in terms of angular boundaries and interception hazards in terms of structured geometric parameters, the system enables automated calculation while managing complexity through parameter standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If conventional fratricide probability techniques are used, then simplified assumptions can be made, but errors expand exponentially with increasing field coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation simplicityVSAvoidcalculation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional simplified calculation techniques with an automated computer-based system that eliminates the need for error-prone simplifying assumptions. The system directly computes fratricide probabilities using precise geometric relationships and systematic parameter characterization, maintaining both simplicity of use and high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8776664B2Determination of weapons fratricide probability
Publication Date: 2014.07.15 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
  • US8776664B2 patent drawing
  • US8776664B2 patent drawing
  • US8776664B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method is provided for determining fratricide probability of projectile collision from a projectile launcher on a platform and an interception hazard that can be ejected or launched from a deployment position. The platform can represent a combat vessel, with the projectile launcher being a gun, the interception hazard being a missile, and the deployment position being a vertical launch cell. The projectile launcher operates within an angular area called the firing zone of the platform. The method includes determining the firing zone, calculating an angular firing area, quantifying a frontal area of the interception hazard, translating the resulting frontal area across a flight trajectory, sweeping the projectile launcher to produce a slew angle, combining the slew and trajectory, and dividing the combined interception area by the firing area. The firing and interception areas are calculated using spherical projection.