Aircraft Store Ejector Pressure Staging for Controlled Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft store ejector systems face challenges in accurately adjusting forces during store release due to variations in atmospheric conditions and flight conditions, leading to unsafe and unstable separation of stores, which can result in collision hazards and loss of accuracy or range.
Innovation Solution
A control system determines pressures based on atmospheric and flight conditions to actuate store releasing connectors and ejector pistons, using a re-pressurization system with a remote and local reservoir to adjust gas distribution and reduce peak forces through symmetrical blocking of ejector passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure is used to actuate store releasing connectors, then reliable store release is achieved, but peak forces and accelerations increase causing unsafe separation
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection process is divided into two distinct phases with different pressure levels: a first phase at high pressure to actuate store releasing connectors, and a second phase at reduced pressure to eject the store. This segmentation allows each phase to operate at optimal pressure, ensuring reliable release while reducing peak forces on the store during ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The store releasing connectors are actuated first at high pressure before the actual ejection phase. This preliminary action ensures that all release mechanisms are fully engaged and the store is clear of the aircraft before the main ejection force is applied, preventing collision hazards and ensuring safe separation.
2Speed
If high pressure is used to eject the store, then ejection velocity is improved, but collision hazards and loss of accuracy occur
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection process is segmented into two pressure phases: initial high pressure to actuate release connectors, then reduced pressure for the actual ejection. This allows the store to be released safely first, then ejected at controlled pressure, preventing collision hazards while maintaining adequate ejection velocity for accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The store is released from the aircraft structure before the main ejection phase. This preliminary release action eliminates the risk of collision between the store and aircraft during high-velocity ejection, while still providing sufficient ejection velocity for accurate delivery.
3Force
If pressure is reduced to lower peak forces, then store safety is improved, but reliable actuation of releasing connectors becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation process is segmented into two pressure stages: high pressure first to reliably actuate the store releasing connectors, then reduced pressure for the ejection phase. This ensures that connector actuation occurs at optimal high pressure for reliability, while subsequent ejection occurs at lower pressure to minimize store stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The store releasing connectors are actuated at high pressure before ejection begins. This preliminary actuation ensures reliable engagement and release of the store from the aircraft structure, while the reduced pressure during the subsequent ejection phase minimizes peak forces on the store.
4Device complexity
If atmospheric and flight conditions are not considered, then system complexity is reduced, but force adjustment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors atmospheric conditions (temperature, pressure, humidity) and flight conditions (altitude, velocity, acceleration) to dynamically adjust the first and second pressures. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate force adjustment adapted to actual operating conditions, while the automated control handles the complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes pressure parameters based on detected atmospheric and flight conditions. The control system adjusts both the first pressure for connector actuation and the second pressure for ejection according to real-time environmental and operational parameters, ensuring optimal performance across varying conditions.
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 the safety and accuracy of store separation by counteracting maneuvering forces, reducing peak forces and accelerations, and optimizing ejection velocity, thereby minimizing collision risks and ensuring precise store release.
Implementation Method 1
determining a first pressure and a second pressure relative to one another from the determined one or more parameters, the first pressure sufficient to provide a first force to unlock one or more store releasing connectors and the second pressure sufficient to provide a second force to eject the store
Implementation Method 2
releasing the flow of pressurized gas to actuate the one or more store releasing connectors using the first pressure; and symmetrically blocking one or more ejector passages of an ejection system to reduce the system pressure to the second pressure for ejecting the store
Implementation Method 3
the first pressure sufficient to provide a first force to unlock one or more store releasing connectors and the second pressure sufficient to provide a second force to eject the store
Data Source
AI summary
A method of ejecting a store from an aircraft thereof. The method may include determining one or more parameters and determining a first pressure and a second pressure relative to one another from the determined one or more parameters. The first pressure provides a first force to unlock one or more store releasing connectors and the second pressure provides a second force to eject the store. A system pressure generates a flow of pressurized gas related to one or both of the first and second pressure. The method may include releasing the flow of pressurized gas to actuate the one or more store releasing connectors using the first pressure and symmetrically blocking one or more ejector passages to reduce the system pressure to the second pressure for ejecting the store.