Automatic Searchlight Orientation for Continuous Target Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current searchlight systems in rotorcraft require manual adjustment by pilots during search and rescue missions, leading to cognitive overload and potential loss of target or situational awareness due to the need to multitask between rotorcraft control and searchlight orientation, especially in dynamic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A searchlight system with built-in intelligence that automatically adjusts orientation using a controller, ranging sensors, and actuators to maintain target illumination by calculating compensatory actuator angles based on kinematic relationships and error measurements, allowing hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of searchlight orientation is used, then the pilot can adjust the searchlight position, but the pilot experiences cognitive overload and potential loss of target or situational awareness due to multitasking between rotorcraft control and searchlight orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The searchlight system automatically tracks and illuminates the target without requiring pilot intervention. The controller receives target location data from the beacon tracking system and autonomously adjusts the searchlight orientation to maintain continuous illumination, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The searchlight control system is integrated with the beacon tracking system. The controller combines beacon location data with searchlight orientation control, merging two previously separate functions (target acquisition and illumination) into a unified automated system that eliminates the need for separate manual control
2Extent of automation
If automatic control system is implemented, then pilot workload is reduced and continuous target illumination is maintained, but device complexity increases with additional sensors, actuators, and control electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes beacon tracking data, calculates optimal searchlight orientation angles, and actuates the searchlight positioning mechanism. By making the controller multi-functional, the system achieves high automation without proportionally increasing the number of separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives target location information from the beacon tracking system and translates it into actuator commands for the searchlight. This intermediary component bridges the gap between target detection and illumination without requiring direct complex coupling between all system elements
3Device complexity
If rigid mounting is used, then the searchlight structure is simple, but the rotorcraft must maneuver to re-orient the light on ground targets
Solution Approach 1:
The searchlight mounting structure transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable configuration. Azimuth and tilt actuators enable the searchlight to change its orientation dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to different target positions without requiring rotorcraft maneuvering while maintaining structural simplicity through controlled flexibility
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling an orientation of a searchlight on a vehicle is provided. The method comprises: obtaining a target range to a point of interest (POI) at a target; determining a searchlight position and attitude; calculating a three dimensional position at the POI using searchlight azimuth and tilt actuator angles, the target range, and the searchlight position and attitude, while a searchlight light head continues to point at the 3D target position despite changes in movement or orientation of the vehicle; calculating a desired searchlight orientation including azimuth angle and tilt angle to point the light head at the target through inverting a kinematic relationship between the vehicle and the searchlight; calculating compensatory actuator angles for a plurality of searchlight actuators to achieve the desired searchlight orientation based on error measurements calculated from a current orientation; and commanding the plurality of searchlight actuators to the compensatory actuator angles.