Missile Homing Device Target Detection via Dynamic Sweeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strapdown homing devices on missiles face challenges in maintaining target detection capabilities during the mid-course phase due to navigational drift and target movement, with existing solutions either increasing cost, compromising range and precision, or failing to address both issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves automatically controlling the projectile to trace an increasing circle along its longitudinal axis during the lock-on phase, using sinusoidal angular variations to expand the viewing zone of the homing device without requiring additional sensors or increasing costs, thereby enhancing target detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the field size of the homing device is increased to enable earlier detection, then target detection range is improved, but precision deteriorates and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control to the missile's flight path by implementing sinusoidal angular variations that cause the missile to trace an increasing circle during the lock-on phase. This dynamic maneuvering allows the fixed-field homing device to sweep through a larger effective viewing zone over time, achieving early detection capability without requiring a physically larger field of view sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic sinusoidal angular variations in the missile's flight path. These periodic maneuvers create a sweeping motion that systematically covers a large angular zone during the lock-on phase, enabling the homing device to detect targets at extended ranges while maintaining the precision benefits of a smaller, fixed-field sensor
2Measurement precision
If navigational capabilities are improved to reduce inertial drift error, then navigation precision is improved, but cost increases and target movement errors are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the homing device self-service by implementing an automatic increasing circle tracing maneuver. The system uses its own homing device feedback to autonomously execute the sinusoidal angular variations and maintain target acquisition, eliminating the need for additional external sensors or complex navigational augmentation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flight path parameters by implementing time-varying sinusoidal angular variations. This parameter modification transforms the missile's trajectory from a straight path to an increasing circular pattern, dynamically adjusting the viewing zone to compensate for both navigational drift and target movement without requiring improved navigation hardware
3Measurement precision
If a data transmission link is provided to update target coordinates, then target location accuracy is improved, but cost, space requirements, and operational capacity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the homing device to serve itself by using the missile's own motion control system to execute the increasing circle tracing maneuver. This self-service approach allows the system to maintain target acquisition through autonomous maneuvering based on homing device feedback, eliminating the need for external data transmission links or coordinate update systems
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using data transmission to provide target location information to guide the missile, the patent inverts the approach by using the homing device's own detection capability combined with dynamic missile maneuvering to maintain target acquisition. The control system responds to homing device feedback by executing sinusoidal angular variations, reversing the traditional flow of information
4Length of stationary object
If the field of view is increased to maintain target detection during drift, then detection capability is improved, but precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control to compensate for the fixed field of view limitation. By implementing sinusoidal angular variations that create an increasing circle tracing maneuver, the system dynamically sweeps the fixed field of view across a larger angular zone, maintaining detection capability during navigational drift without requiring a physically larger sensor field
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic sinusoidal maneuvers to systematically sweep the fixed field of view through a large angular zone during the lock-on phase. This periodic action allows the homing device to cover extended areas over time, maintaining detection capability during target drift and movement while preserving the precision benefits of a smaller field of view sensor
Data Source
AI summary
According to the invention, the projectile (1) is provided with a strapdown homing device (2), said device having a lock-on phase during which the latter attempts to detect a target (C), and including an viewing direction (3), said viewing direction (3) being fixed with respect to the projectile (1) and extending along the longitudinal axis (4) of the latter, said projectile (1) further comprising control means (8) for automatically controlling said projectile (1) so as to cause the longitudinal axis (4) thereof, in flight and during the lock-on phase of the homing device (2), to trace a circle, the radius of which increases in time, until the target (C) is detected.