Platform Device Orientation Control for Energy and Stealth

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing platform-mounted devices, such as night vision goggles, lack the ability to detect and control the orientation and location of illuminating devices relative to the user's field of view, limiting energy-saving and stealth capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an orientation sensor and a processor that creates a virtual sector relative to the horizon or earth frame of reference, senses the device's orientation, and generates control commands to manage the device's operational state based on its position within this sector, allowing for automatic shutdown when not in use to conserve energy and avoid detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If automatic shutdown is implemented to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device cannot operate when not in the user's field of view

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical tilt sensors with electronic orientation sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) that provide precise three-dimensional orientation data. This substitution enables more accurate and versatile detection of device orientation, allowing the system to make informed decisions about when to activate or deactivate based on complex spatial parameters rather than simple mechanical positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent defines multiple adjustable parameters including sector boundaries, activation thresholds, and orientation ranges. These parameters can be customized to match different operational requirements and user preferences, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to various scenarios while maintaining energy efficiency. The sector concept allows flexible definition of operational zones in three-dimensional space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If illumination units remain on to ensure visibility, then visibility is improved, but detection by enemy forces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoiddetectability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of illumination units based on real-time orientation data. The system continuously monitors device orientation and automatically adjusts illumination activation accordingly, switching between active and inactive states. This dynamic approach ensures illumination is available when needed while minimizing exposure during non-operational periods, creating an adaptive safety mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from orientation sensors to continuously monitor device position and orientation relative to the user's field of view. This feedback loop enables automatic decision-making about illumination activation, ensuring that lights are turned on when the device is in the operational sector and turned off when outside it, thereby balancing visibility needs with stealth requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If mechanical sensors are used to detect device position, then detection capability is provided, but the system is limited to specific mechanical arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidmechanical arrangement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs electronic orientation sensors that can detect device orientation in three-dimensional space regardless of the specific mechanical mounting arrangement. These sensors provide universal detection capability that works with various mechanical configurations, eliminating the need for sensor-specific mechanical designs and enabling broad adaptability across different device types and mounting scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise control of platform-mounted devices to conserve energy and maintain stealth by automatically shutting down when not in use, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing detectability.

Implementation Method 1

an orientation sensor configured to sense orientation of the platform mounted device relative to the platform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

which use magnetic and/or mechanic actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10379363B2System and method for controlling platform mounted devices

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 ELBIT SECURITY SYST LTD

AI summary

A system for controlling a platform mounted devices which includes an orientation sensor configured to sense orientation of the platform mounted device relative to an earth leveled frame of reference; and a processor configured to: create a sector relative to the earth leveled frame of reference, receive from said orientation sensor an indication about orientation of said mounted device, analyze orientation versus the created sector, decide whether the device is within a pre-decided portion of the sector, and generate a control command according to the decision.