Laser Canard Range Verification Without Surface Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for testing and analyzing the rotation of canards on munitions require extensive time and labor to prevent damage, posing a risk of aerodynamic issues due to surface marring.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact laser canard test system (LCTS) that uses a laser controller and sensor device to measure rotary displacement of canards without physical contact, employing a testing protocol that includes static and dynamic measurement frameworks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional contact-based testing methods are used to measure canard rotation, then measurement capability is achieved, but the canard surfaces are at risk of damage or marring requiring extensive time and labor to prevent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement systems with a laser-based optical measurement system. The laser sensor device emits laser beams that reflect off the canard surface to measure angular position dynamically without physical contact, eliminating the risk of surface damage while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser beams as an intermediary medium between the measurement system and the canard surface. The laser beams carry measurement information by reflecting off the canard without requiring direct mechanical contact, thus preventing surface damage while enabling precise angular position measurement.
2Measurement precision
If conventional contact-based testing methods are used to measure canard rotation, then measurement capability is achieved, but extensive time and labor are required to prevent surface damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical contact-based measurement methods with a rapid laser-based optical system. The laser sensor device can dynamically track canard rotation in real-time during flight testing, eliminating the need for careful manual handling and extensive post-testing surface inspection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact laser measurement is used to measure canard rotation, then surface damage is prevented, but measurement of dynamic rotation must be achieved without physical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses laser beams to substitute mechanical contact for measuring dynamic canard rotation. The laser sensor device tracks the position of reflectors or markers on the rotating canards by measuring laser beam reflection angles, enabling real-time dynamic measurement without physical contact.
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 precise and efficient testing of canard angular positions without damaging the surfaces, improving accuracy and reducing testing time and labor.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source configured to emit a laser beam toward the at least one canard
Implementation Method 2
measuring, via the at least one laser sensor device, an angular position of the at least one canard
Data Source
AI summary
A laser canard test system (LCTS) that includes a test bench assembly, at least one laser controller operably engaged with the test bench assembly, at least one laser sensor device operably engaged with the test bench assembly and in electrical communication with the at least one laser controller, and a canard testing protocol in logical communication with the at least one laser controller and the at least one laser sensor device to enable the at least one laser controller to command the at least one laser device to measure at least one canard on a payload free from contacting the at least one canard of the payload.