Tracer Light Output and Velocity Characterization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracer bullet testing is subjective and inefficient, relying on human visual evaluation for light intensity and separate systems for velocity measurement, leading to inconsistent results and increased time and waste in high-rate production facilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an acoustic trigger, photosensor system with photodetectors and signal converters, and a data collection and processing system that quantitatively measures light output and velocity using A/D transmitter and receiver pairs over fiber optic cables, allowing for remote control and simultaneous data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human observers are used to evaluate tracer light intensity, then the testing process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the results are subjective and inconsistent due to variations in visual acuity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human visual system (biological/mechanical) with an automated optical detection system consisting of photodetectors, photoelectric converters, and digital processing equipment. This substitution eliminates subjective human evaluation while providing objective, quantifiable measurements of tracer light intensity, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system is designed to automatically perform measurements and generate results without requiring human observers. The photodetectors self-activate upon detecting tracer light, the system automatically processes the signals, and generates pass/fail determinations, eliminating the need for human visual evaluation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If separate systems are used for velocity measurement, then each measurement can be specialized and accurate, but the overall testing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light intensity measurement system and velocity measurement system into a single integrated testing platform. Both measurements are captured simultaneously using the same optical detection infrastructure, eliminating the sequential testing process and reducing overall testing time while maintaining specialized measurement accuracy for both parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: measuring light intensity, determining velocity through timing, and generating pass/fail decisions. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized systems, improving productivity without sacrificing measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If camera-based systems are used to capture tracer images, then visual documentation is obtained, but the large amount of data generated and processing time required make them unsuitable for high-rate production testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement data (light intensity and velocity) from the tracer event, rather than capturing and processing entire images. By using photodetectors to measure specific physical parameters directly, the system obtains precise characterization data without generating the large volumes of pixel data that would require extensive processing, thus maintaining both precision and high testing rates.
4Productivity
If rapid pass/fail decisions are made to keep up with test flow, then productivity is maintained, but the accuracy and comprehensiveness of evaluation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection and processing during the tracer flight itself, capturing light intensity and velocity data in real-time. By the time the tracer completes its trajectory, all necessary measurement data has already been gathered and processed, allowing for immediate pass/fail determination without compromising evaluation comprehensiveness. The system is pre-configured with acceptance criteria that are automatically applied to the collected data.
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 quick, consistent, and quantitative assessment of tracer light output and velocity, reducing testing time and waste while providing comprehensive data for tracer performance evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic trigger
Implementation Method 2
photosensor system with photodetectors
Implementation Method 3
A/D transmitter and receiver pairs over fiber optic cables
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods for simultaneous characterization of tracer light output and velocity by arranging a plurality of photodetectors along the flight path of the tracer and transmitting the detected light output over large distances using an array of analog/digital converter units arranged to correspond to each photodetector. The system can be scaled and configured to operate and control the photodetectors from a remote location.