Radar Array for Projectile Hit Location

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting the hit location of flying objects on a defined hit field, such as those using radar devices, face limitations in precision and versatility, particularly when dealing with objects of varying speeds and trajectories.

Innovation Solution

The method involves arranging multiple radar devices with overlapping detection areas and central axes having different directional vectors, combined with a hit sensor and acoustic detection using microphones, to calculate the trajectory and precise location of flying objects, allowing for detection of objects across a wide range of speeds and trajectories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple radar devices are arranged with overlapping detection areas and different directional vectors, then measurement precision of hit location is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehit location precisionVSAvoidradar device arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection space is segmented into multiple detection areas, each covered by a specific radar device. By dividing the overall detection task across multiple radar units with different directional vectors, the system achieves comprehensive coverage and precise hit location while managing complexity through modular segmentation of the detection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If radar devices are arranged to cover large or complex hit fields, then adaptability to different hit field configurations is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehit field coverage capabilityVSAvoidradar arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radar device arrangement is designed to be universally applicable to different hit field configurations. The same basic radar units with overlapping detection areas can adapt to various target area sizes and shapes by adjusting their positions and orientations, providing multi-functional coverage without requiring completely different system designs for each application scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If detection areas of radar devices overlap, then reliability of hit detection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehit detection reliabilityVSAvoidradar device arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple detection areas from different radar devices are merged to create overlapping coverage zones. This combining of detection capabilities ensures that hit events are reliably detected through multiple independent measurements, improving detection reliability while the systematic merging approach manages the complexity of coordinating multiple radar units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances precision in determining the hit location, enabling the detection of projectiles with virtually any feasible speed, including supersonic and subsonic projectiles, and allows for precise calculation of the target position, even in large or complex hit fields.

Implementation Method 1

a number of radar devices, each with a detection area with a central axis, are arranged in at least one area in the vicinity of the hit field. Distance values of an object flying through the detection areas are detected.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

acoustic detection using microphones, to calculate the trajectory and precise location of flying objects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP3414596B1Method and device for recording a target area
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 POLYTRONIC INT
  • EP3414596B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3414596B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3414596B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining the point of impact of flying objects (11) in a defined target area (10), wherein: a number of radar devices (20, 20') each with a recording range (21, 21') with a middle axis (22, 22') are arranged in at least one area in the surroundings of the target area; distance values of an object flying though the recording range are recorded; by evaluating said distance values and the known geometric arrangement of the radar appliances, the flight path of the object is determined; and then as a result of the determined flight path, the resulting point of impact in the target area is calculated. The invention is characterised in that the recording regions of at least adjacent radar appliances overlap or touch at least in certain areas, and the middle axes thereof have different direction vectors (23, 23'). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.