Flying Device Guidance Bias for Precise Target Arrival Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the arrival time of self-propelled flying devices, such as missiles, are inaccurate due to launch position errors, environmental conditions, and non-nominal device performance, and previous solutions like proportional navigation and artificial neural networks are either unrealistic or computationally inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates a bias value to adjust the flight path of the device, allowing it to reach a target at a desired arrival time by altering the sightline rate or position, using generalized explicit guidance and the Newton-Raphson method, which can be applied to both single and multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If proportional navigation is used to control the device, then the device can seek the target effectively, but the arrival time cannot be precisely controlled due to launch position errors, environmental conditions, and non-nominal device performance
Solution Approach 1:
The bias value is calculated in advance based on the desired arrival time and current state, allowing the system to proactively adjust the flight path to compensate for expected errors and achieve precise arrival time control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flight path parameters by introducing a bias value that modifies the sightline rate, thereby adjusting the arrival time without changing the fundamental proportional navigation guidance law
2Measurement precision
If artificial neural networks are used to control arrival time, then arrival time control is achieved, but the training time is slow and the system is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex artificial neural network system with a simpler analytical calculation method using closed-form equations to compute the bias value, achieving the same arrival time control function with reduced complexity and faster computation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses direct parameter calculation through mathematical equations rather than iterative neural network training, changing the computational approach from data-driven to model-driven for faster real-time control
3Measurement precision
If the bias value is applied to adjust the sightline rate, then the device reaches the target at the desired arrival time, but the flight path is lengthened requiring greater time to travel
Solution Approach 1:
The bias value is dynamically adjusted throughout the flight based on real-time state measurements, allowing the system to optimize the flight path and minimize unnecessary time loss while maintaining precise arrival time control
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a self-propelled flying device that seeks a target. A desired time to reach the target is obtained. The position of the target is acquired. A bias value is calculated, and the flight of the device towards the target is adjusted for a period of time using the bias value. The bias value is calculated so that the device reaches the target at the desired time.