Non-Parallel Entry Window for Munition Radiation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radome/detector designs for guided munitions suffer from limited velocity due to aerodynamic drag, and conic-shaped radomes result in poor detection of small and distant targets due to limited field of view and radiation loss.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with an entry window having a non-parallel outer and inner surface, a radiation transmission assembly, and a radiation sensor, which includes a reflective conduit and waveguide to enhance detection efficiency and field of view, allowing for efficient radiation detection in a conic-shaped munition section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hemispherical radome is used, then the detector can receive radiation, but the aerodynamic drag increases and velocity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation detection capabilityVSAvoidmunition velocity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The radome transitions from a hemispherical shape to a conic-shaped configuration, optimizing the curvature profile to reduce aerodynamic drag while preserving radiation detection functionality through the non-parallel surface geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Speed

If a conic-shaped radome is used to reduce aerodynamic drag, then velocity increases, but the field of view is limited and detection of small/distant targets deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemunition velocityVSAvoidradiation detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The entry window employs non-parallel outer and inner surfaces with asymmetric geometry, where the outer surface forms a first angle and the inner surface forms a second angle, creating an asymmetric optical path that expands the field of view and improves target detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces angular dimensionality through the non-parallel surfaces, where the outer surface is oriented at a first angle relative to the radiation propagation direction and the inner surface at a second angle, creating a three-dimensional optical pathway that expands detection capabilities beyond the limitations of conventional parallel-surface designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Speed

If windows or waveguides conform to the outer surface of the munition, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the field of view remains limited and detection performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemunition velocityVSAvoidtarget detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The entry window utilizes non-parallel outer and inner surfaces with different angular orientations, creating an asymmetric geometric configuration that simultaneously achieves aerodynamic compatibility with conic-shaped radomes and expands the optical field of view for improved target detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 provides a greater field of view, reduces radiation loss, increases detection aperture, and enables efficient radiation detection in a conic-shaped munition section, improving the precision and accuracy of guided munitions.

Implementation Method 1

an entry window configured to receive radiation from a target, the entry window having an outer surface and an inner surface, such that the outer surface is not parallel to the inner surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

The apparatus further includes a radiation transmission assembly configured to receive at least a portion of the radiation received by the entry window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The apparatus further includes a radiation transmission assembly configured to receive at least a portion of the radiation received by the entry window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 4

which includes a reflective conduit and waveguide to enhance detection efficiency and field of view

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal Internal Reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 5

a radiation sensor configured to receive at least a portion of the radiation from the radiation transmission assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7511253B2Apparatus for detecting radiation and munition incorporating same

Publication Date: 2009.03.31 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for detecting radiation includes an entry window configured to receive radiation from a target, the entry window having an outer surface and an inner surface, such that the outer surface is not parallel to the inner surface. The apparatus further includes a radiation transmission assembly configured to receive at least a portion of the radiation received by the entry window. The apparatus further includes a radiation sensor configured to receive at least a portion of the radiation from the radiation transmission assembly.