Modular Shielding Detection for Optoelectronic Viewfinder Platforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

The development and maintenance costs of optronic sights for armed land vehicles are high due to the need for distinct mechanical structures and shielding configurations for command and firing post sights, leading to increased complexity and storage requirements.

Innovation Solution

An optronic sight with adjustable shielding that can be installed or removed, equipped with detection means to adapt control of drive mechanisms based on shielding presence, allowing for identical platforms and piloting means for both sights, reducing the need for separate designs and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate mechanical structures and shielding configurations are used for command and firing post sights, then the sights are adapted to their specific functional requirements, but the development and maintenance costs increase due to the need for two different sight designs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to specific post requirementsVSAvoidcomplexity of having two different sight designs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sight system is segmented into a common base platform and separate configurable components (shielding, mounting brackets, optical assemblies). The command post sight includes ballistic shielding and panoramic mounting, while the firing post sight uses a simplified configuration without shielding, allowing each to be adapted to specific requirements while sharing the core platform

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A universal sight platform is designed that can serve both command post and firing post applications through configurable attachments. The same basic sight mechanism can be adapted to either position by adding or removing shielding components and adjusting mounting configurations, eliminating the need for completely separate sight designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate mechanical structures are used for command and firing post sights, then each sight is optimized for its specific location, but the maintenance costs and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimization for specific locationVSAvoidmaintenance cost and storage requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The sight system is divided into modular components where the core platform is standardized and only location-specific elements (shielding, mounting hardware) differ. This segmentation allows damaged components to be replaced independently and enables spare parts to be standardized across both post types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows for easy replacement of damaged sight assemblies. Since the core platform is identical, a sight removed from a damaged position can be recovered and reinstalled at another post after replacing only the damaged location-specific components, reducing maintenance costs and storage requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Device complexity

If identical piloting means are used for both sights, then the development cost is reduced, but the control must be adapted based on the presence or absence of shielding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereduction in development costVSAvoidadaptability of control to shielding configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to dynamically adapt its parameters based on detected shielding presence. Detection means identify whether shielding is installed, and the control automatically adjusts piloting parameters such as friction compensation values and stabilization gains to optimize performance for the specific configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Detection means provide feedback to the control system about the shielding configuration. This feedback enables the control to automatically select appropriate piloting parameters and compensation values, ensuring optimal performance whether shielding is present or absent without requiring manual reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3123100B1Optoelectronic viewfinder with modular shielding
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE (FR)
  • EP3123100B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an optoelectronic viewfinder with modular shielding, comprising an optoelectronic device (8), a bearing (15) comprising a rotary portion supporting the optoelectronic device (8), drive means engaging with the bearing such as to rotate the rotary portion, control means (14) suitable for controlling the drive means, and modular shielding suitable for being supported by the rotary portion of the bearing (15). According to the invention, the optoelectronic viewfinder is characterised by including detection means (24) for detecting the shielding connected to the control means which are arranged such as to adapt the control of the drive means in accordance with the result of the detection.