RF Reference Sources for Munition Guidance Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current munitions guidance systems suffer from significant precision errors due to errors in target and platform position measurements relative to the earth, making it challenging to accurately intercept targets, especially in gun-fired and small-caliber munitions, which often lack the space and power for sophisticated homing devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of polarized RF position and orientation sensors and reference sources forms an integrated target designation system that provides precise target position and orientation information to guided munitions, reducing errors by establishing a reference coordinate system and fixing RF sources at the forward observer, allowing for more accurate onboard guidance without the need for large homing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated homing devices are used to increase guidance precision, then target interception precision is improved, but device size and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RF reference sources as intermediary elements that establish a shared reference frame between the forward observer and the guided munition. These reference sources enable position determination without requiring the munition to carry sophisticated onboard seekers or homing devices, thus achieving high precision while keeping the munition compact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical homing systems (such as laser designators and onboard seekers) with an RF-based electromagnetic field system. This substitution allows for much smaller device size while maintaining or improving precision, as RF waves can propagate through various media and do not require complex optical paths
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated homing devices are used to increase guidance precision, then target interception precision is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The RF reference sources act as intermediaries that provide positioning information without requiring high-power consumption onboard homing devices. The system leverages the existing RF infrastructure and low-power RF sensors already present in many munition systems, significantly reducing the additional power burden compared to sophisticated optical or laser-based homing systems
3Area of stationary object
If earth-fixed reference system is used for position measurements, then measurement coverage is extended, but positioning error accumulates from multiple measurement sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RF reference sources as intermediaries that establish a shared reference frame between the forward observer and the guided munition. These reference sources enable position determination without requiring the munition to carry sophisticated onboard seekers or homing devices, thus achieving high precision while keeping the munition compact
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the forward observer transmits RF reference signals to the guided munition, which measures its position and orientation relative to these references. This feedback mechanism allows for continuous position updates and error correction, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining broad coverage
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 significantly enhances the precision of target interception by reducing position measurement errors and minimizing control actuation efforts, enabling smaller and more efficient guidance systems for munitions.
Implementation Method 1
polarized RF position and orientation sensors and reference sources
Implementation Method 2
Radio Frequency (RF) reference sources
Data Source
AI summary
A method for guidance of a moving object towards a target. The method including: providing reference signals from RF reference sources to illuminate RF sensors on the moving object; positioning the RF reference sources to form a reference coordinate system; determining position information designating a position of the target in the reference coordinate system by a forward observer; fixing at least one of the RF reference sources at the forward observer in the reference coordinate system; determining a position and orientation of the moving object in the reference coordinate system on board the moving object based on signals received at the RF sensors from the RF reference sources and based on the positions of the RF reference sources; and guiding the moving object to the target at least based on the determined position and orientation of the moving object and the determined position information of the designated target.