Maneuver Envelopes for Guided Projectile Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Guided projectiles face challenges in optimizing corrective maneuvers for range and cross-range movements, as steering in one direction often compromises the other, due to complex relationships between control actions and ground impact points, leading to inefficient use of limited control authority.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of maneuver envelopes that describe control actions over time, allowing for optimal timing of corrective maneuvers to minimize impact on orthogonal directions, using a precision guidance munition assembly with canard assemblies and computer-readable storage media to predict impact points and apply maneuver commands based on these envelopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If corrective maneuvers are performed to effect changes in range or cross-range, then the impact point accuracy is improved, but the maneuver authority in the orthogonal direction is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal control actions and their timing in maneuver envelopes before flight. These envelopes contain pre-determined canard deflection commands at specific time points that account for the complex coupling between range and cross-range maneuvers, eliminating the need for real-time optimization during flight and ensuring optimal use of maneuver authority
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically selects and applies different maneuver envelopes based on the current flight state and error conditions. The system adapts the pre-calculated control strategies to the actual flight situation by selecting appropriate envelopes from the library, allowing optimal maneuver authority utilization across varying flight conditions
2Measurement precision
If control commands are generated to correct impact errors, then the targeting precision is improved, but the control complexity increases due to control reversals and range/cross-range coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes optimal control strategies that account for control reversals and range/cross-range coupling effects before flight. These pre-computed maneuvers are stored in maneuver envelopes, which provide ready-to-use control commands that eliminate the need for complex real-time calculations during flight, significantly reducing control system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified representation of the complex control problem by generating maneuver envelopes that capture the essential control strategies. These envelopes serve as pre-packaged control solutions that approximate the optimal control behavior without requiring the full complexity of real-time optimization algorithms
3Adaptability or versatility
If canard deflection is increased to maximize maneuver footprint, then the control authority is improved, but the maneuver timing becomes more critical and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-determines the optimal timing for canard deflection commands within each maneuver envelope. The pre-calculated envelopes specify exactly when to apply maximum canard deflection to achieve desired ground maneuver while accounting for the time-critical nature of the maneuvers, eliminating the need for complex real-time timing decisions
Data Source
AI summary
A guided projectile including a precision guidance munition assembly utilizes at least one maneuver envelope to optimally control movement of at least one canard to steer the guided projectile during flight. The maneuver envelopes optimize movements of the at least one canard that effectuate movement in either the range direction or the cross-range direction, or both. The maneuver envelope enables optimal timing such that maneuvering in one direction does not come at the expense of maneuver authority in the other direction.