Optical Module Independent Line of Sight Weapon Station

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weapon stations often have dependent lines of sight, which can limit their ability to track targets effectively and operate with indirect fire, especially when higher stability is required for the sight unit than the weapon unit.

Innovation Solution

An optical module with at least a first mirror and a movably arranged second mirror is used to establish an independent line of sight, reducing the power requirements and cost by stabilizing the mirror instead of the entire sensor housing, and allowing the optical path to pass through or be directed via the mirrors for variable control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire sensor housing is stabilized to achieve independent line of sight, then the line of sight independence is improved, but the power consumption and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent line of sight capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the stabilization function from the entire sensor housing and applies it only to the optical module containing mirrors. This allows the optical module to provide independent line of sight while avoiding the high power consumption of stabilizing the complete sensor housing, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential stabilization function from the complex sensor housing system and isolates it to the optical module level. By taking out only the necessary components (mirrors and their mounting) for independent line of sight, the system achieves the required adaptability with significantly reduced power consumption compared to stabilizing the entire housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the entire sensor housing is stabilized to establish independent line of sight, then the tracking stability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the stabilization system into segments, applying it only where necessary for tracking stability - specifically to the optical module with mirrors. This segmentation maintains reliable tracking performance while avoiding the unnecessary complexity of stabilizing the entire sensor housing, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the stabilization function from the complex sensor housing architecture and concentrates it in the optical module. This extraction achieves the required tracking stability with minimal device complexity, as only the essential optical components need stabilization rather than the entire sensor assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex technical solution is used to achieve independent line of sight, then the line of sight independence is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent line of sight capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the independent line of sight function into a separate optical module that can be manufactured and tested independently before integration. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by breaking down the complex system into manageable modules, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the adaptability for independent line of sight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the independent line of sight functionality from the main sensor housing and implements it in a dedicated optical module. This extraction creates a more manufacturable system by isolating the complex function into a standardized module, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while preserving the required adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution reduces power consumption and servo requirements, enabling more stable and efficient tracking and targeting capabilities while maintaining compatibility with existing weapon stations.

Implementation Method 1

an optical module (1) for an independent line of sight, wherein the optical module (1) is capable of being arranged on a sight unit (101). The optical module (1) contains at least a first mirror (2) and at least a movably arranged second mirror (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11237378B2Device for a weapon station

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 BAE SYSTEM BOFORS AB

AI summary

An optical module for an independent line of sight is capable of being arranged on a sight unit. The optical module contains at least a first mirror and at least a movably arranged second mirror. A method for converting an existing weapon station into a weapon station with an independent line of sight, a sight unit arranged with an optical module, and a weapon station embodied with a sight unit, wherein an optical module is arranged on the sight unit, are also provided.