Portable Gunner Trainer with Pressure Sensing Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulation systems for training with unstabilized weapons are limited by their lack of mobility and difficulty in realistically simulating complex weapon systems like turret-mounted guns, which are heavy and non-portable, leading to a trade-off between realism and transportability.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based, modular, and transportable single weapon simulation system that includes a frame with a weapon mount, a non-rotatable sensing platform for rotational feedback, and a head-mounted display, allowing trainees to control the rotational orientation of a virtual environment through applied pressure, enabling realistic simulation of turret operations while being easily transportable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large, heavy mechanical mock-ups are used to simulate complex weapon systems like turret-mounted guns, then the simulation realism is improved, but the transportability of the system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a sensing platform that detects rotational pressure and generates virtual orientation signals to create a virtual copy of the turret environment, replacing the need for heavy physical mock-ups while maintaining simulation realism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical turret rotation system with an electronic sensing platform that detects pressure and generates digital orientation signals, substituting heavy mechanical components with lightweight electronic sensors and software
2Reliability
If permanent or semi-permanent structures are constructed to contain simulation equipment, then the simulation environment accuracy is improved, but the mobility of the system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the simulation system into modular components including a frame, weapon mount, sensing platform, and head-mounted display that can be easily assembled and disassembled for transport while maintaining simulation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual environment through software that replicates the complex weapon system interface, eliminating the need for permanent physical structures while maintaining environmental accuracy
3Reliability
If fixed location simulation systems are used, then the training effectiveness is improved, but the accessibility to different locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed-location simulation system into a dynamic portable system that can be moved to different locations while maintaining training effectiveness through the use of lightweight components and virtual environment rendering
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
The system provides a realistic and portable simulation of turret operations, enhancing training accessibility and realism by allowing trainees to interact with a virtual environment that mirrors actual turret movements, improving training effectiveness without the need for large, heavy mechanical mock-ups.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially non-rotatable sensing platform, coupled to the frame, on which a single trainee stands, where rotational pressure applied to the platform by the trainee generates a virtual orientation signal
Implementation Method 2
a head-mounted display worn by the trainee and that receives a display signal representative of a virtual environment to be simulated to the trainee
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are that includes a frame and a weapon mount on the frame that receives a weapon mock-up. The system also includes a substantially non-rotatable sensing platform, coupled to the frame, on which a single trainee stands, where rotational pressure applied to the platform by the trainee generates a virtual orientation signal. The system also includes a head-mounted display worn by the trainee that receives a display signal representative of a virtual environment to be simulated to the trainee; and a controller in electrical communication with the sensing platform and the display, wherein the controller receives the virtual orientation signal and generates the display signal in response such that rotational pressure applied to the platform by the trainee results in rotation of the virtual environment displayed to the trainee. A method for the simulation of a single weapon system in a transportable enclosure is also presented.