Orientation Device Automatic North Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing true-north determination process using orientation devices with rate gyro type members is lengthy and requires manual setup, taking several minutes to achieve the desired precision of one milliradian, which delays the identification of target bearings for soldiers.
Innovation Solution
An orientation device with a true-north finder incorporating a rate gyro type member, sensors for inclination measurement, and automatic triggering mechanisms, allowing the device to determine true north automatically when it is correctly positioned on a support, eliminating the need for manual setup and reducing setup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual setup and positioning is performed to ensure horizontal placement and proper support, then measurement precision is improved, but setup time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-positioning and self-triggering through integrated sensors. The inclination sensors automatically detect when the device is horizontally positioned, and the contact sensor detects when the device is resting on the support, triggering north determination automatically without requiring manual intervention or external triggering by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from inclination sensors and contact sensors to automatically control the north determination process. The sensors provide real-time information about the device's positioning state, and the control unit uses this feedback to decide when to trigger and when to stop the north determination, creating a closed-loop automated system.
2Measurement precision
If the north determination process is triggered manually after positioning, then measurement precision is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with sensors and automatic triggering mechanisms during manufacturing. The inclination sensors and contact sensors are positioned to automatically detect when the device is properly positioned, and the control unit is pre-programmed to trigger the north determination process automatically when the sensors detect the correct positioning state, eliminating the need for manual triggering during operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple manual steps are performed for device setup and positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning verification functions into a single integrated system. The inclination sensors and contact sensor work together as a unified detection system, and the control unit integrates the logic for both positioning detection and north determination triggering. This merging reduces the number of separate manual steps required while maintaining positioning accuracy.
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 automatic triggering of true north determination significantly reduces the time required for soldiers to identify target bearings, making the process more efficient and expedient.
Implementation Method 1
a member of rate gyro type associated with calculation means
Implementation Method 2
at least one of these legs incorporates a sensor that changes state when the device is resting on a support via its legs
Implementation Method 3
sensors for measuring the inclination of this device with respect to the horizontal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an orientation device comprising: a true north finder including a rate-gyroscope-type member, as well as sensors that can be used to measure the inclination of the device in relation to the horizontal, and associated calculation means for determining the orientation of the true north used on information provided by the rate gyroscope-type member and the sensors. According to the invention, the device also includes three feet that are used to support the device when it is placed on a support, at least one of said feet including a built-in sensor that changes state when the device is resting on a support by means of the feet, and means for automatically triggering the determination of the orientation of the north when the device is sufficiently horizontal and when the sensor indicates that it is placed on a support.