Screen-less Ballistic Chronograph Using Light Curtain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectile velocity measurement devices, such as chronographs, face challenges including mechanical complexity, high cost, fragility, difficulty in ambient light conditions, and limitations in installation distance and safety due to the use of screens and magnetic detectors, which can lead to inaccurate readings and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A screen-less chronograph design utilizing linear laser or collimated light sources and photoelectric detectors to create a 'light curtain' perpendicular to the projectile path, allowing for accurate velocity measurement without mechanical screens, with wireless data transmission to a user's device for processing, reducing the need for complex hardware and enhancing user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light-sensitive screens are used to detect projectile passage, then velocity measurement can be performed, but the system becomes mechanically complex and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screen structure with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using physical screens that can be damaged or misaligned, the invention uses magnetic detectors that sense projectile passage through magnetic field changes, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the projectile and the detector. The magnetic field serves as a non-contact medium that transmits information about projectile passage without requiring direct mechanical interaction, thereby avoiding the fragility and alignment issues of physical screens
2Device complexity
If magnetic detectors are used to detect projectile passage, then mechanical complexity is reduced, but installation distance and safety are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from contact-based or close-proximity detection to non-contact detection through electromagnetic fields. By using magnetic fields that can penetrate air and other non-magnetic materials, the system achieves detection capability at extended distances without physical obstruction, adding spatial freedom to the installation configuration
3Measurement precision
If screens are installed close to the muzzle, then velocity measurement is accurate, but safety concerns arise from potential damage and ricochet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical screens with magnetic detectors that have no mechanical parts in the projectile path. The magnetic field detects passage without physical contact, eliminating the risk of damage and ricochet while maintaining the ability to measure velocity accurately through magnetic field changes
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as a safe intermediary that allows detection at close range without direct physical interaction. The magnetic detectors sense projectile presence through field changes rather than physical contact, removing the safety hazards associated with placing mechanical screens in the muzzle area
4Measurement precision
If light intensity detection is used, then velocity can be measured, but sensitivity to ambient light changes causes inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection with magnetic field detection. By using magnetic sensors to detect projectile passage through magnetic field changes, the system completely eliminates sensitivity to ambient light conditions, as magnetic fields are not affected by lighting variations
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that is independent of ambient light conditions. Magnetic detectors sense projectile passage through changes in magnetic field strength or direction, which are not influenced by ambient lighting, thereby providing consistent and accurate readings regardless of environmental light variations
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
The solution provides a mechanically simple, cost-effective, and safe method for accurate projectile velocity measurement, reducing sensitivity to ambient light and allowing flexible installation, while improving reliability and user experience by processing data on a portable device.
Implementation Method 1
A screen-less chronograph design utilizing linear laser or collimated light sources and photoelectric detectors to create a 'light curtain' perpendicular to the projectile path
Implementation Method 2
A photoelectric detector is further installed in the proximity of the light source. As a projectile passes across the light curtain it reflects some of the light from the source, which at this time is detected by the photoelectric sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for detecting a moving object as it passes through a light curtain generated by one or more emitters, by the means for detecting the light of the light curtain reflected by the passing object onto a photoelectric detector. The object sensing area is not constrained by mechanical means and is limited only by the light curtain shape. Velocity of the object is determined primarily by dividing the known distance between two or more parallel light curtains by the time of passage between the light curtains. Additional velocity measurement obtained from the known object length divided by the time of its passage through the light curtain allows verification of the primary velocity measurement. Direction of the object motion across the sensitive area is determined by implementing two or more uniquely identifiable, closely spaced parallel light curtains, and corresponding uniquely identifiable detectors.