Gimbal-mounted aiming system with optical feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Small maritime craft face accuracy issues in aiming due to dynamic environmental conditions and inconsistent physical offsets between aiming devices and weapons, which are exacerbated by recoil and vibrations, necessitating an adaptable aiming system that can adjust for these discrepancies.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a first device on a gimbal mount with a visual feedback mechanism, a second device on a displaced gimbal mount, a gimbal controller, and a correction controller that allows user input to adjust the orientation of the second device relative to the first, enabling accurate aiming by compensating for physical displacement and vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the aiming device is physically separated from the weapon to isolate it from recoil and vibrations, then the reliability of the aiming aid is improved, but the manufacturing precision of the mounting configuration deteriorates due to unknown and variable physical offsets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaiming aid accuracyVSAvoidmounting alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system with an optical-mechanical integration system. The aiming device includes an optical sensor that detects the weapon's aim direction, and a controller that automatically adjusts the aiming aid's orientation based on detected weapon movements. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical mounting alignment while maintaining aiming accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical sensor continuously monitors the weapon's aim direction, and the controller adjusts the aiming aid's position in real-time based on detected weapon movements. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for physical offsets and vibrations, maintaining accurate alignment without requiring precise mechanical mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If manually mounted aiming devices are added to small maritime craft, then the adaptability of the aiming system is improved, but the manufacturing precision of the alignment deteriorates due to inconsistent mounting conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static mechanical alignment system into a dynamic adjustment system. The aiming aid's orientation is continuously adjusted based on real-time detection of weapon aim direction and movement. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to compensate for inconsistent mounting conditions and maintain accurate alignment regardless of mounting precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces precise mechanical mounting with an optical-detection and automatic adjustment system. The optical sensor detects weapon orientation, and the controller automatically positions the aiming aid, eliminating the need for precision mechanical alignment during manual mounting while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the aiming device is rigidly mounted to the weapon, then the manufacturing precision of the alignment is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to transmission of recoil and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment consistencyVSAvoidaiming accuracy under recoil

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid mechanical coupling with an optical-detection and active compensation system. The optical sensor detects weapon movements caused by recoil and vibrations, and the controller adjusts the aiming aid's position to compensate for these disturbances, maintaining aiming accuracy without rigid mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optical sensing and control system between the weapon and the aiming aid. This intermediary detects weapon movements and mediates the positioning of the aiming aid, allowing the system to maintain accurate alignment without direct rigid mechanical coupling that would transmit recoil and vibrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10101125B2Precision engagement system

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

A system and method having a first device mounted on a first gimbal mount; a first visual feedback associated with the first gimbal; a second device mounted on a second gimbal mount physically displaced relative to the first gimbal mount; a second visual feedback mechanism associated with the second device. The orientation of the first device differs from the orientation of the second device by a dynamic correction amount. A correction controller having input that when acted upon by a user causes movement of the second device independently of movement of the first device to alter the correction amount to a revised correction amount such that subsequent movement of the first device causes motion in the second device that is at least partially dependent upon the revised correction amount.