Modular Optical Sensor Alignment for Missile Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fuzing sensors for missile guidance require complex and costly alignments, making them prone to errors and inefficiencies due to misalignment of optical components, leading to increased detection delays and errors in detecting moving targets.
Innovation Solution
A modular optical sensor system comprising self-contained transceiver modules with individually aligned optical transmitters and receivers, which can be easily assembled and aligned, allowing for the detection of objects using multiple cones and verification algorithms, reducing the complexity and expense of alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a central receiver with multiple transmitters and detectors is used, then detection coverage is improved, but alignment complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensor modules, each containing its own transmitter and detector. Each module operates autonomously to detect objects in its specific sector, eliminating the need for complex central alignment while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage through modular distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor module is self-contained with integrated transmitter-detector pairs that independently perform detection functions. The modules self-align to the rotating axis without requiring precise mutual alignment between components, as each module independently references the rotation axis for its detection cone orientation.
2Measurement precision
If precise alignment of all optical elements is required, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing and repair difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the optical alignment problem into independent module-level alignments rather than system-level alignment. Each module only requires alignment of its internal transmitter-detector pair to the rotation axis, which is mechanically simplified through the carrier design, while maintaining detection accuracy through independent operational cones.
Solution Approach 2:
If a sensor module becomes misaligned or faulty, only that specific module needs to be replaced rather than re-aligning the entire sensor system. The modular design allows individual modules to be independently swapped, recovering system functionality without complex re-alignment procedures.
3Reliability
If complex optics are used in transmitters to deflect beams, then detection capability is improved, but cost and internal misalignment risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical function is segmented into simple transmitter-detector pairs within each module rather than complex centralized optics. Each transmitter projects light along the rotation axis and each detector views along the same axis, eliminating the need for complex beam-deflecting optics while maintaining detection capability through the rotating cone geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex optics to deflect beams to specific regions, the system inverts the approach by having transmitters project along the rotation axis and relying on the rotation itself to create the detection cone. The detectors similarly view along the axis, and the rotating geometry naturally defines the conical detection volume without requiring optical deflection.
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 modular design simplifies the alignment process, reduces the risk of misalignment errors, and enhances the robustness of the sensor system by allowing faulty modules to be replaced independently, improving detection accuracy and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A first optical transmitter that produces at least one beam of light
Implementation Method 2
reflected light from the first optical transmitter
Implementation Method 3
a first optical receiver that is operative to detect reflected light from the first optical transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor system and method includes a plurality of optical transceiver modules arranged across the surface of the optical sensor in a predetermined pattern. A given optical transceiver module includes an optical transmitter that produces at least one light beam and an optical receiver that detects reflected light from the at least one light beam. The optical transceiver module further includes housing for housing the optical transmitter and the optical receiver.