Tiltable Multi-Band Seeker Window and Detector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seeker systems for moving bodies, such as missiles, are limited by fixed windows that restrict shape and material options, and require all detectors and optics to present similar properties regardless of tilt, leading to constrained configurations and compromised performance.
Innovation Solution
A multimode seeker system where the optics/receiver portion, including the optical window, detectors, and tilt mechanism, tilt as a unit, allowing for non-spherical window shapes and different materials or properties for various energy detectors, enabling flexible placement and improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed window is used with detectors and optics tilting relative to the window, then the seekers can maintain a stable window structure, but the window shape and material options are restricted and detector placement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the window and detectors into a single tilting unit, eliminating the relative motion between them. This allows the window to have various shapes and materials without constraining detector placement, as both components move together as one integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic tilting capability to the entire seeker assembly including the window and detectors. This dynamic configuration allows the seekers to adjust their orientation while maintaining the fixed spatial relationship between window and detectors, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and design flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If detectors and optics are placed within a fixed window, then the window can maintain consistent properties, but the practical window shapes are limited and must be made of the same material throughout
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the window and detectors into a single tilting unit, the patent enables the window to adopt diverse shapes and material compositions. The fixed spatial relationship within the integrated unit ensures consistent operational properties while allowing external shape flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows different portions of the window to have different materials or optical properties tailored to specific detector requirements. Each detector can be optimized with locally customized window material while the entire assembly tilts as one unit.
3Reliability
If the window is fixed and detectors tilt relative to it, then the window structure remains stable, but the available locations for detector placement are restricted to maintain performance invariance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the window and detectors into a single rigid tilting unit, eliminating relative motion between them. This ensures that the spatial relationship and performance characteristics remain invariant during tilting, while allowing detectors to be placed in optimal locations for each specific application.
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
This configuration allows for a wider range of configurations, reduced material costs, and improved performance by maintaining a fixed spatial relationship between the window and detectors, enabling efficient detection of multiple energy types across varying angles.
Implementation Method 1
an optical window through which at least the infrared energy passes before reaching the IIR receiver
Implementation Method 2
a laser energy receiver for detecting incoming laser energy
Implementation Method 3
an imaging infrared (IIR) receiver for detecting incoming infrared energy
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A seeker/receiver system for a moving body, such as for guiding the moving body to a target, includes an optics/receiver portion that tilts as a unit relative to other parts of the moving body. The optics/receiver portion includes a window which may be used to enclose and protect one or both of a pair of receivers or detectors, such as a laser energy detector or receiver, and an infrared energy detector or receiver. By moving the window and the receivers as a unit a set positional relationship is maintained between all of the elements of the optics/receiver portion. This simplifies the optics by obviating the need for all aspects of the window to present the same properties to energy detectors that tilt relative to it. The optics/receiver portion may be tilted using a tilt mechanism such as a gimbal.