Variable Thickness Hollow Nose Cone for Optical Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hollow conical nose cones induce substantial distortions in electromagnetic radiation, reducing the accuracy of guided munitions and requiring complex corrective optics, which increase cost, weight, and decrease range and speed.
Innovation Solution
A hollow conformal nose cone with a variable thickness is designed to receive and process electromagnetic radiation, forming a desired beam pattern within the nose cone using a computing device that determines the optical prescription for either the outer or inner surface to minimize aberrations and eliminate the need for complex correction components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a conventional hollow conical nose cone is used, then the aerodynamic shape is maintained, but substantial distortions are induced in the electromagnetic radiation received through the window
Solution Approach 1:
The nose cone shell is designed with variable thickness, where the thickness varies along the longitudinal axis and radially to compensate for optical path differences. This local variation in geometry allows the conical aerodynamic shape to be maintained while correcting electromagnetic radiation distortions, as different path lengths through the transparent material are compensated by adjusting the shell thickness in specific regions
Solution Approach 2:
The optical prescription is determined by changing the geometric parameters of the nose cone shell, specifically the thickness distribution along the longitudinal and radial directions. By varying these physical parameters, the design achieves both aerodynamic efficiency and optical correction, transforming the shell from a simple protective structure into an active optical element that maintains beam quality
2Measurement precision
If a thin spherical surface window is used, then electromagnetic radiation distortion is reduced, but aerodynamic efficiency is negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a spherical shape throughout, the invention applies local quality by varying the thickness of the conical shell in specific regions. The thickness is optimized at different locations along the longitudinal axis and radial distance to achieve optical correction while maintaining the overall conical aerodynamic form, thus avoiding the aerodynamic penalties of a spherical window
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a static, uniform thickness approach to a dynamic, variable thickness distribution. The thickness is not constant but is optimized at each location to achieve the desired optical performance, allowing the structure to adapt its properties spatially to meet both aerodynamic and optical requirements
3Measurement precision
If complex corrective optics are added to a hollow conical nose cone, then electromagnetic radiation distortion is corrected, but cost, weight, and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the structural function of the nose cone shell with the optical correction function. By determining the optical prescription of the shell itself and optimizing its thickness distribution, the design combines what would traditionally be separate components (protective shell and corrective optics) into a single integrated structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The nose cone shell is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides aerodynamic protection, structural support, and optical correction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate corrective optical components, as the shell itself becomes an active optical element that maintains beam quality while performing its traditional protective role
4Measurement precision
If complex corrective optics are added to a hollow conical nose cone, then electromagnetic radiation distortion is corrected, but weight increases and range and speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the protective shell and corrective optics into a single integrated structure, the invention eliminates the additional weight that would result from adding separate optical components. The shell itself, optimized for variable thickness, performs both protective and optical correction functions without requiring extra materials or components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the optical correction function from separate corrective optics and integrates it directly into the nose cone shell structure. This extraction and integration approach eliminates the need for additional corrective components, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining optical performance
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 solution achieves minimal aberrations in the output beam, reducing the need for complex optics and enhancing the range and speed of guided munitions by maintaining aerodynamic efficiency while ensuring accurate electromagnetic radiation guidance and imaging.
Implementation Method 1
A hollow conformal nose cone with a variable thickness is designed to receive and process electromagnetic radiation, forming a desired beam pattern within the nose cone
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments relate to a conformal, sometimes referred to as aerodynamic, nose cone, and in particular to a hollow conformal nose cone that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength, or wavelengths, and that comprises a variable thickness such that the electromagnetic radiation received on an outer surface of the nose cone forms a predetermined beam pattern within the nose cone. Also disclosed are mechanisms for generating such hollow conformal nose cones.