Integrated Power System for TOW Missile Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery systems for TOW missile guidance and targeting systems are heavy, inefficient, and reliant on obsolete nickel cadmium technology, leading to increased costs and difficulties in sourcing components, with inadequate power supply for targeting systems during operation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated power system utilizing improved battery technology with higher energy capacity, including a chassis with rectifiers and converters that output multiple voltages, electromagnetic shielding for interference protection, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nickel cadmium battery assemblies are used, then the system can provide power for guidance systems, but the system becomes heavy and cumbersome to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from nickel cadmium battery chemistry to lithium ion battery chemistry, fundamentally changing the chemical parameters of the energy storage system. This parameter change achieves higher energy density, providing the same power supply capability with reduced weight and volume, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and portability
2Reliability
If legacy battery systems are deployed, then power can be provided for guidance systems, but the batteries fail to provide the expected number of TOW missile firings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the battery chemistry from nickel cadmium to lithium ion, which fundamentally alters the discharge characteristics, voltage stability, and cycle life parameters. These parameter changes enable the battery to maintain consistent power output over extended periods, supporting the required number of missile firings while improving reliability
3Reliability
If nickel cadmium batteries are charged using nonmobile AC charging units, then batteries can be recharged, but the charging and discharging process becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the external nonmobile AC charging infrastructure with an integrated mobile charging system that includes rectifiers and power conditioners built into the battery assembly. This substitution eliminates the inefficiencies of external charging units and enables efficient charging in field conditions, resolving the contradiction between recharge capability and energy efficiency
4Reliability
If legacy battery systems are used, then power can be provided for guidance systems, but the system cannot support additional targeting system operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the battery system with universal power output capabilities that can support multiple different systems simultaneously. The integrated power system includes voltage regulation and power management circuits that can accommodate both guidance systems and targeting systems, making the battery assembly adaptable to various operational requirements and resolving the contradiction between specialized guidance system support and general targeting system compatibility
5Reliability
If conventional battery systems with multiple components are used, then power management can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and costly to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (batteries, chargers, power conditioners, rectifiers) into a single integrated battery assembly. This consolidation maintains all necessary power management functions while reducing the total number of discrete components, simplifying the system architecture and reducing maintenance complexity and costs
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 solution provides a lightweight, efficient, and reliable power system capable of supporting both guidance and targeting systems, reducing operational costs and enhancing power supply reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more rectifiers and one or more converters are thermally interfaced with one or more heatsink portions of the chassis
Data Source
AI summary
A power system is disclosed that includes a chassis configured to house one or more boards in which the boards are electrically coupled to one another. The boards are configured to receive external power and to output power using a plurality of different voltages. The boards are configured to receive power from at least one internal power source electrically coupled boards and to output power using a plurality of different voltages. The boards include one or more converters configured to convert power. The one or more converters are thermally interfaced with one or more portions of the chassis.