Handheld Mortar Sighting Device with Compass and Distance Dials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mortar sighting systems for handheld mortars are limited by the need for manual adjustment of elevation and azimuth, which is time-consuming and inaccurate, especially in harsh battlefield conditions where GPS is unreliable, and they often require fragile electronic components that are not robust enough for such environments.
Innovation Solution
A compact, rugged sighting device with a bracket-mounted compass and distance/charge scale indicators that allow quick and accurate adjustment of mortar tube angle and direction, enabling rapid target acquisition and reacquisition without the need for complex calculations, and featuring luminescent indicia for night use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment of elevation and azimuth is used in mortar sighting systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and targeting accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sighting system is divided into separate functional modules: a compass assembly for azimuth measurement, an elevation scale for angle measurement, and a target acquisition reticle. Each component is independently adjustable and mounted on separate planes, allowing manual operation while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated functional elements.
Solution Approach 2:
A bracket-mounted compass assembly serves as an intermediary device between the mortar tube and the environment. The compass provides reliable azimuth measurement without requiring complex electronic systems, using magnetic field interaction to enable accurate directional targeting in harsh battlefield conditions.
2Measurement precision
If GPS-based targeting systems are used, then the measurement precision improves, but the reliability deteriorates in harsh battlefield conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive, fragile GPS electronics with simple, robust mechanical components including a compass and scaled indicators. These low-cost elements are inherently more reliable in harsh environments, sacrificing some automated precision for proven durability and independence from external signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The sighting device is completely self-contained, using the Earth's magnetic field for directional reference and mechanical scales for elevation measurement. It requires no external power sources, satellite signals, or complex calibration, making it autonomously reliable in GPS-denied environments.
3Measurement precision
If complex calculations are required for target acquisition, then the measurement precision improves, but the time to acquire target deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sight assembly includes pre-calibrated elevation scales and a compass with degree markings that directly indicate the required tube angle and direction. The reticle is pre-configured with stadia lines for rapid range estimation, eliminating the need for complex trigonometric calculations during combat and enabling immediate target engagement.
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 solution enables faster and more accurate targeting and firing, reducing the time to place accurate fire on target, improving combat effectiveness and reducing the reliance on fragile electronic systems, while being more reliable and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
featuring luminescent indicia for night use
Data Source
AI summary
A sighting assembly for a mortar employed in handheld mode. The sighting assembly is attached to the discharge end of a mortar tube by a mounting collar. The collar includes first and second distance indicator dials that employ a pointer to indicate the distance a mortar projectile will travel at different mortar angles and charges. The sighting assembly further includes structure allowing a compass to be locked in a housing by a first cam lever. The entire housing pivots about a cam bolt attached to a second cam lever that can lock the housing in a position parallel to the ground at any angle the mortar is positioned. This will allow a measurement of azimuth to a target to be taken. The azimuth and distance measurements can be used to deliver a mortar projectile to the target while keeping the target in the mortarman's line of sight.