Missile Fragment Detection via Acoustic Sensor Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lethality assessment methods fail to accurately record multiple random hits from shrapnel fragments in a 'Shrapnel Kill' environment, as they ignore broken wire or optical paths, leading to incorrect tabulation of impact points and damage propagation.
Innovation Solution
A digital signal processing algorithm that processes sensor responses to estimate the locations of multiple fragment impacts on a target, using a model of impulse responses to separate and identify individual fragment signals from the summation signal, and applies convolutional encoding to enhance fragment identification and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional wire or optical grids are used to detect impact points, then the system can accurately determine the initial hit point, but it fails to accurately record multiple random hits from shrapnel fragments because broken paths are ignored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection surface into multiple independent sensor elements arranged in a matrix array. Each sensor element can independently detect impact events without being affected by broken paths in adjacent sensors. This segmentation allows the system to accurately record multiple random hits from shrapnel fragments, as each sensor operates autonomously and reports impacts independently, resolving the contradiction between maintaining detection precision and ensuring reliable multiple hit recording.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a simple kinetic warhead is used for hit-to-kill, then the system is adequate for many threat missiles, but it cannot effectively counter new threats requiring shrapnel kill technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic warhead structure that can transition from an intact kinetic warhead to a fragmented shrapnel cloud based on mission requirements. Sensors detect proximity to the target and trigger controlled fragmentation, allowing the same weapon system to adapt between hit-to-kill and shrapnel-kill modes. This dynamic capability provides versatility against different threat types while managing complexity through sensor-controlled actuation rather than requiring multiple separate weapon systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution parameters of the warhead payload. By controlling the fragmentation process, the system can adjust the number, velocity, and spatial distribution of shrapnel fragments. This parameter control allows a single warhead design to achieve both concentrated kinetic impact (hit-to-kill) and dispersed fragment coverage (shrapnel-kill), enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If wire or optical grids are used for lethality assessment, then the system works well for hit-to-kill weapons with single impact, but it becomes impossible to accurately record multiple hits from shrapnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire grid system with an array of independent electronic sensors. Unlike mechanical wires that form continuous paths vulnerable to breaking, the electronic sensor array consists of discrete detection elements that independently register impacts. This substitution eliminates the path-breaking problem inherent in mechanical grids, enabling accurate detection and recording of multiple shrapnel fragment hits while maintaining operational simplicity through electronic signal processing.
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 reliably detects and tracks the trajectory of shrapnel fragments, accurately determining the number and impact locations, providing precise lethality assessment in a 'Shrapnel Kill' scenario, improving the determination of damage to a target missile.
Implementation Method 1
sensors that respond to acoustic signals generated by the impact of the fragments
Implementation Method 2
A digital signal processing algorithm that processes sensor responses to estimate the locations of multiple fragment impacts on a target
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for detecting the trajectory of multiple fragments through a conic or cylindrical section, such as the body of a missile. Three or more sensors are placed on the on the body of the object. Each of the sensors is constructed and arranged to measure signals to the sensor at from impacts on one or more locations on the body. The sensor then transmits a signal commiserate with the impact of a fragment thereon. A computer system is also provided to perform necessary calculations and, potentially, record the impact times and locations. When the body of the object is hit by fragments or shrapnel, a signal from one or more of the sensors is sent to the computer system. This operation is performed and constantly updated for all locations where a fragment is detected by one or more of the sensors. Waveforms of the impacts are recorded, but because multiple hits can occur, there can be superposition (or destruction) of the resulting waveform sent to the computer system. The computer system can interpret which superposition or destruction is indicative of another fragment strike, and filter out those additions or subtractions to the waveforms that could not possibly be from another fragment.