Compact Semi-Active Laser Seeker Head Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-active laser seeker heads for miniature missiles are bulky and inefficient, requiring multiple lens elements and complex optical systems that occupy excessive space and energy resources.
Innovation Solution
A compact semi-active laser seeker head design utilizing a single high-refractive-index lens element with a convex surface that focuses electromagnetic radiation directly onto a dual-band filter, which selectively transfers the radiation to a multi-channel sensor based on predetermined wavelength thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple lens elements are used in the optical imaging system, then the imaging quality is improved, but the size and weight of the seeker head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (focusing, field of view definition, laser transmission) into a single lens element. This single lens integrates what would traditionally require multiple separate lens elements, thereby reducing the overall volume and complexity of the optical imaging system while maintaining the necessary imaging quality for target designation.
2Measurement precision
If a complex optical imaging system is used, then the target designation accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary optical components from the imaging system. By removing redundant lens elements and simplifying the optical path, the system achieves target designation accuracy with fewer components, thereby reducing the energy required to operate the optical imaging system.
3Volume of moving object
If the seeker head size is reduced for miniature missiles, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the optical imaging system becomes overly compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the single lens element to compensate for the reduced size. By optimizing the lens curvature, focal length, and material properties, the compact optical imaging system maintains adequate imaging quality and functionality despite the constrained space in miniature missile applications.
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 achieves a highly compact optical imaging system that effectively detects and designates laser-marked targets with reduced energy consumption and minimal impact on the missile's aerodynamic structure, even in miniature missile sizes of 40 mm or less.
Implementation Method 1
a lens element that receives the electromagnetic radiation and focuses the same onto a filter
Implementation Method 2
a filter that the focused electromagnetic radiation falls on from the lens element and that selectively transfers the electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a semi-active laser seeker head for miniature, laser-guided missile systems comprising a housing (20) limiting an inner chamber (23); a lens element (40) that is seated in a gap (26) of the housing (20) reaching the inner chamber (23) so as to receive electromagnetic radiation. The laser seeker head comprises; a body (44) that has a convex surface (42) on which the lens element (40) gets completely seated in a gap (26) on one hand and that extends into the inner chamber (23) on the other hand; and a filter (52) that directly receives the electromagnetic radiation, which is focused by the convex surface (42), from the body (44) that lies before and selectively transfers it to a multi-channel sensor (56) arranged at the rear portion thereof based on a predetermined wavelength threshold.