Control Actuation System for Munitions with Deployable Flow Effectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current weapon systems lack precision guidance and situational awareness, especially at the squad-level, making it difficult for warfighters to accurately acquire and prosecute targets while maintaining a safe distance from adversaries, especially in GPS-denied environments, and they are not scalable or cost-effective for extended range and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A modular and scalable Control Actuation System (CAS) with a Configurable Guidance Sensor Suite (CGSS) and transceiver, integrated into existing munitions and projectiles, providing precision guidance, situational awareness, and extended range without additional power or accessories, using a rugged, lightweight, and low-cost design that can operate in GPS-denied environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precision guidance systems are integrated into existing munitions, then target delivery accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control actuation system, guidance sensor suite, and transceiver into an integrated modular unit that fits within existing munitions. This merging of previously separate systems into a single integrated package improves target delivery accuracy while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through standardized integration interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control actuation system is designed with universal interfaces that can be adapted to multiple munition types (40mm grenades, 120mm mortars, 155mm artillery). This multi-functionality allows the same core technology to serve different platforms, reducing per-unit complexity and enabling economies of scale that offset the base system complexity.
2Length of moving object
If flow effectors are deployed after launch, then range and maneuverability are extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow effectors are pre-positioned within the munition body in a stowed configuration before launch. The deployment mechanism is pre-loaded with spring energy, and the control algorithms are pre-programmed in the guidance sensor suite. This preliminary preparation allows the effectors to be deployed rapidly after launch without adding complex real-time control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static stowed configuration during launch to a dynamic deployed configuration during flight. The flow effectors can be actively adjusted during flight to provide maneuverability and range extension. This dynamic capability is achieved through simple deployment mechanisms rather than complex continuous control systems.
3Loss of information
If situational awareness and telemetry capabilities are added, then battlefield information is improved, but weight and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver is designed as a multi-functional component that provides both situational awareness telemetry and command reception capabilities. By combining these functions into a single device rather than separate systems, the weight penalty is minimized while still delivering comprehensive battlefield information and two-way communication capabilities.
4Reliability
If existing munitions are modified to include precision guidance, then lethality is increased, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The precision guidance upgrade is segmented into a separate modular control actuation system that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into existing munitions. This segmentation allows the guidance subsystem to be produced in dedicated facilities with specialized tooling, while the main munition body can continue to be manufactured using existing processes, thereby preserving manufacturing simplicity for the bulk of the production.
Solution Approach 2:
The control actuation system is designed as a pre-assembled modular unit with standardized interfaces that simplify the integration process. This preliminary preparation of the guidance module allows for streamlined assembly operations where the module is simply installed into the munition rather than requiring complex custom integration for each unit, maintaining ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the control of munitions, missiles and projectiles, in flight. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for control of munitions, missiles and projectiles in flight with the use of activatable or deployable flow effectors that remain stowed or inactive during launch or firing, and can be actuated after launch or firing on demand. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for control of munitions, missiles, and projectiles by activating and/or deactivating a control actuation system (CAS) based on measurements of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and sensors integrated into such IMU, the IMU and sensors being at least part of a configurable guidance sensor suite (CGSS).