Rangefinder Ballistic Metering Using Acoustic Time-of-Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shooters lack practical tools for accurately determining projectile characteristics and windage adjustments, as existing methods rely on expensive equipment or incomplete databases, and current ballistics calculators do not account for individual firearm and ammunition variations.
Innovation Solution
A laser rangefinder system integrated with sensors and compute resources to measure atmospheric conditions, time of flight, and impact, calculating projectile characteristics like muzzle velocity, drag, and ballistic coefficients directly from live fire, using optical communication for precise data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a chronograph is used to measure bullet speed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical chronograph system with an acoustic measurement system using a microphone to detect the sonic boom of a supersonic bullet. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical light curtains or radar systems while maintaining measurement capability through acoustic wave detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the bullet's own sonic boom - a natural phenomenon generated by the supersonic projectile itself - as the measurement signal. This eliminates the need for external active sensing systems, as the bullet provides its own detection signature through the shock wave it creates.
2Ease of operation
If manufacturer database is used for ballistics calculation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of individual firearm variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs actual field measurements of bullet speed and time of flight, then uses this empirical data to calibrate and adjust the ballistic coefficients for the specific firearm-ammunition combination. This feedback loop transforms generic manufacturer data into personalized accurate ballistic profiles through real-world measurement and adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If radar-based systems are used to determine ballistic coefficients, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex radar-based measurement systems with a simple acoustic detection system using a microphone. The system detects the acoustic signature of the bullet's flight and impact, processing this acoustic data to determine time of flight and ballistic coefficients without requiring expensive radar infrastructure.
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
Enables shooters to obtain accurate projectile characteristics and windage adjustments in the field, eliminating the need for chronographs and providing personalized ballistic data for their specific firearm and ammunition.
Implementation Method 1
sensor(s) for determining the time of flight of a bullet between rifle to target
Implementation Method 2
laser rangefinder
Implementation Method 3
a microphone to collect a portion of the audio information, to identify a time of impact of the projectile on the target
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments described herein may include a sensor system to generate ranging data and additional data comprising sensor data, wherein the sensor system comprises a laser rangefinder or another mobile range finding device; and one or more additional sensors to identify a time of launch of the projectile, and including at least 1) a microphone to collect a portion of the audio information, to identify a time of impact of the projectile on the target, or 2) an impact sensor coupled to an LED or another light near the target, the LED or the other light to produce a portion of the optical information to indicate the time of impact, the produced portion based on a signal generated by the impact sensor; and electronics to calculate projectile time of flight using the time of launch and the time of impact. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.