Guided Missile Control via Light Signals Without Launch Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for launching guided missiles from aircraft face issues with data cable damage, mechanical trigger jamming, and limited launching capacity due to radio interference and mechanical errors, leading to unreliable and inflexible data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for controlling guided missiles using light signals for data transmission, eliminating mechanical triggers, and utilizing a disintegrating container system for launching, which includes a receptacle device that disintegrates during flight to release the missile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data cables are used to transmit mission and control data to the guided missile, then data transmission can be established before or after fastening the missile to the pylon, but the cables can be damaged and no more data can be transferred after release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with wireless data transmission systems. The guided missile is equipped with a data receiver that can receive mission and control data wirelessly from the aircraft, eliminating the need for physical cables that are prone to damage during launch and release operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate wireless communication system between the aircraft and the guided missile. This intermediary system uses electromagnetic waves to transmit data, serving as a non-contact mediator that avoids the mechanical connection problems of cables while enabling reliable data transfer throughout the missile's operational lifecycle.
2Reliability
If mechanical triggers are used to signal missile detachment, then the missile control can detect fastening status, but the triggers can be jammed or unintentionally triggered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical trigger systems with sensor-based detection systems. Instead of using mechanical pins or cables that can jam or trigger unintentionally, the system employs sensors (such as optical, electromagnetic, or capacitive sensors) to detect the presence or absence of the pylon, providing reliable detachment signaling without mechanical failure modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate sensor field between the mechanical components. These sensors detect changes in electromagnetic fields, optical properties, or other physical parameters that occur during attachment and detachment, serving as a non-contact intermediary that eliminates direct mechanical interaction and its associated reliability problems.
3Ease of operation
If wireless data transmission via radio waves is used, then data can be transmitted without cables, but data can be transmitted inadvertently to multiple missiles simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each wireless data transmission system missile-specific. The aircraft's data transmission system is configured to address individual missiles using unique identification codes or directional beamforming, ensuring that data is transmitted locally and specifically to the intended target rather than broadly to all missiles in the vicinity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the form of unique modulation frequencies, code division multiplexing, or time-division protocols to differentiate between multiple missiles. Each missile operates on distinct transmission parameters, allowing the system to maintain wireless ease of operation while ensuring accurate, non-interfering data delivery to each individual missile.
4Productivity
If traditional launching methods are used, then missiles can be launched from pylons or weapon bays, but the launching frequency and capacity are restricted by technical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional launching system that can accommodate various missile types and launch configurations through a common platform. The aircraft is equipped with standardized mounting systems and wireless communication interfaces that work across different missile models, increasing launching capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by enabling flexible, reconfigurable launching arrangements. The system can dynamically adjust between different launch modes (pylon-mounted, internal bay, external hardpoints) and adapt to varying mission requirements, allowing high launching frequency and capacity while maintaining manageable system complexity through software-controlled configuration rather than fixed mechanical arrangements.
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
Enhances data transmission reliability, increases launching capacity and frequency, and simplifies handling by avoiding mechanical errors and radio interference, while ensuring secure and flexible mission command delivery.
Implementation Method 1
at least one control command is transmitted by light signal from the aircraft to the guided missile
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed are a method for controlling at least one guided missile (3) to be launched by an aircraft (2) during flight, a guided missile (3) and an aircraft (2), wherein at least one control command (T) is transmitted by light signal (L) from the aircraft (2) to the guided missile (3).