Turret Control Logic for Gimbaled Sub-Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Military vehicle systems face challenges in aligning and harmonizing gimbaled sensors and weapons on a rotating turret, as they often occlude each other due to the need for unobstructed 360° rotation, leading to design trade-offs and increased complexity with multiple sensors or weapons.
Innovation Solution
A novel method for controlling a turret with swivel assemblies to automatically rotate and position gimbaled sensors and weapons, allowing one device to move out of the way of the other when occluded, with user-selectable modes for prioritizing sensors or weapons, and self-stabilization to maintain clear lines of sight and fire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors or weapons are mounted on the turret to ensure 360° coverage, then the situational awareness and firing capability are improved, but the device complexity and occlusion problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coordination between multiple sensors and weapons on the turret, where the relative positions and orientations are continuously adjusted based on operational modes. The system transitions between sensor-priority mode and weapon-priority mode, dynamically resolving occlusion conflicts without requiring fixed complex mechanical arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system provides universal functionality by managing both sensors and weapons through a unified coordination mechanism. The same turret structure supports multiple devices that can operate independently or in coordination, with the control system adapting to different operational requirements without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each device type.
2Reliability
If sensors and weapons are positioned to avoid occlusion, then the line-of-sight clarity is improved, but the turret height and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of statically positioning sensors and weapons at fixed heights to avoid occlusion, the system dynamically adjusts their relative orientations through coordinated rotation. The turret rotates to position devices optimally in space, and the gimbals adjust angles to maintain clear lines of sight without requiring increased structural height or weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the turret rotates to position devices to avoid occlusion, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the torque loads and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial rotation of the turret rather than continuous full rotations. When occlusion is detected, the turret rotates only enough to reposition devices into acceptable configurations, rather than continuously adjusting positions. This reduces the cumulative torque loads and energy consumption while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors the relative positions and orientations of sensors and weapons, detecting occlusion conditions and triggering corrective turret rotations only when necessary. This feedback-based approach minimizes unnecessary rotations and reduces energy consumption while maintaining the ability to achieve desired operational configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, computer-readable media, and systems are disclosed for controlling a turret assembly with two or more gimbaled, swivel assembly sub-systems, such as a gimbaled gun and a gimbaled electro-optical sensor. The turret can be automatically slewed in response to one of the swivel assemblies rotating. A user can switch turret modes reflecting a priority between the gimbaled sub-systems system so that one takes priority over the other(s) during a mission.