Inductive Power Transfer for Guided Missile Launchers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guided missile systems require advanced data transfer methods to accommodate emerging technologies and sophisticated navigation, particularly for munitions that need to deliver dependable lethality in modern air forces' effects-oriented planning.
Innovation Solution
An inductive power transfer system using an air gap transformer with modulated current transfer between a launcher and a guided missile, enabling efficient power and data transmission through electromagnetic coupling, suitable for various launcher dimensions and configurations, including helicopter-based systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wired power and data transfer methods are used in guided missile systems, then reliable power delivery and data communication can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and adaptability to various launcher platforms decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/wired connections with inductive coupling for power and data transfer. The launcher contains a primary coil that wirelessly transmits power and modulated data signals to a secondary coil in the projectile, eliminating the need for physical electrical contacts while maintaining reliable power delivery and communication
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive coupling system serves multiple functions simultaneously: power transfer, data communication, and platform adaptability. The same primary and secondary coils handle both electrical power delivery and bidirectional data exchange, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate wired systems for each function
2Measurement precision
If advanced guidance and navigation technologies are integrated into missiles, then targeting precision and navigational control improve, but the power requirements and data transfer needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive power transfer system provides continuous power delivery during the entire launch and initial flight phase. The primary coil continuously transmits power through the secondary coil, ensuring uninterrupted energy supply to advanced guidance systems, sensors, and processors that require sustained operation for precise targeting
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive coupling acts as an intermediary power and data interface between the launcher and projectile. It enables high-power delivery to advanced guidance technologies without requiring direct electrical connections, allowing sophisticated sensors and processors to receive adequate power through the wireless inductive interface
3Adaptability or versatility
If inductive power transfer system is designed to work with various launcher dimensions and configurations, then adaptability improves, but the coupling efficiency and power transfer reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic adjustment capabilities where the primary and secondary coils can be positioned and oriented to optimize coupling regardless of launcher configuration. The inductive coupling mechanism adapts to different launcher dimensions by adjusting coil alignment and spacing, maintaining reliable power transfer across various platform configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive coupling system is designed with universal compatibility to work across different launcher platforms. The same basic coil configuration can accommodate various launcher dimensions and orientations, providing both adaptability to different platforms and reliable power transfer through the standardized inductive interface
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
Facilitates real-time data transfer and power delivery to multiple projectiles, supporting advanced guidance and targeting capabilities without modifying existing launcher platforms, ensuring reliable lethality and adaptability to complex operational environments.
Implementation Method 1
launcher winding (110) coupled to the exterior of the launcher or fabricated within the launcher body. Launcher winding (110) may be electrically coupled to operations system (130), the weapons data system of the launcher, and a power source (150). projectile winding (120) may be electrically connected to a device capable of storing an induced charge
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention generally concerns inductive power transfer systems and their components. More particularly, representative and exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems, devices and methods for transferring modulated current between a launcher and at least one guided missile.