Modular Sighting Assembly Trajectory Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sighting systems for weapons lack the ability to accurately align the barrel with a trajectory angle to hit targets at specific distances, especially under varying conditions like high elevation angles, which can lead to inaccurate projectile launches.
Innovation Solution
A modular sighting assembly that includes a processor-controlled laser system, a motor mount, and a rotating gimbal, which calculates and adjusts the trajectory angle based on target distance input, ensuring the weapon's barrel is aligned for precise projectile launch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed sighting system is used, then the structure is simple, but the weapon cannot accurately align with trajectory angles for high elevation targets
Solution Approach 1:
The sighting system incorporates a rotatable laser assembly mounted on a motor mount with a drive shaft, allowing dynamic adjustment of the laser orientation. This enables the system to calculate and align with precise trajectory angles for high elevation targets, transforming a static sighting mechanism into a dynamically adjustable one that adapts to varying target distances and elevations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sighting mechanisms with a processor-controlled laser system. The processor receives target distance input, calculates the required trajectory angle, and controls the motor to rotate the laser assembly to the correct orientation. This substitution of mechanical computation with electronic processing and optical alignment significantly improves measurement precision while managing system complexity through integration
2Measurement precision
If manual sighting adjustment is used, then the system is easy to operate, but accuracy is insufficient for varying target distances and elevations
Solution Approach 1:
The sighting system performs self-alignment through automated computation and actuation. The processor automatically calculates the trajectory angle based on input target distance, and the motor automatically rotates the laser assembly to the correct orientation without requiring manual adjustment by the operator. This self-service capability ensures precise alignment for varying target distances and elevations while reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the processor receives target distance input, computes the required trajectory angle, and controls the motor to achieve the precise angular orientation. This closed-loop control ensures that the laser assembly is accurately positioned to account for bullet drop and elevation, maintaining high measurement precision across varying operational conditions
3Reliability
If a rotatable laser assembly with motor control is added, then trajectory alignment accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor mount assembly serves multiple functions: it provides a rigid mounting structure for the laser, enables rotational movement for angle adjustment, and interfaces with the processor control system. By designing the motor mount to fulfill multiple roles simultaneously, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the reliability needed for accurate projectile launch
Solution Approach 2:
The laser assembly is nested within the motor mount structure, with the drive shaft extending into a cavity in the laser assembly. This nested configuration allows the motor to control laser rotation while minimizing the overall footprint and reducing the number of separate components, thereby managing device complexity while ensuring reliable trajectory alignment
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 system effectively aligns the weapon's barrel with the calculated trajectory angle, ensuring projectiles hit targets at specified distances, even under conditions of high elevation, improving accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The executable instructions are executed to operate the motor to rotate the laser assembly relative to the fixed section such that the barrel of the weapon will be aligned with the trajectory angle
Implementation Method 2
A laser assembly includes one or more lasers, the laser assembly being rotatably attached to the fixed section
Data Source
AI summary
A laser sighting system can be used in combination with a range finder for determining a distance to a target. An onboard ballistics computer processor in the laser sighting system calculates a trajectory and automatically rotates a pointing laser to the proper angle for causing the trajectory path of a fired projectile to intersect with the position of the target. The laser sighting system can also be used in a standalone mode wherein target distance information is input manually by the user.