UAV-Mounted Fragmentation Weapon for Remote Precision Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Directional fragmentation weapons like the M18 Claymore Mine are limited to stationary use and close-range engagement, lacking the capability for autonomous and precise targeting at longer ranges.

Innovation Solution

An Anti-Personnel Autonomous Vehicle (APAV) system integrates a directional fragmentation weapon with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assembly, featuring a control module with wireless communication, lift units, and a targeting camera, enabling remote operation and deployment for engaging ground and maritime targets up to 6 km.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If directional fragmentation weapons are made stationary for defense of manned positions, then reliability of weapon placement is improved, but engagement range is limited to close range only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweapon placement reliabilityVSAvoidengagement range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The weapon system transitions from a static mine to a dynamic mobile platform. The DFW is mounted on a UAV that can move freely through three-dimensional space, allowing the weapon to engage targets at varying distances and positions while maintaining reliable placement through active control systems including GPS navigation, inertial sensors, and real-time telemetry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If directional fragmentation weapons are made stationary, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different engagement scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweapon operation simplicityVSAvoidengagement scenario adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The UAV platform provides multi-functional capability, allowing the DFW to engage various target types (ground and maritime) at different ranges and positions. The system can be controlled remotely via radio frequency or pre-programmed with GPS coordinates, and the UAV's mobility enables it to respond to different engagement scenarios including ambush positions, moving targets, and denied areas that would be inaccessible to stationary mines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If directional fragmentation weapons are equipped with targeting capabilities for precise engagement, then measurement precision of target location is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget location precisionVSAvoidweapon system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical aiming mechanisms with electronic navigation and control systems. GPS receivers provide precise location data, inertial measurement units track orientation and position, and radio frequency communication enables remote control. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic ones achieves high measurement precision while managing overall system complexity through integration and automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11097840B2Anti-personnel autonomous vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.08.24 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An anti-personnel autonomous vehicle (APAV) system has a fuselage formed by a directional fragmentation weapon (DFW). An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assembly is engaged to the DFW, the UAV assembly having a plurality of lift units positioned to provide balanced lift on the DFW. A control module integrated in the UAV assembly has a wireless transmitter/receiver communicating with a remote controller.