Vehicle Window Laser Filter with Integrated Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle windscreen filters fail to effectively block laser threats while allowing visible light transmission, leading to potential pilot distraction or harm, and lack integrated detection and alert systems for laser threats.

Innovation Solution

A passive filter with a layer of material blocking specific laser wavelengths, combined with a radiation detector and processor module for detection and alert systems, ensuring at least 70% visible light transmission and providing optical density sufficient to defend against high-power laser threats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a filter blocks laser wavelengths, then laser protection is improved, but visible light transmission is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser protectionVSAvoidvisible light transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter uses interference-based wavelength-selective absorption to change the transmission parameter at specific laser wavelengths while maintaining high transmission in the visible range. The optical density at laser wavelengths is at least 2, while visible light transmission remains above 70%, resolving the contradiction between laser blocking and visible light transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a filter blocks laser threats, then pilot safety is improved, but threat detection capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser threat blockingVSAvoidlaser threat detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

A radiation detector is introduced as an intermediary component that monitors laser threats independently of the filter's blocking function. The detector is arranged in respect of the filter material and can detect radiation in the first predetermined wavelength band, allowing threat detection while the filter provides protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a processor module connected to the radiation detector that analyzes detected radiation and provides feedback about laser threats. This feedback mechanism enables continuous monitoring and alerting of laser threats while the filter simultaneously blocks the harmful radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple laser wavelengths are blocked, then comprehensive laser protection is improved, but filter complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-wavelength laser protectionVSAvoidfilter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter employs a composite structure combining interference filter layers with radiation detector elements integrated in respect of the filter material. This composite approach enables multiple wavelength bands to be blocked (at least two predetermined visible wavelength bands) while maintaining a unified filter structure rather than requiring separate filters for each wavelength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 effectively blocks laser threats, allowing visible light transmission while detecting and alerting pilots to laser dangers, providing sufficient protection against high-power laser attacks and enabling identification of threat locations.

Implementation Method 1

the layer of filter material being for substantially preventing the transmission of radiation at a first predetermined visible wavelength band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a radiation detector arranged and configured in respect of said layer of filter material to detect radiation in the first predetermined wavelength band incident thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

The filter may comprise an interference filter configured to inhibit transmission at the or each predetermined wavelength band and formed by holographic exposure of a photosensitive film or films by one or more lasers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS10815720B2Passive filter for laser protection

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 BAE SYSTEMS PLC

AI summary

There is disclosed a filter for a vehicle window comprising a layer of filter material, the layer of filter material being for substantially preventing the transmission of radiation at a first predetermined visible wavelength band, the first predetermined visible wavelength band covering the wavelength of a predetermined laser threat, whilst substantially allowing visible wavelengths outside of the band to be transmitted, such that the filter can offer a visible light transmission of at least 70%, and a radiation detector, such that radiation at the first predetermined wavelength band can be detected.