Artillery Radar Fuze Telemetry via Signal Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar sensor fuzes in artillery weapons often remain underutilized for a significant portion of their flight, as they are not used to transmit telemetry data during periods when not engaged in target detection, limiting their operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The radar sensor fuze is programmed to transmit telemetry data during flight using continuous-wave or frequency-modulated radar signals, allowing for continuous data transmission about the weapon's operation, which can be received and processed to manage the weapon's mission effectively, without requiring additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the radar sensor is used only for target detection during the flight, then the primary function is fulfilled, but the radar sensor remains underutilized for a significant portion of the flight time
Solution Approach 1:
The radar sensor is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary target detection function and a secondary telemetry transmission function. During phases when target detection is not required, the radar sensor transmits telemetry data about the weapon's flight parameters, thereby utilizing the sensor's capacity throughout the entire flight duration and eliminating idle time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware is added for telemetry transmission, then telemetry functionality is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing radar sensor is made to serve dual purposes: target detection and telemetry transmission. By programming the radar sensor to transmit telemetry data during non-detection phases, the system achieves telemetry capability without adding separate transmission hardware, thus maintaining simplicity while gaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar sensor serves itself by utilizing its own transmitted signals to carry telemetry information. The same hardware that generates radar signals for target detection is programmed to modulate and transmit these signals during telemetry phases, eliminating the need for external telemetry equipment and reducing overall system 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 optimizes the use of radar sensor resources by enabling continuous telemetry data transmission, enhancing mission management and resource utilization, while maintaining the primary function of target detection.
Implementation Method 1
The radar sensor is programmed to transmit telemetry data during flight in a continuous-wave or frequency-modulated mode
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A fuze for an explosive weapon, comprising onboard sensors to monitor operation of the fuze and/or the explosive weapon, a radar sensor to transmit radar signals and receive reflected radar signals, and an electronic signal processor (10) connected to the onboard sensors (8) and to the radar sensor (9) and programmed to implement a main operating function aimed at implementing a detonation logic, and a secondary operating function supplemental to the main one and comprising a telemetry function designed to determine, based on signals from the onboard sensors, and to transmit, via the radar sensor, telemetry data indicative of the operation of the fuze and/or the explosive weapon during flight thereof.