Guided Munition Flight Paths for Off-Axis Target Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Guided munition systems face challenges in acquiring off-axis targets due to fixed sensors that cannot adjust their field of view, limiting their ability to engage targets outside their initial flight path without complex and costly rotatable sensors or requiring the launch platform to change its pre-programmed route.
Innovation Solution
A guided munition system that transitions from a first flight path to a second, pre-programmed path, such as u-shaped or spiral, to reposition its fixed sensor to detect off-axis targets, allowing the missile to adjust its flight path based on received signals and engage targets without altering the launch platform's route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed sensor is used on the guided munition, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the ability to detect off-axis targets is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the flight path dynamic and adaptable. Instead of using a fixed, static flight path, the system dynamically adjusts the flight path based on sensor detections. The guided munition can transition from a first flight path to a second flight path when off-axis targets are detected, allowing the fixed sensor to effectively scan different areas by changing the munition's position and orientation in space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotatable sensors are used to engage off-axis targets, then the target engagement capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Inversion principle by reversing the conventional approach. Instead of making the sensor rotatable to scan different directions, the system keeps the sensor fixed and rotates the entire guided munition platform. The flight path control system maneuvers the munition into different orientations and positions, allowing the fixed sensor to acquire off-axis targets through platform movement rather than sensor rotation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the launch platform changes its pre-programmed route to engage off-axis targets, then the target engagement capability is improved, but the mission reliability and pre-programmed route adherence deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Segmentation principle by dividing the overall mission into distinct phases: a primary pre-programmed flight path segment and secondary alternative flight path segments. The system maintains reliability by adhering to the primary pre-programmed route under normal conditions. When off-axis targets are detected, the system transitions to pre-programmed alternative flight path segments that are prepared in advance, thus maintaining overall mission reliability while enabling 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
Enables effective engagement of off-axis targets using a fixed sensor, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining the launch platform's pre-programmed route, enhancing the missile's targeting capabilities without the need for rotatable sensors.
Implementation Method 1
Target acquisition systems can determine a target location based on an input, such as radio waves or infrared signals, reflected or otherwise received from the target
Implementation Method 2
a signal generator to transmit a signal to illuminate the target, such that the signal is reflected from the target and received by the sensor of the guided munition
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are disclosed for navigating a missile to a target using a fixed sensor onboard the missile. In an embodiment, a system includes a launch platform traveling a pre-programmed route to deliver the missile within an area. The missile travels a first flight path through the area in effort to detect targets. If no targets are detected along the first flight path, the missile transitions to a second flight path, different from the first flight path, to locate targets off-axis relative to the first flight path. While the missile travels the second flight path, the sensor receives signal identifying a target located at a position off-axis relative to the first flight path. The missile then adjusts the second flight path to direct the missile to the target. In an example embodiment, the first flight path is straight or arced, while the second flight path is u-shaped, corkscrew-shaped, or spiral-shaped.