Projectile Launcher Feedback Correction Using Passive Target Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing counter-unmanned aircraft systems face challenges in detecting and effectively engaging small, agile drones due to their low radar cross-section and high speed, leading to economic asymmetry as costly air defense missiles are required to counter these threats.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for updating the configuration of a projectile launching device using passive sensors to track and predict the trajectory of moving targets, adjusting the device's configuration to compensate for errors and ensure accurate projectile impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If costly air defense missiles are used to counter drones, then the ability to engage and destroy targets is improved, but the economic cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive air defense missiles with inexpensive projectile launching devices that fire low-cost projectiles. The system uses multiple affordable launchers instead of a few expensive missiles, making the engagement economically viable against drone threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the engagement by using passive sensors instead of active radar, and by employing projectile launching devices with different performance characteristics than traditional air defense missiles. This allows engagement of small, agile drones at lower cost.
2Quantity of substance
If passive sensors are used to detect drones, then the cost of detection is reduced, but the detection precision decreases due to low radar cross section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple passive sensors (optical sensors, acoustic sensors, radio frequency sensors) to create a multi-sensor detection system. By merging different sensing modalities, the system compensates for the low detection capability of individual passive sensors and achieves reliable drone detection without active radar.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multi-functional passive sensors that can detect drones through multiple physical phenomena (optical reflection, acoustic emission, RF signals). This universal approach allows detection of small drones with low radar cross-section using various passive sensing methods.
3Measurement precision
If the projectile launching device configuration is updated in real-time, then the accuracy of hitting moving targets is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the relative difference between target location and projectile location, then using this information to update the launcher configuration. This closed-loop control improves hitting accuracy on moving targets while keeping the computational model relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by automatically updating its own configuration based on detected errors in projectile-target alignment. The computational device autonomously adjusts launcher parameters without external intervention, maintaining accuracy while managing complexity internally.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method for updating a configuration of a projectile launching device, the method comprising: determining a location of a target; determining a configuration of the projectile launching device to propel a projectile to collide with the target; receiving first data from a first passive sensor; determining a location of the propelled projectile based on the first data; and updating the configuration of the projectile launching device based on a determined relative difference of the location of the target and the location of the propelled projectile.