Integrated Wind Laser Rangefinder Receiver Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wind-sensing technologies for military applications face challenges such as high costs, misalignment due to weapon shock, and complex bore-sighting processes, which affect the accuracy of range and wind measurements.
Innovation Solution
A wind-sensing optical scope with a laser and optical receiver subassemblies, a processing unit, and communication interfaces that emit a laser beam, calculate wind measurements, and provide ballistic solutions, incorporating features like photodiodes and orientation sensors for improved functionality and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wind sensing technologies are used, then wind measurement capability is provided, but the cost is very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive traditional wind sensing components with cost-effective alternatives including a CMOS camera for capturing laser spots, a photodiode for detecting laser light, and integrated circuits for signal processing. These cheaper components achieve the required wind measurement capability without the high cost of traditional systems.
2Measurement precision
If traditional alignment methods are used, then bore-sighting can be performed, but the process is difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical bore-sighting methods with an optical system using an infrared laser that projects a visible spot on the target. The CMOS camera captures the laser spot position, and processing circuits automatically calculate alignment data, eliminating the need for manual mechanical alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic alignment through self-service mechanisms where the processing unit automatically processes camera images, calculates laser spot positions, determines alignment data, and adjusts the infrared laser alignment without requiring manual intervention or time-consuming procedural steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical system is mounted on a weapon, then battlefield functionality is provided, but misalignment occurs due to shock from firing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using a stabilized weapon mount with damping mechanisms that are pre-configured to counteract shock effects before they cause misalignment. The mount includes shock-absorbing elements and damping structures designed to prevent alignment disruption from weapon firing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors alignment using the CMOS camera and laser spot detection, providing real-time feedback to the processing unit. When misalignment is detected after shock events, the system can automatically compensate by recalculating alignment data and adjusting the infrared laser positioning to maintain accurate alignment.
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 enhances the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of wind-sensing and range measurements, maintaining alignment and accuracy even under shock conditions, and simplifies the bore-sighting process, thereby improving the overall performance of wind-sensing optical scopes.
Implementation Method 1
A wind-sensing optical scope with a laser and optical receiver subassemblies
Implementation Method 2
obtain measurements of reflected light of the laser beam from the optical receiver
Implementation Method 3
photodiodes for cost-effective wind and range measurement
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for enabling a wind-sensing optical scope to communicate with external components to provide for a ballistic solution. Techniques may further incorporate cost saving features such as the utilization of a photo diode and/or other features. The wind-sensing optical scope may include various sensors to collect data for the ballistic solution, and/or data from external sensors may be used. Techniques may further incorporate range finding in the wind-sensing optical scope, depending on desired functionality.