Missile Seeker Head Roll-Resistant Detector Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seeker heads for guided missiles face challenges in detecting small and distant targets due to image blurring caused by the missile's roll motion, which limits the sensitivity and optical range, especially when the input optics are rotated relative to a stationary matrix detector.
Innovation Solution
The detector unit is attached to the rolling frame, allowing it to rotate with the input optics, maintaining a stable image on the matrix detector, and a cooler is fixed to the outer housing to prevent noise, while a communication unit enables data transmission during rolling movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the input optics are rotated relative to a stationary matrix detector to track moving targets, then the tracking capability is improved, but image blurring occurs due to missile roll motion
Solution Approach 1:
The detector unit is merged with the rolling frame, causing both the input optics and matrix detector to rotate together during missile roll. This eliminates relative motion between them, preventing image blurring while maintaining the ability to track moving targets through coordinated rotation of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static detector configuration to a dynamic one where the detector unit rotates with the rolling frame. This dynamic configuration allows the detector to maintain stable imaging during missile roll by adapting its orientation to match the rolling motion, thereby preserving image sharpness throughout the integration time.
2Reliability
If the integration time is extended to improve sensitivity for distant targets, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but image blurring increases due to scene dynamics during integration
Solution Approach 1:
By making the detector unit dynamic and rotating it with the rolling frame during the integration period, the system maintains stable imaging even over extended integration times. The detector and optics move together as a unified system, eliminating relative motion that would cause blurring during long exposures to distant targets.
3Device complexity
If the matrix detector is fixed to the outer housing, then the structural simplicity is improved, but image quality deteriorates during missile roll due to relative rotation with input optics
Solution Approach 1:
The seeker head is segmented into distinct functional modules: the detector unit is separated from the outer housing and attached to the rolling frame, while the cooler remains fixed to the housing. This segmentation allows different parts to perform different functions - the detector unit rotates with the optics for stable imaging, while the cooler stays stationary for thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector unit is merged with the rolling frame rather than being fixed to the outer housing. This merging ensures that the detector and input optics rotate together during missile roll, maintaining their relative alignment and preventing image quality deterioration while preserving structural efficiency.
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
This configuration enhances the seeker head's sensitivity by allowing longer integration times and improved detection of small, distant objects, reducing image smearing and increasing the optical range.
Implementation Method 1
a cooler is fixed to the outer housing to prevent noise
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a search head (4) for a guided missile (2) comprising an outer housing (58, 60), a detector unit (20) with a matrix detector (22), an optical system (6) for imaging an object (28) from an object scene (30) surrounding the guided missile (2) onto the matrix detector (22), comprising an input optic (10) and an optical joint (12), and a roll-pitch system (40) for aligning at least the input optic (10) with the object (28) by means of a rolling frame (42) and a pitching frame (44). In order to detect even distant and weakly emitting objects (28) while the guided missile (2) is rolling, it is proposed that the detector unit (20) be mounted on the rolling frame (42) in a roll-resistant manner.