Tank Collision Risk Management via Projecting Portion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Military tanks face challenges in managing collision risks due to noisy environments and limited visibility, which can lead to unawareness of the rotation angle of the tower and barrel orientation, as well as the unfolding status of system configurations, increasing the risk of collisions with surrounding objects.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for collision risk management that continuously determine the surrounding configuration and presence of projecting vehicle portions, assessing collision risks and providing visual indications to operators through a presentation screen or periscope, while suggesting measures to mitigate these risks by adjusting vehicle propulsion or configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If system configurations are folded out for operational purposes, then the tank gains enhanced combat capability and functionality, but the risk of collision with surrounding objects increases due to projecting portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombat capabilityVSAvoidcollision risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of surrounding objects and calculates potential collision paths before the tank moves. The collision risk assessment is conducted in advance, allowing operators to take preventive actions before collisions occur, thus enabling safe deployment of projected system configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the tank's position, velocity, and system configuration state, providing real-time feedback to operators. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of operational parameters to maintain safety while maximizing combat capability during system configuration deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If operators rely on manual monitoring of tower rotation and barrel orientation, then system complexity remains low, but operator awareness and collision risk management deteriorate due to noisy environment and limited sight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidoperator awareness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary automated monitoring system that senses tower rotation angles and barrel orientations, and translates this data into visual presentations for operators. This intermediary system bridges the gap between complex sensor data and operator comprehension, maintaining low perceived complexity while improving information awareness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual visual monitoring with automated electronic sensors and visual presentation systems. The mechanical act of operators visually checking positions is substituted with electronic detection and display systems, reducing the impact of noisy environments and limited sight while improving overall system complexity efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If visual presentation systems are added to indicate collision risk, then operator awareness improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator awarenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The visual presentation system serves multiple functions: indicating collision risk, displaying system configuration state, showing tank position and velocity, and providing guidance for safe operation. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system, the patent improves operator awareness while minimizing the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3036731B1Device and method for collision risk management for vehicles
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 BAE SYSTEMS HAGGLUNDS AKTIEBOLAG
  • EP3036731B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP3036731B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3b
  • EP3036731B1 patent drawingFigure 3c~3d

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for collision risk management pertaining to a vehicle (100) comprising portions projecting outside a basic configuration of said vehicle, comprising the steps of: - determining (S410) a surrounding configuration as basis for collision risk determination; and - determining (S420) presence of portions projecting outside said basic configuration; - determining (S430) if collision risk is present at the thus determined surrounding configuration and the thus determined total vehicle configuration; and - for an operator of the vehicle indicating (S440) the thus determined collision risk. The invention also relates to a computer programme product comprising programme code (P) for a computer (200; 210; 500) for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention also relates to a device and a motor vehicle being equipped with the device.