Laser Emitter for Missile Positioning and Data Transmission

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for laser range finding and data transmission in military applications are complex, require separate systems, consume high energy, and have a high failure frequency, and lack efficient methods for three-dimensional position determination and data exchange between moving objects.

Innovation Solution

A combined laser emitting device that generates and modulates a laser beam for both distance measurement and data transmission, using a gimbal for directional control and a retro-reflector for precise distance and direction determination, allowing for three-dimensional position calculation and data exchange between moving objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate laser range finding and data transmission systems are used, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines laser range finding and data transmission functions into a single integrated system. The laser device includes both a range finding module (with laser source and detector) and a data transmission module (with modulator), sharing common components such as the laser source, optical paths, and detector, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining functional reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can transmit data through modulation and receive reflected beams for distance measurement. The detector serves dual purposes by detecting both modulated data signals and reflected laser beams, making the system universal and multi-functional

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate laser range finding and data transmission systems are used, then functional reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines laser range finding and data transmission functions into a single integrated system. The laser device includes both a range finding module (with laser source and detector) and a data transmission module (with modulator), sharing common components such as the laser source, optical paths, and detector, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining functional reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can transmit data through modulation and receive reflected beams for distance measurement. The detector serves dual purposes by detecting both modulated data signals and reflected laser beams, making the system universal and multi-functional

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a combined laser system is used for distance measurement and data transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidposition determination precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the laser device into distinct functional modules: a range finding module with laser source and detector for distance measurement, and a data transmission module with modulator for data communication. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, maintaining measurement precision while reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a modulator as an intermediary component that encodes data onto the laser beam without affecting the underlying distance measurement capability. The modulator acts as a mediator between the data transmission requirement and the range finding function, allowing both operations to coexist with high precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by moving object

If laser beam is used for both distance measurement and data transmission, then energy consumption is reduced, but loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddata transmission accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the laser device into distinct functional modules: a range finding module with laser source and detector for distance measurement, and a data transmission module with modulator for data communication. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, maintaining measurement precision while reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a modulator as an intermediary component that encodes data onto the laser beam without affecting the underlying distance measurement capability. The modulator acts as a mediator between the data transmission requirement and the range finding function, allowing both operations to coexist with high precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simplifies external control of moving objects, reduces system complexity and energy consumption, enables three-dimensional position measurement, and facilitates efficient data transmission, optimizing vehicle convoy management and missile navigation while minimizing high-frequency energy emission.

Implementation Method 1

a laser source for generating a laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a retro-reflector for reflecting a part of a laser beam in an original direction of the laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRetro-reflection: Retroreflector

Implementation Method 3

the distance from the object or the laser receiving device can be determined via the propagation time of the laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 4

a modulator for modulating the laser beam... to modulate the laser beam with the modulator for transmission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectModulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP2664889B1Positioning and data transmission by means of laser

Publication Date: 2018.01.10 MBDA DEUTSCHIAND GMBH

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8

AI summary

The laser radiating device (10) has a laser source (12) for generating a laser beam (13) and a modulator (14) for modulating the laser beam, where a detector (16) is provided for receiving a reflecting laser beam. The laser radiating device is formed to receive the data (22) and to modulate the laser beam for transmitting to a laser receiving device with the modulator. The laser radiating device is formed to determine a displacement of the laser receiving device with the detector. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a laser receiving device for a guided missile and for a ground vehicle; (2) a guided missile, which has multiple reflex reflectors; and (3) a method for position determination- and data transmitting system.