Ejectable Sensor Cover for Missile Front Lens Rain Erosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The front lens of optronic assemblies in missiles is susceptible to rain erosion, degrading optical performance, and existing solutions to use less erosion-sensitive materials have not provided adequate protection.
Innovation Solution
A removable cover is mounted over the optronic sensor, retained by tie rods and released by a pyrotechnic member controlled by the electronic guidance circuit, ensuring the lens is protected during flight and ejected before terminal phase to maintain detection performance without altering aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the front lens is exposed during flight, then the sensor can detect the target, but the lens is subjected to rain erosion that degrades optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
A removable cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the rain environment and the front lens. The cover protects the lens during flight and is deactivated near the target to allow detection, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of protection and detection
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable cover is added to protect the sensor, then rain erosion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optronic assembly is segmented into two parts: a protected front lens and a removable cover. This segmentation allows the lens to be protected during flight while enabling easy access for detection, resolving the contradiction between protection and functionality
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover remains attached during terminal phase, then the sensor is protected, but the aerodynamic performance is altered and detection is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions from a static attached state during flight to a dynamic ejected state during terminal phase. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to different flight phases, providing protection when needed and enabling detection when required
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 effectively prevents rain erosion of the lens while ensuring the sensor's detection performance and maintaining aerodynamic stability, with minimal mass and drag impact.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrotechnic member arranged to generate a force on the cover sufficient to break the retaining members
Implementation Method 2
retaining members arranged to retain the cover against aerodynamic forces exerted on the cover during flight
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial vehicle having a fuselage having a front portion provided with an optronic sensor and a cover for protecting the sensor, the cover being removably mounted and held on the fuselage by at least one retaining member arranged to retain the cover against aerodynamic forces exerted on the cover during flight. The aerial vehicle includes a member for deactivating the retaining member and an electronic control circuit arranged to control the deactivation member in flight to allow the cover to be ejected.