Missile Test Control Device for UAV Service Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for testing and servicing unmanned missiles require highly specialized personnel, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors due to limited qualified personnel in some armed forces, which can impact mission success and safety.
Innovation Solution
A device with a command input unit, data output unit, computer unit, and program storage unit, equipped with a control program that allows for intuitive operation of missile simulation and test/service devices, enabling less specialized personnel to perform thorough tests by ensuring correct interface connections and providing user-friendly feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If highly specialized personnel are used to conduct functional tests and service procedures, then test depth and reliability are improved, but personnel availability and operational efficiency deteriorate due to limited qualified personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the test personnel and the missile testing system. This control device includes a computer unit with control programs that automatically manage test sequences, data acquisition, and evaluation. The intermediary handles complex test coordination and interpretation, allowing less specialized personnel to conduct tests while maintaining high reliability through automated expert systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device enables semi-automated testing where the system itself performs many functions previously requiring expert intervention. The control programs automatically configure test parameters, execute test sequences, analyze results, and generate reports. This self-service capability allows standardization of test procedures and reduces dependence on highly specialized personnel while maintaining test quality.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate control devices are used for different tests and service procedures, then test specialization and precision are improved, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed as a universal multi-functional system that can perform various functional tests and service procedures for missiles. The computer unit contains multiple control programs that can be selected and executed based on the specific test or service requirement. This single device replaces multiple specialized control devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining test precision through dedicated control programs for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate control functions into a single integrated control device. The device merges test control, service procedure control, data acquisition, and result evaluation functions into one unified system. This consolidation simplifies the overall test infrastructure while maintaining the precision of individual test functions through specialized control programs within the unified device.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If comprehensive functional tests are conducted to ensure mission success, then detection capability is improved, but test time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device includes preliminary configuration and setup functions that prepare the testing environment before actual functional tests begin. Test parameters, evaluation criteria, and data acquisition settings are pre-configured through the command input unit. This preliminary action reduces the time required during actual testing while ensuring comprehensive error detection capabilities are fully utilized from the start of the test sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system enables continuous execution of test sequences without interruption or manual intervention. The computer unit continuously acquires test data, processes results, and transitions between test phases automatically. This continuous operation maximizes the detection capability of comprehensive tests while minimizing idle time and reducing overall test duration compared to manual testing procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for controlling functional tests and/or service procedures for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can be deployed from aircraft comprises: - a command input unit (10); - a data output unit (12); - a computer unit (14); - at least one program storage unit (16); - at least one interface (18, 19; 118; 218) that can be connected to a missile simulation device (22) that can be attached to a weapon station (20) of the aircraft (2) and/or to a test and service device (32) that can be attached to the missile (3) or to a combined device (42) that integrates the missile simulation device and the test and service device;- wherein at least one control program for at least one test or service program stored in a program memory (220) of the missile simulation device (22) and/or a test and service program stored in a program memory (320) of the test and service device (32) can be stored in the program memory unit (16) and can be executed in the computer unit (14); - wherein the at least one test or service program can be selected and started by a user using the command input unit (10); and - wherein feedback from the test or service program is output to the user using the data output unit (12).