Optical Airburst Fuze Layout for Rear-Looking Command Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airburst projectile systems face logistical, developmental, and operational challenges, including high cost, complexity, sensitivity to clutter, and electromagnetic interference, while requiring specialized projectiles and weapons, and suffer from occlusion of optical sensors by the projectile body.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rear-looking optical sensor and detonation control system, allowing integration into existing projectiles and weapons, with the sensor mounted as a nose or mid-body fuze and using a periscoping device to maintain line of sight, and a DCS for on-the-fly detonation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a base-mounted optical sensor and fuze are used, then the sensor can receive optical commands, but the sensor is occluded by the projectile body and cannot maintain line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fuze system into two separate components: a base fuze mounted at the base of the projectile and a sensor fuze mounted on the nose or mid-body. This segmentation allows the sensor fuze to maintain line of sight for optical command reception while the base fuze handles detonation functions, resolving the occlusion problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a periscoping device as an intermediary optical path between the sensor fuze and the base fuze. This periscoping mechanism allows optical signals to be transmitted around the obstruction of the projectile body, enabling the base fuze to receive commands from the sensor fuze despite the occlusion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a nose or mid-body mounted sensor is used, then line of sight is maintained, but the sensor must be positioned to avoid occlusion by the projectile body
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fuze system into separate base and sensor fuzes, the patent simplifies the mounting configuration. The sensor fuze can be independently positioned on the nose or mid-body without complicating the overall system architecture, as the base fuze handles the detonation function separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The periscoping device acts as an intermediary that simplifies the optical path geometry. Instead of requiring complex sensor positioning to avoid occlusion, the periscoping mechanism provides a straightforward optical pathway around the projectile body, reducing the complexity of sensor mounting configurations.
3Reliability
If existing airburst systems are used, then airburst capability is achieved, but high cost and complexity are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor fuze and base fuze as universal components that can be integrated with existing projectile systems. The modular design allows the same fuze components to be used across different projectile types, reducing development costs and increasing system versatility while maintaining reliable airburst capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the fuze system into standardized base and sensor fuze modules, the patent reduces overall system complexity. Each module can be independently manufactured and tested, lowering production costs while maintaining the reliability of the airburst capability through standardized interfaces and procedures.
4Reliability
If specialized projectiles and weapons are required, then optimal performance is achieved, but logistical burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal fuze components that can be integrated with existing standardized projectiles and weapons systems. The modular base and sensor fuzes can be attached to various projectile types without requiring specialized custom projects, reducing logistical burden while maintaining optimized performance through the separated sensor and detonation functions.
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 reliable, adaptable, and cost-effective airburst capability with reduced logistical burden, improved lethality, and reduced electromagnetic signature, allowing operation in various conditions and integration with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
optical command airbursting ammunition by means of optically initiated command detonation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of airburst fuze configuration by which airburst capability may be retrofitted to existing weapons systems or munitions or configured for new ones. The system consists of a nose or mid-body fuze package for a host projectile, incorporating a rear-looking optical sensor system, which will periscope outwards to establish a rearwards line of sight. The fuze package is to be used with a separate and retained detonation control system which performs fire control calculations and transmits an optical signal at the time airbursting is desired, which subsequently prompts the rear-looking optical sensor to trigger the payload of the host projectile.