Modular Guidance System for Ordnance Delivery Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Guidance systems for ordnance delivery devices are costly due to the need for unique electronic control systems for each combination of information gathering devices, control surface mechanisms, and desired effects, which increases complexity and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular guidance system that includes an interface for attaching to ordnance delivery devices, a control system for communication and operation, and interchangeable control surfaces, allowing it to connect with multiple types of ordnance delivery devices and operate as a standalone system if communication fails, thereby reducing complexity and cost by using standard parts for large production runs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unique electronic control system is designed for each combination of information gathering devices, control surface mechanisms, and desired effects, then the guidance system can be optimized for specific ordnance delivery devices, but the device complexity and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electronic control system that can interface with multiple types of information gathering devices, control surface mechanisms, and ordnance delivery devices through standardized communication protocols and modular architecture. This allows a single control system design to serve multiple functions across different weapon systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining optimized performance for each specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system is divided into modular components that can be independently configured and combined. Each module handles specific functions such as sensor interfacing, trajectory calculation, or control surface actuation, allowing the system to be assembled in different configurations for different ordnance delivery devices without redesigning the entire system.
2Reliability
If a unique electronic control system is designed for each combination of information gathering devices, control surface mechanisms, and desired effects, then the guidance system can be optimized for specific ordnance delivery devices, but the production cost increases due to reduced economies of scale
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal electronic control system that can be used across multiple ordnance delivery device types, the patent enables large-scale production of standardized components. This universality allows manufacturers to produce control systems in high volumes for various applications, achieving economies of scale that reduce per-unit costs while maintaining optimized performance for each specific weapon system through configurable parameters and modular interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized guidance systems are produced for different ordnance delivery devices, then each system can be tailored to specific requirements, but the manufacturing complexity and inventory management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system incorporates dynamic configurability where software parameters, communication protocols, and interface settings can be adjusted to match specific ordnance delivery device requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows a single hardware platform to be tailored for different applications through reconfiguration rather than physical redesign, maintaining adaptability while simplifying manufacturing processes and inventory management.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized guidance systems are produced for different ordnance delivery devices, then each system can be tailored to specific requirements, but the inventory requirements and logistics become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The universal electronic control system reduces inventory requirements by eliminating the need to stock multiple specialized control system variants. A single universal platform can serve multiple ordnance delivery device types, allowing the military to maintain smaller, more manageable inventories while still having the capability to support various weapon systems through reconfiguration rather than requiring separate specialized systems for each platform.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A guidance system (102) according to various aspects of the present invention operates in conjunction with a suite of different ordnance delivery devices (100). In one embodiment, the guidance system (102) comprises an interface (110) configured to attach to the ordnance delivery devices (100) in the suite, such, as via the fuze well. The guidance system (102) may further include a control system (112) adapted to attempt to establish communications with a subsystem of the ordnance delivery device (100) and operate the guidance system (102) as a standalone guidance system if the attempt fails. The guidance system (102) may further include a control surface (120) interchangeably attachable, for example via an interchangeable control surface module.