Pod-Borne Laser Weapon With Dual Optical Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser weapons are inadequate for quickly and efficiently destroying multiple small, agile flying objects like drones due to long focusing durations and high costs associated with deploying multiple weapons.
Innovation Solution
A laser weapon system with a steerable pod and dual optical deflection mechanisms, including a turret for large angular movement and secondary optical deflection for precise targeting, allowing rapid switching between targets and independent orientation of multiple laser effectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the laser beam power is increased to reduce destruction time, then the destruction time is reduced, but the cost-effectiveness deteriorates beyond a certain power level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pod orientation with optical beam deflection using deformable mirrors. The deformable mirror can rapidly change beam direction without mechanical movement, achieving faster target switching while maintaining cost-effectiveness compared to increasing laser power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of beam direction control from mechanical (pod orientation) to optical (deformable mirror shape). This allows rapid adjustment of beam pointing angles without the inertia and speed limitations of mechanical systems, reducing destruction time without increasing laser power.
2Speed
If the pod orientation speed is increased to switch between multiple targets, then the responsiveness is improved, but the mechanical complexity and speed limitations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical pod orientation with an optical beam deflection system using a deformable mirror. The mirror can be rapidly deformed electronically to change beam direction without mechanical movement of the entire pod, achieving high-speed target switching with reduced mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the functions of pod orientation and beam pointing. The pod provides coarse positioning while the deformable mirror provides fine, rapid beam direction control. This segmentation allows the heavy pod to remain stationary while the lightweight mirror handles rapid target switching.
3Productivity
If multiple laser weapons are deployed to destroy multiple flying objects simultaneously, then the destructive capacity is increased, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single laser weapon system capable of simultaneously engaging multiple targets through rapid beam deflection. The deformable mirror enables the single laser to quickly redirect its beam between multiple targets, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple weapon systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables a single laser weapon to serve itself for multiple targets through rapid beam steering. The deformable mirror allows the laser to automatically switch between targets without external intervention or additional weapons, reducing the quantity of weapons needed while maintaining destructive capacity.
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
Enhances the capability to simultaneously and successively destroy multiple targets with improved responsiveness and reduced costs by utilizing a single weapon system with enhanced beam orientation and deflection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source, initial optical means of deflection capable of deflecting the laser beam, a lens capable of focusing the laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a lens capable of focusing the laser beam
Implementation Method 3
This laser beam, by heating a point on the flying object, can cause its destruction
Implementation Method 4
first optical means of deflection capable of deflecting the laser beam
Implementation Method 5
second optical deflection means capable of deflecting the laser beam, these second optical deflection means being mounted on the pod and positioned after the target
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser weapon (1) comprising a pod (15), means for orienting said pod, and at least one laser effector (2) that emits a laser beam, said laser effector successively comprising, in the direction of propagation of the laser beam, a laser source, first optical deflection means, which are able to deflect the laser beam, and a lens for focusing the laser beam, said lens being supported by the pod. The laser weapon (1) also comprises control means that control the means for orienting the pod and the first optical deflection means of the laser effector. The laser effector comprises second optical deflection means able to deflect the laser beam, said second optical deflection means being supported by the pod (15) and positioned after the lens in the direction of propagation of the laser beam, said second optical deflection means being controlled by the control means.