Target Marker Beam Source Motion-Adaptive Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Beam sources used in target marking systems, such as quantum cascade lasers, are inefficient due to high power consumption and heat generation, making them difficult to use in applications like combat and law enforcement where portable power is required, and they often need to operate at high pulse rates or duty cycles to effectively mark moving targets.
Innovation Solution
A target marking system that includes a beam source and a motion sensor, where the operation of the beam source is modified based on sensed movement, increasing the pulse rate and duty cycle when the system is in motion to reduce power consumption and heat generation while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the beam source operates at a high pulse rate and duty cycle to mark rapidly moving targets, then the target marking performance is improved, but the power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam source operates dynamically by switching between pulsed and continuous modes based on the detected movement state of the target marker. When movement is detected, the system uses continuous wave mode to ensure adequate marking of rapidly moving targets. When stationary, it switches to pulsed mode to reduce power consumption and heat generation, thus adapting the operation mode to the actual operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the beam source based on movement detection. The controller adjusts the duty cycle and pulse rate parameters dynamically - using higher duty cycles during movement and lower duty cycles when stationary, thereby optimizing the balance between marking performance and power consumption
2Productivity
If the beam source operates at a high pulse rate and duty cycle to mark rapidly moving targets, then the target marking performance is improved, but the heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the beam source operation based on movement state. During rapid movement when heat generation is critical, the system uses continuous wave mode with controlled duty cycle. When stationary, it switches to pulsed mode with lower duty cycle, thereby reducing heat generation while maintaining marking capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The beam source employs periodic pulsed operation during stationary periods to minimize continuous heat generation. By using pulsed mode with reduced duty cycle when the target marker is not moving, the system allows heat dissipation between pulses, thereby controlling overall heat generation while maintaining readiness for rapid marking when movement occurs
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pulse rate and duty cycle are reduced to decrease power consumption, then the power required is reduced, but the ability to mark rapidly moving targets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the motion sensor to continuously monitor the movement state of the target marker. This feedback enables the controller to automatically adjust the beam source parameters - increasing pulse rate and duty cycle when movement is detected and reducing them when stationary, thereby optimizing both power consumption and marking capability based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameters of the beam source are made dynamic rather than fixed. The system transitions between different operational states (pulsed/continuous, high/low duty cycle) based on the detected movement, ensuring that power consumption is minimized during stationary periods while maintaining high marking capability during movement
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 system effectively reduces power consumption and heat generation while maintaining sufficient performance for marking targets, especially during rapid movement, by adjusting the beam source's operation in response to sensed movement, enhancing its usability in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor configured to sense movement of the target marker and to generate a signal indicative of the sensed movement
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a target marking system includes emitting a beam with a beam source associated with a target marker. The method also includes sensing movement of the target marker, and modifying operation of the beam source based on the sensed movement. Such modification changes a characteristic of the emitted beam.