Optical Impact Control System for Munitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-lethal weapon systems have limited range and accuracy due to high kinetic energy projectiles, which can be lethal, and existing proximity sensors are vulnerable to countermeasures and have poor angular resolution, limiting their effectiveness in airburst capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An optical impact system is integrated into munitions, utilizing laser light sources and photodetectors for optical triangulation and deceleration mechanisms to reduce kinetic energy and enhance accuracy, while also incorporating anti-countermeasure functionality to prevent false firings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high initial projectile velocity is used to deliver projectile to remote target with reasonable accuracy, then target engagement range is improved, but kinetic energy at impact becomes sufficient to penetrate human tissue or cause large blunt trauma making the weapon system lethal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by deploying deceleration mechanisms (parachutes, airbags, fins, or ballast expulsion) before the projectile impacts the target. These mechanisms are activated in advance to reduce kinetic energy, allowing the projectile to maintain high initial velocity for long-range accuracy while safely reducing impact energy to non-lethal levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary deceleration devices between the projectile and target. Parachutes, airbags, and fins act as intermediaries that mediate the energy transfer, absorbing or dissipating kinetic energy during flight before impact, thus enabling long-range engagement without lethal impact forces.
2Device complexity
If passive (capacitive or inductive) proximity sensors are used to detect target, then device complexity is reduced, but detection range is limited to very short distances with short time for slow-down mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive capacitive or inductive sensors with active optical sensors (laser range finders). This substitution enables long-range detection by using light emission and reflection, providing sufficient time for deceleration mechanisms to reduce kinetic energy before impact, while maintaining manageable system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If active acoustic sensors are used to detect target, then detection capability is improved, but emitting aperture requirement is relatively large that is not available on small-caliber projectiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic sensors with optical sensors (laser range finders). Optical systems can achieve precise target detection with small emitting apertures suitable for small-caliber projectiles, unlike acoustic sensors that require large apertures for adequate detection capability.
4Speed
If active radio frequency sensors are used to detect target, then detection range is improved, but small emission aperture causes spread of radio waves into large angle so any object located aside of projectile trajectory can trigger slow-down mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio frequency sensors with optical sensors (laser range finders). Optical systems provide both long detection range and narrow beam divergence, ensuring that only objects directly in the projectile's path trigger the slow-down mechanism, thereby eliminating false triggers from off-trajectory objects while maintaining reliable target detection.
5Speed
If larger aperture of receiving channel in optical sensor is used to collect more light reflected from diffuse target, then target detection range is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the laser transmitter and photodetector into a single optical impact system that serves multiple functions: ranging, target detection, and trigger activation. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve extended detection range through optimized optical geometry without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 optical impact system improves the accuracy, reliability, and lethality of munitions, enabling effective engagement at various ranges and resisting optical countermeasures, thus enhancing the capability to engage targets with precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing laser light sources and photodetectors for optical triangulation
Implementation Method 2
The light reflected from these objects is used in optical range finders or proximity sensors to trigger a slow-down mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An optical impact system controls munitions termination through sensing proximity to a target and preventing effects of countermeasures on false munitions termination. Embodiments can be implemented on in a variety of munitions such as small and mid caliber that can be applicable in non-lethal weapons and in weapons of high lethality with airburst capability for example and in guided air-to-ground and cruise missiles. Embodiments can improve accuracy, reliability and lethality of munitions depending on its designation without modification in a weapon itself and make the weapon resistant to optical countermeasures.