Precision Pointing Mount With Cantilever Beams for High-G Shock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser pointing devices, such as those used in military training systems like MILES, fail to maintain precise alignment during and after high G shock and vibration environments due to flexure, unloading, and CTE mismatch, leading to significant pointing errors.
Innovation Solution
A compact precision pointing mechanism using conical or S-shaped cantilevered beams with adjustable orientation, which eliminates joints, static friction, and CTE mismatch, maintaining precise pointing through preload forces and kinematic stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting and adjustment mechanisms are used in laser pointing devices, then the device can be assembled and adjusted, but the alignment precision deteriorates during high G shock and vibration due to flexure, unloading, and CTE mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting and adjustment functions into a single integrated kinematic mounting mechanism. The adjustment elements are directly incorporated into the mounting structure, eliminating separate adjustment mechanisms that would introduce additional joints and potential sources of error. This integration ensures that the laser payload is both mounted and precisely aligned through a unified structure that maintains stability during shock and vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs conical elements with specific geometric parameters (cone angle, taper ratio) that are optimized to maintain kinematic stability during high G shock. The conical geometry provides a predetermined relationship between the element and its seat that prevents unloading and flexure. By carefully selecting and controlling these geometric parameters, the system achieves both ease of assembly and maintained alignment precision under extreme conditions.
2Ease of operation
If joints and adjustment mechanisms are included in the laser mounting system, then the device can be adjusted for alignment, but static friction and binding occur during high G shock causing pointing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates traditional adjustment mechanisms (screws, knobs, gears) that introduce static friction and binding. Instead, alignment is achieved through direct kinematic mounting where the conical elements are pressed into their seats with predetermined geometric relationships. This extraction of complex adjustment mechanisms removes the sources of static friction while maintaining the ability to adjust alignment during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment systems (threaded screws, gear mechanisms) with a kinematic mounting system based on conical geometry. The adjustment is achieved through the geometric constraint of the conical elements fitting into conical seats, creating a frictionless, binding-free connection that maintains pointing stability during high G shock and vibration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple materials with different CTE are used in the mounting structure, then the device can accommodate thermal expansion, but CTE mismatch causes additional pointing errors during temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using conical elements made from materials with specific thermal properties at critical locations in the mounting structure. The conical elements and their seats are designed with matched CTE characteristics to minimize differential thermal expansion at the interface. This local material selection and geometric design ensure that thermal expansion is accommodated uniformly, preventing pointing errors while maintaining overall structural adaptability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the laser assembly is designed to move relative to the weapon during high G shock, then the laser is isolated from shock, but the initial precise pointing alignment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading the conical elements into their seats during assembly, creating a predetermined kinematic constraint that prevents relative movement during shock. The conical geometry is designed with specific interference fits and geometric constraints that establish the precise alignment before shock occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that the laser maintains its alignment during high G shock rather than moving relative to the weapon.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by designing the conical mounting structure to absorb and distribute shock loads through its geometric configuration. The conical elements are pre-positioned and pre-loaded to create a stable, shock-resistant connection that prevents both excessive movement and loss of alignment during high G events. The kinematic constraints are established in advance to cushion against shock while maintaining pointing precision.
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 mechanism maintains initial precise pointing during and after high G shock and vibration, reducing dynamic and static pointing errors, and operates over a wide temperature range without contamination or binding.
Implementation Method 1
A compact precision pointing mechanism using conical or S-shaped cantilevered beams with adjustable orientation, which eliminates joints, static friction, and CTE mismatch, maintaining precise pointing through preload forces and kinematic stability
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for providing accurate linear and angular positioning with a payload mounted to a beam having freely moveable ends. The payload can be a laser pointer mounted on a firearm, which maintains the initial precise pointing during and after exposure in high G shock and vibration environments. Vertical and lateral adjustment controls can adjust minute changes in beam orientation. Precision adjustments can be performed in a zero G, one G, or high G environment and maintains the adjustment during and after being exposed to a high G shock or vibration environment.