Modular Controller for Naval Launcher Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional naval above-deck launching systems are inflexible and limited to specific types of effectors, restricting the variety and number of missions that can be performed by naval ships due to their inability to adapt to different types or modified effectors.
Innovation Solution
A modular control system is implemented in the effector launching system, featuring a core processor module and converting modules with electro-mechanical interfaces, enabling the system to execute various launch sequences and adapt to different external components such as sensors, launchers, and power sources, allowing for the use of diverse effectors like missiles, UAVs, and flares.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional launching system is configured for a specific mission with a predetermined effector, then the system can reliably execute that specific mission, but the system cannot adapt to different types of effectors or modified effectors
Solution Approach 1:
The launching system is designed with a universal controller that can interface with multiple types of effectors through standardized protocols and converting modules. The controller can be configured to work with different effector types (missiles, flares, UAVs) without requiring complete system redesign, enabling one system to perform multiple missions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular components including a core controller, converting modules, and interface units. Each converting module can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the effector type being used, allowing the system to be reconfigured for different missions without changing the entire system architecture.
2Productivity
If the launching system uses a fixed configuration for a single effector type, then the system structure remains simple, but the variety and number of executable missions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The controller configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The system can change its operational parameters, interface protocols, and converting module activation status based on the mission requirements and effector type selected, allowing the same hardware to support multiple missions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as control signals, power supply configurations, and interface protocols according to the selected effector type. This allows the system to adapt to different missions by modifying software parameters and activating different converting modules rather than changing physical hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed to accommodate multiple effector types from the beginning, then mission versatility is achieved, but the initial system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes pre-configured converting modules and interface protocols that are built into the controller but remain inactive until needed. These modules are prepared in advance but only activated when a specific effector type is selected, allowing the system to be manufactured once with all capabilities while maintaining simplicity for each specific mission.
Data Source
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AI summary
An effector launching system includes an environment that has external components located within the environment. The effector launching system may include a modular controller located in the environment of an effector launching system and the external components may be located in the environment externally to the modular controller for executing an effector launching sequence. The modular controller may include a core processor module that is configured to execute a plurality of different effector launching sequences using the external components and a plurality of converting modules that each have an electro-mechanical interface and is connectable between the core processor module and one of the external components. The plurality of converting modules are configured to send and receive data with the core processor module and the plurality of external components.