Sacrificial Connector Saver for Rocket Launcher Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rocket launchers face challenges in maintaining reliable electrical communication between smart rockets and the launcher due to extreme conditions during launch, leading to potential damage of connectors and increased reloading times in battle scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A guidance section connector interface system that includes a sacrificial connector saver to protect the launcher connector by forming a dominant connection with it during launch, ensuring the connector saver remains attached to the launcher connector, thus shielding it from blast effects and allowing for quick and reliable 'smart' rocket launches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electrical connections are made between smart rockets and launcher for guidance communication, then rocket intelligence and targeting capability is improved, but connector reliability deteriorates due to extreme launch conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into two separate components: a reusable launcher connector and a disposable connector saver attached to the rocket. This segmentation allows the launcher connector to be protected from extreme launch conditions while the connector saver absorbs the thermal and mechanical stress, enabling reliable guidance communication without compromising connector reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector saver is designed as a disposable component that is attached to the rocket and discarded after launch. It serves as a sacrificial element that protects the expensive reusable launcher connector from damage during launch, allowing the launcher connector to remain reliable for multiple uses while the disposable connector saver absorbs the extreme conditions
2Reliability
If connector saver remains attached to launcher connector during launch, then launcher connector is protected from blast effects, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector saver is designed to nest over the launcher connector during launch, with the launcher connector positioned inside the connector saver's protective structure. This nested arrangement allows the connector saver to shield the launcher connector from blast effects while maintaining a compact integrated design that does not significantly increase overall device complexity
3Productivity
If sacrificial connector saver is used to protect launcher connector, then reloading time is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector saver is merged with the rocket body as an integrated component, combining the rocket structure with the protective connector housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and simplifies manufacturing, allowing the connector saver to be produced as part of the rocket manufacturing process rather than as a separate component requiring additional assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A guidance section connector interface system operable with smart or guided rockets to be launched from a rocket launcher comprising a rocket connector of a rocket in electronic communication with a guidance system of a guidance head of the rocket, a connector saver, and a launcher connector of a rocket launcher. The connector saver can be configured to connect the rocket connecter to the launcher connector. The connection between the connector saver and the rocket connector is configured to release upon launching the rocket, wherein the connector saver remains connected to the launcher connector to protect the launcher connector from the extreme conditions within the rocket launcher at launch.