Projectile Yaw Measurement via Optical Markings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fire control systems in firearms and weapons cannot effectively measure projectile yaw and muzzle velocity in operational conditions due to environmental interference, limiting precision and accuracy in aiming and ballistic calculations.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a flash suppressor or muzzle break equipped with a light beam emitter and electronic imager to measure projectile flight parameters such as muzzle velocity, spin, and yaw through specialized markings and induced fluorescence, allowing for real-time data processing and adjustment of fire control algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specialized high-speed imaging and laboratory methodologies are used to measure projectile yaw, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to inability to incorporate into field weapons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojectile yaw measurement precisionVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical high-speed imaging systems with a simplified optical detection system that uses a light source and photodetector to measure projectile yaw through optical interruptions caused by projectile markings, eliminating the need for laboratory-grade equipment while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces simple visual markings on the projectile as an intermediary element that enables yaw measurement through optical detection, transforming the measurement problem from directly imaging the projectile into detecting the timing and pattern of optical interruptions caused by the markings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If measurement devices are incorporated into weapons to measure initial flight parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but the dirty environment from propellant gases obscures detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial flight parameters measurement precisionVSAvoidobscuration from propellant gases

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs measurements immediately as the projectile exits the muzzle before propellant gases can significantly obscure the detection field, capturing yaw and velocity data in the brief window when the projectile is visible against the background

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses contrasting visual markings on the projectile that create distinct optical signatures detectable by the photodetector, allowing the system to distinguish the projectile from the background smoke and gas environment through pattern recognition rather than relying on clear visual imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple measurements of projectile velocity are taken to determine rate of change, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to need for multiple measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverate of change of velocity precisionVSAvoidtime required for multiple velocity measurements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent continuously monitors projectile velocity through sequential optical interruptions as the projectile passes through the detection zone, enabling calculation of rate of change from continuous data stream rather than discrete separate measurements, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system improves the precision of weapon systems by accurately measuring and adjusting for muzzle velocity and yaw, reducing shot-to-shot dispersion and enhancing the terminal effects of air-burst ammunition.

Implementation Method 1

electronic imager to measure projectile flight parameters such as muzzle velocity, spin, and yaw through specialized markings and induced fluorescence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS9600900B2Systems to measure yaw, spin and muzzle velocity of projectiles, improve fire control fidelity, and reduce shot-to-shot dispersion in both conventional and air-bursting programmable projectiles

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 NOSTROMO LLC

AI summary

Systems to measure muzzle exit conditions of for ammunition improve fire control solutions and reduce shot-to-shot dispersion in both conventional and air-burst programmable ammunition. A first system measures muzzle velocity and, when firing “post-shot” programmable ammunition, the system calculates a unique time-of-flight optimized for the actual muzzle velocity and transmits the time to detonate signal by using either optically or radio-frequency signals that represent an optimized time of burst to a projectile. A second system measures muzzle velocity coupled to a ballistic calculator and, when used with ammunition having ferrous characteristics, the force is applied to exiting ammunition to slow or increase the muzzle velocity to a consistent, standardized target velocity. The systems are separately or in combination incorporated into kits that readily improve the performance of weapon systems.