Multi-Mode Seeker Head With Rotating Optical Viewfinders
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seeker heads are complex, expensive, and inflexible, limiting their ability to operate in multiple modes and adapt to new requirements due to their reliance on intricate optical systems, which are also lossy and unable to meet range and field-of-view requirements.
Innovation Solution
A seeker head design featuring multiple optical viewfinders with independent optical axes, a holding device, and an actuator system that allows for the selection and alignment of the appropriate optical axis with the line of sight, enabled by a computing device, allowing for flexible and cost-effective multi-mode functionality without the need for complex optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex optical system with multiple lenses and beam splitters is used to achieve multi-mode functionality, then the seeker can detect different radiation types (infrared and laser), but the device complexity and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-mode optical system into separate, independent optical viewfinders (first optical viewfinder for infrared, second optical viewfinder for laser). Each viewfinder is optimized for its specific function rather than attempting to handle all modes through a single complex system. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining multi-mode capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device serves multiple functions: it supports multiple optical viewfinders, enables rotation to select different viewfinders, and provides a common mounting structure. This universal component reduces the need for separate mounting systems for each viewfinder type, simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex optical system with multiple lenses and beam splitters is used to achieve dual-mode detection, then the seeker can detect both infrared and laser radiation, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the detection system into separate optical viewfinders for different radiation types, each component can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for its specific function. This avoids the need to manufacture and assemble a single complex multi-functional optical system, reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective optical components in each viewfinder compared to a single complex multi-mode optical system. The modular design allows for easier replacement and maintenance of individual viewfinders, reducing long-term operational costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex optical system is used to achieve multi-mode functionality, then the seeker can track different target signatures, but the system becomes lossy and fails to meet range and field of view requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Each optical viewfinder is dedicated to a specific radiation type and optimized for its own wavelength range, minimizing optical losses. The segmentation allows each component to be optimized for maximum efficiency in its specific function rather than compromising performance across multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical beam splitting and combining mechanisms with a mechanical rotation system that physically switches between different optical viewfinders. This substitution eliminates the optical losses inherent in beam splitters and multiple lens interfaces.
4Device complexity
If a fixed optical system is used in the seeker head, then the structure is simpler, but the system cannot adapt to new requirements or different scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic selection between different optical viewfinders based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different scenarios (infrared vs. laser detection) while maintaining relatively simple individual viewfinder structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of optical viewfinders and switch between them. This universal design provides flexibility for different operational scenarios without requiring complex reconfiguration of the underlying support structure.
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 efficient and reliable multi-mode operation with reduced production costs and increased adaptability, allowing the seeker head to track targets across different wavelengths and scenarios without interruption, while maintaining a stable line of sight.
Implementation Method 1
detect both infrared radiation and laser radiation
Implementation Method 2
detect both infrared radiation and laser radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a search head (1) mounted on a carrier, in particular on a missile, comprising several optical searchlights (2, 3) each with an optical axis (20, 30), a holding device (4) mounted relative to the carrier for receiving the several optical searchlights (2, 3), an actuator system (5) wherein the actuator system (5) is configured to move the holding device (4) relative to the carrier, and a computing device (6) which is configured to specify a line of sight (10) of the search head (1), wherein the actuator system (5) is configured to pivot one of the optical axes (20, 30) into the line of sight (10).