Heat Shield Axial Restraint for Optical Energy Collection

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical systems in projectiles are hindered by restraining structures that occupy valuable space, limit ordinance and propellant capacity, and offer little to no heat or stray light shielding, necessitating additional components for these functions.

Innovation Solution

An optical assembly with a heat shield that axially restrains the energy collection system, providing a barrier against stray energy and using flexures to maintain system stability, while also incorporating a shim for additional thermal isolation and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional restraining structures are used to limit movement of optical components, then the optical assembly is stable, but valuable space within the projectile is occupied and ordinance/propellant capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical component stabilityVSAvoidprojectile internal volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the restraining structure and heat shield into a single integrated component. The restraining structure includes a body that forms a barrier against heat and stray light while simultaneously providing axial restraint to the optical components through engagement features. This merging eliminates the need for separate heat shield components, thereby saving valuable space within the projectile while maintaining both thermal protection and mechanical stability functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The restraining structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical restraint to limit movement of optical components during projectile operation, acts as a heat shield to protect against thermal effects, and serves as a structural support element. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and optimizes the use of limited space within the projectile housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional restraining structures are used to limit movement of optical components, then the optical assembly is stable, but additional components are required for heat and stray light shielding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical component stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the restraining structure and heat shield into a single integrated component. The restraining structure includes a body that forms a barrier against heat and stray light while simultaneously providing axial restraint to the optical components through engagement features. This merging eliminates the need for separate heat shield components, thereby saving valuable space within the projectile while maintaining both thermal protection and mechanical stability functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The restraining structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical restraint to limit movement of optical components during projectile operation, acts as a heat shield to protect against thermal effects, and serves as a structural support element. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and optimizes the use of limited space within the projectile housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If additional heat shield components are added to provide thermal protection, then heat and stray light shielding is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat and stray light shieldingVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the restraining structure and heat shield into a single integrated component. The restraining structure includes a body that forms a barrier against heat and stray light while simultaneously providing axial restraint to the optical components through engagement features. This merging eliminates the need for separate heat shield components, thereby saving valuable space within the projectile while maintaining both thermal protection and mechanical stability functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8658955B2Optical assembly including a heat shield to axially restrain an energy collection system, and method

Publication Date: 2014.02.25 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

Some embodiments relate to an optical assembly that includes an energy collection system that collects energy and a heat shield that axially restrains the energy collection system. The optical assembly further includes a sensor and a structure which supports the energy collection system such that the energy collection system directs the energy to the sensor. Other embodiments relate to a projectile that includes a propulsion system, a guidance system and an optical assembly as described above. Other embodiments relate to a method of directing a projectile that includes collecting energy using an energy collection system; directing the energy to a sensor; axially restraining the energy collection system using a heat shield; using a guidance system to determine the position of the projectile based on data received from the sensor; and directing the projectile toward the destination using a propulsion system that is commanded by a guidance system.