Projectile Course Correction Using Sensor-Refined Trajectories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guided munition course correction systems are ineffective in contested spaces where GPS signals can be jammed or spoofed, leading to reduced accuracy and increased uncertainty in projectile trajectory.
Innovation Solution
A pre-steering trajectory determination module that uses onboard sensors and a physical model to refine possible trajectories through Monte Carlo simulations, providing refined position, velocity, and dynamic pressure values for steering control, allowing for midcourse corrections without relying on GPS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based course correction is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but vulnerability to jamming and spoofing increases in contested spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary inertial measurement unit (IMU) system that mediates between the vulnerable GPS receiver and the guidance control system. The IMU provides independent inertial navigation capability that does not rely on external signals, thereby protecting the guidance system from GPS jamming and spoofing while maintaining positioning accuracy through sensor fusion algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the navigation system by switching from pure GPS-dependent operation to a hybrid mode that incorporates IMU data. This parameter change includes adjusting the weightings in sensor fusion algorithms, modifying update rates, and changing the mathematical models used for trajectory prediction, thereby maintaining reliability under contested conditions.
2Reliability
If GPS receiver is removed to eliminate vulnerability, then reliability in contested spaces is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the GPS receiver with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to create a hybrid navigation system. This combination allows the system to maintain high positioning accuracy by fusing data from both GPS and IMU sensors, while the IMU provides backup capability that ensures reliability even when GPS signals are denied or contested.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the IMU continuously monitors and compensates for GPS errors, and vice versa. The sensor fusion algorithm processes feedback from both sensors to optimize positioning accuracy, adjusting the contribution of each sensor based on their respective confidence levels and environmental conditions.
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
This solution significantly reduces uncertainty in projectile trajectory, enabling accurate targeting even in GPS-denied environments by utilizing existing sensors and processing capabilities, thereby minimizing the seeker basket area and reducing collateral damage.
Implementation Method 1
The estimation module can be configured to execute a computational algorithm that inputs a plurality of randomized values into the physical model to create a plurality of output possible trajectories per time instance. For example, the computational algorithm can be a Monte Carlo simulation.
Implementation Method 2
a physical model defining trajectory as a function of gravitational pull and one or more launch variables
Implementation Method 3
The sensor data can include heading and pitch angle
Data Source
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AI summary
A course correction system (100) for a projectile can include a pre-steering trajectory determination module (101). The pre-steering trajectory determination module can be configured to receive a series of possible trajectories from an estimation module (103) including a physical model defining trajectory as a function of gravitational pull and one or more launch variables, and receive a sensor data from one or more on-board sensors (105) of the projectile. The pre-steering trajectory determination module can also be configured to reduce the possible trajectories from the estimation module to one or more refined trajectories using the sensor data, and output the one or more refined trajectories.