Interchangeable Firing Tool Carrier for Robot Laser Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for aligning firing tools, such as disruptors, are cumbersome, time-consuming, inaccurate, and expose operators to high levels of radiation and energy consumption during target acquisition, and do not effectively utilize robots for precise alignment and tool exchange.

Innovation Solution

A carrier system with interchangeable sleeves and a clamping nut design for various firing tools, combined with target lasers and a distance measuring device, allows for quick tool selection and precise alignment using a robot, minimizing radiation exposure and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional alignment systems with multiple lasers and reflector plates are used, then alignment precision can be achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential alignment function from complex multi-laser systems and implements it through a single laser device with a specific optical path. The alignment system uses one laser that projects through the disruptor barrel, eliminating the need for multiple lasers, reflector plates, and complex intersection calculations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining alignment precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser device serves multiple functions: it provides both the alignment beam and the distance measurement beam through the same optical path. The single laser system can be used for both targeting alignment and range determination, eliminating the need for separate alignment devices and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If laser alignment systems operate continuously during target acquisition, then alignment accuracy is maintained, but radiation exposure and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The laser is activated only when needed for alignment and distance measurement, rather than operating continuously. The system uses the laser periodically during the disarming operation to acquire target information and maintain alignment, reducing energy consumption and radiation exposure while preserving alignment accuracy when required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If fixed disruptor positioning is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different firing tools is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidtool interchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The disruptor holder is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the disruptor to be positioned and aligned after insertion. The holder can accommodate different disruptor types and models, and the alignment system adapts to each specific tool through the universal laser alignment method, providing both simplicity and versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If distance measurement is performed using line lasers, then alignment can be achieved, but measurement accuracy decreases under poor visibility and varied target surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidvisibility conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the disruptor's own barrel as a reference copy for alignment. The laser beam passes through the barrel to define the firing axis, using the barrel's physical geometry as the reference rather than relying on external line lasers that are affected by visibility conditions and target surface variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

Enables rapid, safe, and precise alignment of diverse firing tools on a robot, reducing operator risk and energy use, with the system being adaptable to different environments and tools without major modifications.

Implementation Method 1

A laser is provided, which emits light (32) that passes through the barrel (11a) of the disruptor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

A camera (12) is provided, which transmits images of the target object and/or the surroundings to one or more operators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250237488A1System comprising a robot and at least one device for the targeted alignment of firing tools
Publication Date: 2025.07.24 EURON LOGISTIC PARTNERS
  • US20250237488A1 patent drawing
  • US20250237488A1 patent drawing
  • US20250237488A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system comprising a robot (13) and at least one device (10) for the targeted alignment of firing tools (11) with a firing axis on a target to be hit. At least one carrier system (40) for a firing tool (11) is provided, which comprises a targeting device and has at least one receptacle (41) into which the firing tool (11) can be introduced in certain areas. A plurality of differently shaped firing tools (11) can be introduced into the receptacle (41) and secured there (FIG. 1).