RFID Munition Attachment Detection on Launcher Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing munition launcher systems face issues with determining when a munition is attached or detached, as well as identifying the type of munition, due to limitations in wire-based electrical connection methods, which can be damaged and require specific wire arrangements for different launch platforms, and rely on powered systems for voltage measurement.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data tag activator and reader system on the munition launcher platform and munition, using RF data tags that respond to activation signals for attachment detection and ID data transmission, allowing for range-based attachment verification and launch parameter determination without physical electrical continuity or power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wire electrical connection system is used to detect munition attachment, then attachment status can be detected, but the wire can be sheared out during launch causing damage or system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based electrical connection system with an electromagnetic field-based RFID communication system. The RFID reader on the launcher platform communicates with the RFID tag on the munition through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical wire connections that can be sheared during launch. This substitution maintains attachment detection capability while removing the vulnerability to mechanical damage.
2Reliability
If a wire arrangement is customized for each launch platform type, then proper electrical connection is achieved, but the munition needs different wire arrangements for different launcher platforms reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal RFID tag system that can be used across all launcher platform types. The RFID communication protocol and electromagnetic field interaction remain consistent regardless of whether the platform uses rail launch, canister launch, or ejection ram launch methods. This eliminates the need for platform-specific wire arrangements and allows the same munition design to be compatible with multiple launcher types.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the mechanical wire connection system with electromagnetic field-based RFID communication, the patent removes the need to physically adapt connection arrangements for different platform types. The electromagnetic field penetrates various launcher structures (rails, canisters, ejection mechanisms) without requiring modification to the communication interface.
3Loss of information
If voltage measurement methods are used to identify munition type, then munition identification is achieved, but the munition must be powered increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag on the munition contains stored identification information about the munition type that can be read by the launcher platform's RFID reader. This eliminates the need for the munition to be powered during the identification phase, as the RFID system uses passive electromagnetic field communication. The munition's identification data is retrieved without requiring any power source on the munition itself.
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 solution provides reliable attachment indication and ID data transmission, simplifying the launch process by preventing incorrect launch parameters and reducing the risk of damage from wire shearing, while enabling use across various launch platforms with unpowered RF data tags.
Implementation Method 1
using RF data tags that respond to activation signals for attachment detection and ID data transmission
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of carrying a munition on a munition launcher platform, the munition launcher platform is provided with a data tag activator and a data tag reader. A munition is attached to the munition launcher platform, the munition being provided with a data tag. An activation signal is transmitted from the data tag activator to the data tag. As a result of receiving the activation signal, the data tag returns a data response to the data tag reader. The receiving of the data response provides the munition launcher platform with an indication that the munition is still attached to the munition launcher platform.