Measuring Apparatus Trajectory Tracking Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems used for measuring the trajectory of target objects, such as missiles or artillery shells, have limited accuracy, typically achieving precision in the mrad range and meters, which is insufficient for advanced defense systems like C-RAM that require more precise orbital data.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device comprising a primary mirror and a secondary mirror, capable of reflecting both radar and laser radiation, is used to enhance tracking accuracy. The device combines two mechanically coupled measuring arrangements, with the primary mirror reflecting both types of radiation and directing them to a focal area, while the secondary mirror reflects only laser radiation to a detector, allowing for precise determination of target coordinates with an accuracy of a few centimeters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two separate measuring arrangements are used for radar and optical measurement, then each can be optimized independently, but the mechanical coupling complicates the tracking and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent mechanically couples the radar receiver and optical telescope into a single integrated platform with shared mounting structures and alignment mechanisms. This unified mechanical base reduces the complexity of independent tracking by allowing both subsystems to be positioned and oriented simultaneously through common control systems, while maintaining their individual optimization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary and secondary mirrors act as intermediary optical elements that facilitate the integration of radar and optical paths. The mirrors enable both radiation types to share a portion of the optical path while being directed to separate detectors, serving as mediators that reconcile the need for separate detection channels with the benefit of integrated mechanical support and tracking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the secondary mirror is made transparent to radar radiation, then radar beams can reach the first detector, but the mirror must be selectively reflective only to optical radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary mirror is given different local properties: it is made transparent to radar radiation (allowing passage) while having a selective coating that reflects optical radiation. This local differentiation in optical properties at different wavelength ranges enables the mirror to perform multiple functions simultaneously - acting as a beam splitter that separates radar and optical paths while maintaining the structural integrity and manufacturability of a single optical component.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary mirror employs composite construction with a base material that is transparent to radar wavelengths and a specialized coating layer that provides selective reflection for optical wavelengths. This composite approach allows the mirror to achieve wavelength-selective properties by combining materials with complementary characteristics, making the complex optical requirements achievable through material science rather than complex mechanical design.
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 enables precise tracking and measurement of target objects with improved accuracy, allowing for precise determination of artillery shell trajectories and other target coordinates, enhancing the effectiveness of C-RAM systems by achieving sub-meter precision.
Implementation Method 1
the primary mirror is designed to reflect the first electromagnetic radiation and the second electromagnetic radiation and direct them to a focal area
Implementation Method 2
the secondary mirror is arranged between the primary mirror and the focal region and is designed to reflect only the second electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the second detector
Implementation Method 3
The secondary mirror can be made of a material that is permeable to radar beams, so that they can impinge on the first detector
Implementation Method 4
The first detector is designed to determine a position of the center of gravity of the first electromagnetic radiation impinging on the first detector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A measuring apparatus (14) for measuring the trajectory of a target object (12) comprises a receiving device (16) having a primary mirror (32) and a secondary mirror (34); a first detector (42) for detecting first electromagnetic radiation (24) having a first wavelength and a second detector (62) for detecting second electromagnetic radiation (28) having a second wavelength. The primary mirror (32) is designed to reflect the first electromagnetic radiation (24) and the second electromagnetic radiation (28) and to direct said radiation onto a focal region. The secondary mirror (34) is arranged between the primary mirror (32) and the focal region and is designed to reflect only the second electromagnetic radiation (28) in the direction of the second detector (62). The first detector (42) is arranged behind the secondary mirror (34) in the focal region of the primary mirror (32).