Missile Seeker Sensor Dual-Path RF EM Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing missile seeker sensors face challenges in efficiently utilizing limited space within missiles to detect multiple types of radiation, often resulting in high signal loss and complex optical alignment due to the placement of detectors, particularly when detecting radiation types other than RF waves.
Innovation Solution
A multimode sensor using a Cassegrain telescope configuration with a primary reflector that is reflective to both RF and EM waves and a secondary reflector that is reflective to RF waves but transmissive to EM waves, placing the RF detector behind the primary reflector and the EM detector behind the secondary reflector to minimize signal loss and optimize the optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the EM detector is placed behind the primary reflector to minimize signal loss, then the detection range is improved, but the RF detector placement becomes complex and space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into two separate optical paths: one for RF waves and one for EM waves. The RF detector and EM detector are positioned at different locations with各自 optimized optical paths, allowing each detector to achieve optimal performance without compromising the other. This segmentation resolves the conflict between detection range and optical alignment complexity by providing dedicated pathways for each radiation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth along the optical axis) to accommodate multiple detectors at different positions. By arranging the RF detector behind the primary reflector and the EM detector behind the secondary reflector at different axial positions, the system optimizes signal collection for both radiation types without requiring complex lateral displacement or compromising detection range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detectors are included in the missile to enhance detection capabilities, then the versatility is improved, but the space utilization is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The primary reflector serves dual functions: it reflects RF waves to the RF detector and simultaneously reflects EM waves to the EM detector. This multi-functionality allows the same optical component to support multiple detection capabilities without requiring separate dedicated reflectors for each radiation type, thereby improving versatility while conserving space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the RF detection and EM detection systems into a single integrated sensor unit with shared optical components. By merging the two detection functions into one compact assembly rather than using separate independent systems, the patent achieves enhanced detection capabilities while minimizing the overall volume occupied within the missile.
3Measurement precision
If the secondary reflector is made transmissive to EM waves to allow detection, then the EM wave detection is improved, but the RF wave reflection is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary reflector is designed with spatially varying properties: it is reflective in regions where RF wave reflection is needed and transmissive in regions where EM wave passage is required. This local differentiation of optical properties allows the single component to simultaneously support both RF detection and EM detection functions with optimal performance for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary reflector employs composite construction combining reflective and transmissive materials or structures in a single component. This composite design enables the reflector to selectively reflect RF waves while allowing EM waves to pass through, resolving the contradiction between RF wave reflection reliability and EM wave detection capability.
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 reduces signal loss to 20% or less, effectively doubling the range of detection and allowing for additional detectors to be included in the missile, such as imagers, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a primary, concave, reflector (40) that is reflective to RF waves, a secondary, convex, reflector (50) that is reflective to RF waves
Implementation Method 2
the primary reflector being reflective to the EM wave but including a transmissive region through which RF waves can pass
Implementation Method 3
the secondary reflector is reflective to RF waves but transmissive, and not reflective, to the EM wave
Implementation Method 4
arranged to further reflect the RF waves through the transmissive region of the primary reflector
Implementation Method 5
an RF detector (60) for detecting RF waves, arranged on the opposite side of the primary reflector from the secondary reflector and arranged to detect the RF waves reflected by the secondary reflector
Implementation Method 6
a second detector (80) for detecting the EM wave after it is reflected by the primary reflector and transmitted through the secondary reflector
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor (20) for a missile seeker includes a primary, concave, reflector (40) that is reflective to RF waves (70) and to another kind of waves (90), but that includes a transmissive region (100), through which RF waves (70) can pass. A secondary, convex, reflector (50) is reflective to RF waves (70) but transmissive, and not reflective, to the other kind of waves (90), and is arranged facing the primary reflector (40) to further reflect RF waves (70) reflected by the primary reflector (40) through the transmissive region (100) of the primary reflector (40). An RF detector (60) is arranged on the opposite side of the primary reflector (40) from the secondary reflector (50) and arranged to detect the RF waves (70) reflected by the secondary reflector (50) through the transmissive region (100) of the primary reflector (40). A second detector (80), for detecting the other kind of waves (90), is arranged on the opposite side of the secondary reflector (50) from the primary reflector (40) and is arranged to detect the other kind of waves (90) after they are reflected by the primary reflector (40) and transmitted through the secondary reflector (50).