Optically Tracked Projectile Retro-Reflective Tracer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracer ammunition technologies have drawbacks such as differing ballistics, increased cost, unwanted range fires, backlighting of friendly forces, and lack of optimization for automatic tracking, which hinder precise projectile observation and tracking.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thin metal disk with micro-prismatic retro-reflective surfaces or fluorescent materials into the projectile's trailing edge, allowing for efficient light reflection or re-emission when illuminated by a laser, enabling precise tracking of the projectile's trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pyrotechnic tracer materials are incorporated into ammunition, then projectile trajectory can be observed, but ammunition cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the observation function from pyrotechnic tracer materials and relocates it to a separate retro-reflective element on the projectile. The retro-reflective element passive element is illuminated by an external laser source, eliminating the need for expensive pyrotechnic compositions while maintaining trajectory visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an external laser illumination source as an intermediary between the observer and the projectile. The laser illuminates the retro-reflective element on the projectile, which then reflects light back to the observer, enabling trajectory observation without requiring the projectile itself to emit light through pyrotechnics.
2Measurement precision
If pyrotechnic tracers are used in ammunition, then projectile path is visible, but unwanted range fires occur during training
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the pyrotechnic combustion function from the projectile and replaces it with a passive retro-reflective element. The projectile no longer contains explosive or combustible tracer materials, eliminating the risk of unwanted range fires while preserving the ability to observe the projectile path through laser illumination and retro-reflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful pyrotechnic combustion into a beneficial passive optical system. Instead of using burning materials that create fire hazards, the system uses cold retro-reflection of laser light, transforming a dangerous active combustion process into a safe passive optical phenomenon.
3Measurement precision
If tracer ammunition is used, then trajectory can be tracked, but ballistics differ from ball ammunition
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the observation function from the projectile's propellant and mass composition. By placing a lightweight retro-reflective element on the projectile surface rather than incorporating pyrotechnic materials into the charge, the projectile's ballistics remain consistent with standard ball ammunition while trajectory tracking is maintained through external laser illumination.
4Measurement precision
If tracers are incorporated into projectile, then flight path is observable, but friendly forces are backlit
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies retro-reflective material specifically to localized areas of the projectile such as the base or ogive, rather than using omnidirectional pyrotechnic tracers that illuminate all surrounding areas. The retro-reflective element is oriented to reflect light primarily along the projectile's flight path, providing observation capability without backlighting friendly forces positioned off the trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using pyrotechnic tracers that emit light in all directions (omnidirectional emission), the invention uses retro-reflective material that reflects light specifically back toward the source (directional reflection). This inverts the lighting pattern from diffuse omnidirectional glow to focused bidirectional reflection, illuminating the trajectory for observers near the launch point while leaving other areas dark.
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 allows for accurate observation and tracking of projectiles in flight, improving precision and reducing costs by eliminating pyrotechnic tracers and optimizing trajectory matching with ball ammunition, while surviving high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
Retro-reflection: Use of retro-reflectors is ubiquitous in road signs where the technology was invented in the United Kingdom and introduced in the late 1930s. Retro-reflectors reflect light to the emission source with a minimum of scattering.
Implementation Method 2
Laser Induced Fluorescence: The body of information regarding laser induced fluorescence is growing as laboratories throughout the world explore potential applications for this technology.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A projectile, that can be tracked by optical means, is fitted with a special tracer incorporated into the projectile's trailing edge. The rearward facing special tracer is incorporated into a metal disk which is crimped to the projectile's metal jacket. The special tracer includes micro-prismatic features that reflect light at the incidence angle. Alternatively, the disk incorporates a fluorescent dye that is responsive to a laser emission. External emitted radiation is reflected or re-emitted from the trailing edge of the projectile, allowing for an external electro-optic tracking device to identify the position of the projectile in flight.