Adjustable Canard Fuze Kit for Multi-Caliber Trajectory Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artillery projectiles face variability in trajectory due to atmospheric conditions and weapon system inconsistencies, leading to reduced lethality at long ranges, and precision-guided rounds are costly and not easily adaptable across different calibers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-caliber fuze kit with adjustable canards that can be tilted and reshaped to match the specific caliber of a projectile, providing optimal aerodynamic control and trajectory correction for various projectile sizes using a single fuze kit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fully guided rounds with GPS/IMU technology are used to achieve precise trajectory delivery, then trajectory precision is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic guidance systems (GPS/IMU) with a simpler mechanical aerodynamic control system. The canards use pure aerodynamic forces generated by air flow to control the projectile's trajectory, eliminating the need for expensive electronic guidance components while achieving comparable precision through physical aerodynamic principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple canard structures that can be easily manufactured and replaced. These canards are designed as basic aerodynamic surfaces that can be produced at low cost compared to sophisticated electronic guidance systems, making the solution economically viable for widespread deployment.
2Measurement precision
If control surfaces are sized and shaped for a specific projectile caliber, then trajectory control for that caliber is optimized, but adaptability to other calibers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the canard system dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The canards can be modified in size, shape, and/or angle of attack to match different projectile calibers. This dynamic adaptability allows the same canard system to be optimized for different calibers by simply adjusting the canard dimensions and orientation, eliminating the need for caliber-specific guidance systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal canard system that can serve multiple projectile calibers. By making the canards adjustable in size, shape, and angle, a single canard design can be adapted to work with different projectile types, providing multi-functionality that eliminates the need for separate guidance systems for each caliber.
3Measurement precision
If larger canards are used to provide sufficient aerodynamic control for larger projectiles, then trajectory control for larger calibers is improved, but stability for smaller projectiles deteriorates due to excessive aerodynamic forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adjustable canard dimensions and angles to dynamically match the aerodynamic forces to the specific projectile being fired. By making the canard size and orientation variable rather than fixed, the system can provide appropriate aerodynamic control for large projectiles while avoiding excessive forces that would destabilize smaller projectiles, thus maintaining stability across different calibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the canards (size, shape, angle of attack) to match the specific projectile characteristics. By adjusting these parameters based on the projectile caliber and properties, the system optimizes aerodynamic control for each caliber while maintaining stability. This parameter adjustment ensures that canards provide sufficient control authority for large projectiles without creating excessive aerodynamic moments that would cause tumbling or instability in smaller projectiles.
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 system enables precise delivery of projectiles across different calibers by adjusting canard angles and shapes, preventing tumbling and ensuring accurate trajectories without the need for costly, caliber-specific guidance systems, thus enhancing lethality and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable canards that can be tilted and reshaped to match the specific caliber of a projectile, providing optimal aerodynamic control and trajectory correction
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-caliber fuze kit includes a fuze housing configured for coupling with multiple projectiles. One or more canards are moveably coupled with the fuze housing. The one or more canards are adjustable between two or more canard configurations. In a first canard configuration, the one or more canards are at a first canard angle relative to a bore sight of the fuze housing, and the first canard angle is configured for use with a first projectile. In a second canard configuration, the one or more canards are at a second canard angle relative to the bore sight of the fuze housing, and the second canard angle is configured for use with a second projectile. The first and second canard angles are different. In another example, in the first canard configuration the one or more canards include a first canard shape configured to provide a first specified trajectory with the first projectile. In the second canard configuration the one or more canards include a second canard shape configured to provide a second specified trajectory with the second projectile. The first canard shape and the second canard shape are different.