Bendable Projectile with Articulating Joint for Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectiles face increased costs and potential failure modes due to synchronization issues with electro-mechanical power systems controlling numerous movable parts, necessitating a more reliable and cost-effective guidance and control solution.
Innovation Solution
A bendable projectile design featuring a forebody, rearbody, and articulating joint unit with a spherical shape body and sphere-gear assembly, allowing for independent movement and control of the forebody and rearbody units to create non-zero chamber line angles and pressure differences for lift, reducing component complexity and electric consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electro-mechanical power systems with gear/actuator systems are used to control canards, wings and fins, then the projectile can change flight direction, but the numbers of movable parts increase leading to increased costs and potential failure modes
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile is divided into separate forebody and rearbody units that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the projectile to achieve complex flight maneuvers through relative motion between segments rather than through multiple individual control surfaces, thereby reducing the total number of movable parts while maintaining maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating joint unit enables dynamic reconfiguration of the projectile's geometry during flight. By allowing the forebody and rearbody to change their relative angles dynamically, the system achieves flight direction control without requiring traditional fixed control surfaces and their associated actuation systems, thus reducing mechanical complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional projectiles adjust their entire rearbody to align with the specified impact angle, then the impact angle requirement is met, but the maneuverability envelope is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the projectile into independently controllable forebody and rearbody units, the system can satisfy impact angle requirements through coordinated motion of segments rather than rigid rearbody alignment. This enables a broader range of flight paths and maneuvering options while still achieving precise impact angle control.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic articulation between forebody and rearbody units allows the projectile to adapt its configuration during flight to meet various impact angle specifications. This dynamic reconfigurability expands the maneuverability envelope compared to conventional fixed-geometry projectiles that must align their entire rearbody with the impact trajectory.
3Device complexity
If the projectile is designed as a single rigid body, then the structure is simple, but the ability to bend and create non-zero chamber line angles for pressure differences and lift is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the projectile into separate forebody and rearbody units connected by an articulating joint enables the creation of non-zero chamber line angles during flight. This segmentation allows the relative orientation of the two units to generate pressure differences and aerodynamic lift forces that would not be possible with a rigid single-body structure, while keeping the overall structural design relatively simple.
4Ease of operation
If multiple movable parts with electro-mechanical systems are used, then guidance and control capabilities are enhanced, but synchronization issues and potential failure modes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating joint unit provides a dynamic connection between forebody and rearbody that enables guidance and control through passive aerodynamic interactions and controlled relative motion. This approach reduces reliance on complex electro-mechanical synchronization systems while maintaining effective guidance and control capabilities, thereby improving reliability by reducing potential failure modes associated with multiple synchronized movable parts.
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 design enhances maneuverability, reduces collateral damage, and simplifies maintenance and customization by enabling independent control of the forebody and rearbody units, reducing system complexity and costs while improving reliability and range extension or reduction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The articulating joint unit is comprised of a generally spherical shape body where the spherical shape body is comprised of a plurality of concentric grooves located on the surface of at least one polar end of the spherical shape body
Implementation Method 2
the bendable projectile can bend, and therefore, produce non-zero chamber line angles to create pressure differences around the projectile contour that results in rearbody lift
Implementation Method 3
A gear assembly is also provided that is fixed on the projectile unit that is opposite from the spherical shape body
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a bendable projectile having a forebody unit, a rearbody unit and an articulating joint unit connecting the two units. The articulating joint unit is composed of a spherical shape body, a receiving socket and a sphere-gear assembly. The spherical shape body is fitted into the receiving socket whereby movement of the spherical shape body about the receiving socket is permitted without release of the spherical shape body from the socket. Movement of the spherical shape body inside the receiving socket is effectuated by the sphere gear assembly. The sphere-gear assembly engages the concentric grooves along the surface of the spherical shape body or the concave surface of the receiving socket. Such sphere-gear assembly is comprised of electric board, powersource, powertrain, guidance control system and gears having teeth and grooves that complement the plurality of concentric grooves on the spherical shape body.