Projectile Programming via Waveguide Field Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for programming projectiles during their passage through a barrel or muzzle brake face challenges such as mass-related issues with programming units, unwanted radiation, and transmission errors, which affect the accuracy and security of the programming process.
Innovation Solution
The use of a waveguide, operating below its cut-off frequency, for inductive or capacitive programming, combined with a transmission coupler and receiving coupler, allows for efficient data transfer and energy transmission to the projectile, minimizing radiation and interference, and ensuring programming independence from muzzle velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a massive programming unit structure is used for inductive programming, then programming functionality is achieved, but the mass and torque negatively affect the gun
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the programming functionality from a massive standalone unit and integrates it into the projectile itself through a compact coupler system. The transmitter coil is miniaturized and mounted on the projectile, separating the programming function from the gun's massive structure while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the gun's programming unit and the projectile's coupler. This allows energy and data transfer without direct mechanical contact, eliminating the need for massive mechanical coupling structures.
2Reliability
If an unshielded transmitter coil is used for programming, then programming is achieved, but unwanted radiation occurs that can be recorded and reveal gun location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an electromagnetic 'inert environment' by confining the electromagnetic field within the waveguide structure. The waveguide acts as an electromagnetic shield, containing the field within its boundaries and preventing radiation leakage to the external environment where it could be detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure functions as a flexible electromagnetic shield, containing and directing the electromagnetic field along its path while preventing radiation in unwanted directions. The waveguide's conductive walls act as a shield that confines the energy.
3Reliability
If programming is done during projectile flight past the programming unit, then programming is achieved, but the projectile is in relative motion making programming difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs programming as a preliminary action while the projectile is still in the barrel or at the muzzle, before the projectile achieves high flight velocity. This timing eliminates or minimizes relative motion between the programming unit and projectile, making programming much more reliable.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a waveguide is used for programming below cut-off frequency, then electromagnetic field is concentrated and radiation is minimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gun barrel itself serve dual functions: as the firing channel and as the waveguide for electromagnetic programming. This eliminates the need for a separate waveguide structure, reducing system complexity while maintaining the radiation containment benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the waveguide function with the existing gun barrel structure. The barrel's conductive walls serve both as the firing tube and as the electromagnetic waveguide, combining two functions into one structure to avoid additional complexity.
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 approach enables optimal programming with reduced mass impact, minimized radiation, and improved accuracy by concentrating the electromagnetic field within the waveguide, requiring less feed energy and being resistant to interference, thus enhancing the reliability of projectile programming.
Implementation Method 1
use of a waveguide for programming since the electromagnetic field is concentrated in a waveguide
Implementation Method 2
The projectile to be programmed has a receiving coupler for programming, which is functionally linked to the transmitting coupler
Implementation Method 3
The use of a waveguide, operating below its cut-off frequency, for inductive or capacitive programming
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to inductively or capacitively programming a projectile (5). According to the invention, a waveguide (2, 11) is used for the programming, the electromagnetic field being concentrated in the waveguide. The used programming unit (1) consists of at least one waveguide (2, 11) which is preferably located and/or integrated in the region of the muzzle, for example in front of the muzzle brake (6). A transmission coupler (3) for the transmission is fed by a signal generator (4). Said information relating to the projectile (5) is modulated to the carrier frequency (f1) in the modulator (18). A reception coupler (8) integrated on/in the projectile (5),is electrically interconnected to a store or processor (19) in the projectile (5). Said reception coupler receives the modulated signal and transmits it to the processor (19) which is where the eventual programming takes place.