Wing-Mounted Linear Sensor Arrays for Laser Designator Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed aperture semi-active laser seeker systems face alignment issues that introduce errors and degrade performance, requiring additional wing thickness and drag to maintain optical alignment, which constrains aerodynamic design and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of linear sensor arrays mounted on wings, using InGaAs Pin Diodes with lower sensitivity than avalanche photodiodes, allows independent target location measurement without alignment requirements, reducing wing stiffness needs and using asymmetric lenses and two-dimensional lookup tables for accurate target angle determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If four collection apertures are disposed on mid-wing locations and connected via fiber optic cable to an optical system, then target location measurement capability is achieved, but alignment errors are introduced and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical sensing system into four independent collection apertures distributed on the wings, each with its own sensor array. This segmentation allows each aperture to independently measure target location without requiring precise alignment between apertures, as each aperture-sensor pair operates autonomously. The independent measurements are then processed to determine target position, eliminating the alignment stability problem inherent in integrated optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces independent optical sensors and signal processing systems as intermediaries between the collection apertures and the target location determination. Each aperture connects to its own sensor array through simple optical paths, and the signals are processed independently before being combined for final target location calculation. This intermediary architecture decouples the apertures from each other, eliminating the need for precise mutual alignment while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If the wing structure is designed to maintain optical alignment throughout flight, then measurement accuracy is preserved, but aerodynamic performance degrades due to increased wing thickness
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical system into four independent aperture-sensor units distributed on the wings, the patent eliminates the need for a rigid optical bench structure. Each unit can be mounted independently on the wing surface without requiring precise relative positioning, allowing the wings to maintain their optimal aerodynamic thickness and shape while still achieving accurate target location measurement through independent sensing channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical bench system with independent optical sensors mounted on the wings. Instead of using a rigid mechanical structure to maintain alignment, the system uses independent electronic sensors that can tolerate positional variations. The alignment information is obtained through independent measurement rather than mechanical constraint, substituting a flexible electronic system for a rigid mechanical one and thereby improving aerodynamic performance.
3Measurement precision
If avalanche photodiodes are used in the optical system, then signal detection sensitivity is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs independent optical sensors at each collection aperture that self-serve the measurement function without requiring complex centralized optical processing. Each sensor array independently detects signals from its respective aperture and provides measurement data, eliminating the need for complex fiber optic coupling and signal summation systems. This self-service architecture reduces system complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity through distributed independent measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection function into four independent sensor arrays, each handling its own aperture's signal independently. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex optical systems that would be required to combine signals from multiple apertures using avalanche photodiodes. Each independent sensor array uses simpler, more cost-effective detection technology while the overall system achieves the required sensitivity through the combined information from all four independent channels.
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
This approach enhances aerodynamic efficiency, reduces costs, and improves robustness by eliminating the need for an optical bench, while maintaining high angular resolution and flexibility in field of regard, with reduced sensitivity to optical variations and signal noise.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of linear sensor arrays configured to measure location of a target, each the sensor array being disposed on a wing of the plurality of wings
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for semi-active laser designation, the system comprising: a guidance and control system having a plurality of wings disposed at an aerodynamically advantageous angle; a plurality of linear sensor arrays configured to measure location of a target, each the sensor array being disposed on a wing of the plurality of wings; and each the linear sensor array providing independent data to the guidance and control system as to the location of the target.