Universal Laser Firing Circuit With Interlock and Fire Fault Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser firing circuits result in repetitive efforts across laser programs, leading to cost and schedule overruns due to non-standardized designs and lack of integration efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A universal control circuit for laser firing control, comprising a command circuit, acknowledge circuit, arming circuit, and firing circuit, with a fire fault circuit to deactivate the firing circuit in response to inadequate power, ensuring standardized integration and interlock signals for laser weapon systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional laser firing circuits are used for each laser program, then each program can have customized control, but repetitive efforts lead to cost and schedule overruns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal firing circuit design that can be applied across multiple laser weapon programs. The standardized circuit architecture with defined interfaces and protocols allows a single design to serve multiple applications, eliminating the need for repetitive custom development while maintaining program-specific functionality through configurable parameters and standardized adaptation mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional laser firing circuits are used for each laser program, then each program can have customized control, but cost and schedule overruns occur
Solution Approach 1:
The universal firing circuit design enables cost-effective deployment across multiple programs by reusing the same proven architecture. Standardized components, interfaces, and testing procedures reduce per-program development costs while maintaining the ability to accommodate program-specific requirements through standardized configuration rather than custom design.
3Productivity
If a universal control circuit is implemented, then integration efficiency improves, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal firing circuit is divided into distinct functional modules with well-defined interfaces. This segmentation includes separate units for signal processing, power control, safety interlocks, and status monitoring. Each module can be independently designed, tested, and validated, making the overall complex system manageable while enabling efficient integration across different laser programs.
4Productivity
If standardized interfaces are used, then integration seamless is achieved, but adaptability to different laser programs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal firing circuit employs standardized interfaces and protocols for common functions across all laser programs, while allowing program-specific customization through local configuration options and modular add-on components. This enables seamless integration through standard connections while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to different program requirements through localized modifications without affecting the core standardized architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control circuit is provided for laser firing control. The control circuit includes a command circuit, an acknowledge circuit, an arming circuit and a firing circuit. The command circuit issues an initiation of the weapon by providing an authorization command signal. The acknowledge circuit interlocks the command signal and provides an interlock signal. The arming circuit issues an arming signal to energize the weapon in response to the interlock signal. The firing circuit issues a firing signal to activate the weapon in response to the arming signal. Additionally, the control circuit can further include a fire fault circuit to deactivate the firing circuit in response to inadequate power to the firing circuit.