Circumferential Restraint for Airborne Munition Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deployment systems for smaller airborne munitions, such as artillery shells, are bulky and costly, lacking the compactness, reliability, and cost-effectiveness needed for efficient deployment of deployable flight control surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A deployment system comprising a circumferential restraint and a release mechanism, where the restraint is initially in a constraining position to prevent deployment, and an explosively actuated pin retraction mechanism is used to release the restraint, allowing the deployable elements to deploy radially outward during flight, facilitated by guide posts for a serpentine path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional deployment systems are used on smaller airborne munitions, then reliability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system is divided into distinct functional segments: a circumferential restraint component that prevents deployment and a separate pin retraction mechanism that enables deployment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for small munitions while maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The pin retraction mechanism is nested within the circumferential restraint structure, with the pin extending through the restraint to maintain the constrained position. This nesting eliminates the need for separate housing structures, reducing overall device size and complexity while preserving reliability
2Reliability
If conventional deployment systems are used on smaller airborne munitions, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin retraction mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components including a frangible pin that can be replaced after use. The circumferential restraint uses basic materials like wire or band that are cost-effective to manufacture. This approach prioritizes reliability through simple design while minimizing manufacturing costs for small munitions
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to maintain the constrained position and simply releasing it, the system uses a simple circumferential restraint that naturally maintains constraint, with the pin serving as the active release element. This inversion simplifies the overall mechanism and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If deployable elements are deployed during launch, then flight control is improved, but physical damage and drag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential restraint is pre-installed on the munition body before deployment, creating a secure constraint that prevents premature deployment during handling and launch. This preliminary constraint ensures the deployable elements remain protected in a stowed position until the desired deployment time
Solution Approach 2:
The pin retraction mechanism acts as an intermediary between the constraint system and the deployable elements. By controlling the pin's extension and retraction, the system mediates the transition from constrained to deployed state, ensuring deployment occurs only when intended and preventing premature exposure to harmful factors
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 is compact, reliable, and inexpensive to produce, enabling efficient deployment of flight control surfaces while maintaining them in a non-deployed position until desired, enhancing the range and accuracy of smaller airborne munitions.
Implementation Method 1
The pin retraction mechanism may be explosively actuated
Implementation Method 2
The deployable flight control surfaces are urged toward the deployed position by a structural biasing means (e.g., a spring) or by centrifugal forces, which act on the munition as it spins rapidly during flight
Data Source
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AI summary
A deployment system is provided for utilization onboard an airborne object including a deployable element (12). In one embodiment, the deployment system includes a circumferential restraint (34) and a release mechanism (32) mounted to the airborne object. The circumferential restraint (34) is disposed at least partially around the airborne object in a constraining position wherein the circumferential restraint (32) prevents deployment of the deployable element. The release mechanism normally resides in a first position in which the release mechanism maintains the circumferential restraint in the constraining position. The release mechanism (32) is movable to a second position to release the circumferential restraint (34) from the constraining position and permit deployment of the deployable element (12).