Optical Safety Assembly for Moving Laser Weapon Targets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems for laser-directed energy weapons struggle to precisely constrain high-energy laser radiation to a defined area, especially for moving targets, and require large buffer regions for switch-off, making scenarios impossible and reducing the representativeness of training and testing.
Innovation Solution
A safety assembly comprising a control system with a photodetector and processing unit, and an optical device that provides a light beam to the photodetector, allowing the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only when the light beam matches predetermined attributes, thereby ensuring precise control and rapid shut-down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional safety systems use physically restrained pointing systems or large backstops to constrain laser beams, then safety is improved, but the system becomes unsuitable for moving targets and requires large buffer regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pointing restraint systems (gimbals, physical stops) with an optical detection system using photodetectors and light beams to verify target acquisition. This substitution enables the system to adapt to moving targets while maintaining safety, as the optical system can dynamically track and verify pointing accuracy without mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical verification system that acts as a mediator between the laser weapon and the target. The system uses light beams and photodetectors to verify pointing accuracy before allowing laser firing, creating a safety layer that does not require large buffer zones or physical restraints.
2Reliability
If large buffer regions are used to accommodate long switch-off periods and high tracking slew rates, then safety is improved, but many scenarios become impossible and training representativeness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where photodetectors continuously monitor the presence and position of a light beam reflected from the target. This real-time feedback enables rapid verification of target acquisition and immediate shutdown when the target moves out of the verification zone, eliminating the need for large buffer regions and reducing switch-off time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary verification of target acquisition using the optical detection system before allowing laser firing. The system must detect and verify the target's position and characteristics before the laser is permitted to fire, ensuring safety without requiring large buffer zones during actual operation.
3Reliability
If ship roll and pitch are accommodated with additional buffer angles, then safety is improved, but beam control precision and avoidance of collateral assets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic optical verification system that adapts to platform motion. The photodetector system continuously tracks the reflected light beam from the target, automatically compensating for platform roll and pitch without requiring fixed buffer angles. This dynamic adaptation maintains beam control precision while ensuring safety during maritime operations.
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 safety assembly enables precise definition of a firing region, reduces the risk of bodily harm or damage, accommodates moving targets, and minimizes buffer zones, thereby improving safety and representativeness during training and testing.
Implementation Method 1
a control system comprising a photodetector and a processing unit; an optical device configured to attach to a target such that, when attached, the optical device provides a light beam to the photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
A safety assembly for use with a laser-directed energy weapon is disclosed. The assembly comprises a control system comprising a photodetector and a processing unit; and an optical device configured to attach to a target such that, when attached, the optical device provides a light beam to the photodetector. The processing unit is arranged to compare the received light beam against one or more predetermined attributes, and to permit the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only when the received light beam is determined to have the one or more attributes.