Infrared Deviation Indicator for Missile Target Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity detectors on missiles are bulky, complex, and expensive due to their large size and mechanical/electrical requirements, occupying significant space and hindering efficient target tracking and firing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an infrared laser and matrix detector with a control and processing device that emits infrared pulses, processes echoes, and uses echo acquisition windows with decreasing delays to determine target distance, enabling both infrared imaging and proximity detection, thus replacing traditional proximity detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional proximity detector with multiple lateral elements is used to measure missile-target distance, then the detection coverage is 360° around the fuselage, but the device occupies a large amount of space and requires complex mechanical and electrical interface devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the proximity detection function with the existing infrared matrix detector and optical aiming device. The same detector and optical path are used for both imaging and distance measurement by analyzing echo return times from infrared laser pulses, eliminating the need for separate proximity detector elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared matrix detector and optical aiming device are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform both their original imaging function and the new proximity detection function. The control and processing device manages both functions using the same hardware components, reducing overall system volume.
2Reliability
If a traditional proximity detector with multiple lateral elements is used to measure missile-target distance, then the detection coverage is 360° around the fuselage, but the mechanical and electrical interface devices become complex, expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the proximity detection functionality into the existing imaging system by using the same infrared matrix detector and optical path. The control and processing device handles both imaging and distance measurement tasks, eliminating separate mechanical and electrical interfaces for proximity detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical proximity detection system with an optical-based infrared laser ranging system. Distance is measured by timing the echo return of infrared laser pulses using electronic timing circuits, substituting mechanical interfaces with optical and electronic components.
3Speed
If the infrared laser emits pulses at high frequency to improve tracking speed, then the target tracking responsiveness improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared laser emits pulses periodically at controlled frequencies. The system can adjust the pulse frequency based on tracking requirements, using higher frequencies when rapid tracking is needed and lower frequencies during stable tracking to conserve energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser pulse emission frequency is made dynamic and adjustable based on the tracking situation. The control and processing device can modify the pulse frequency in real-time, increasing it during target acquisition and maneuvering phases, and decreasing it during stable tracking to optimize energy consumption.
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
This solution creates a three-dimensional deviation indicator that efficiently tracks targets and prepares the missile for firing, reducing the need for bulky detectors and improving space efficiency while minimizing false echo detection through threshold-based signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared laser able, by means of said optical aiming device, to emit infrared laser pulses in the direction of said target, the echoes of said infrared laser pulses, reflected by said target, being received by said infrared matrix detector through said optical aiming device
Implementation Method 2
said control and processing device associates with each of said infrared laser pulses emitted by said infrared laser a plurality of successive echo acquisition windows by means of said infrared matrix detector; and the opening of the echo acquisition windows is effected, with respect to the emission of the corresponding infrared laser pulse, with a plurality of decreasing successive delays 2 D/c (c being the speed of light)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a deviation indicator with infrared imagery and a system for automatically aiming at and tracking a target. According to the invention, the deviation indicator with infrared imagery comprises an infrared pulsed laser (11) and the device (12) for controlling and processing infrared images also processes the laser pulse echoes.