Control Surface Actuation via Pin-Gear Mechanical Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control surface systems for maneuverable objects, such as missiles, require deployment and actuation mechanisms that add weight, complexity, and occupy space, making them inefficient in terms of size and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an actuation shaft, an output gear, and a pin mechanism that allows the control surface to be deployed and actuated without the need for an additional actuation holding force, enabling the control surface to remain in a deployed position under flight loads and maintain a fixed position during deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a deployment mechanism and actuation mechanism are included in the maneuverable object, then the control surface can be deployed and actuated, but weight and complexity are added to the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the deployment mechanism and actuation mechanism into a single integrated device. The actuation shaft serves dual purposes: it acts as the actuation mechanism for controlling the control surface and simultaneously serves as part of the deployment mechanism through its interaction with the output gear and pin assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate deployment and actuation systems, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The output gear is designed with a multi-functional opening that serves multiple purposes: it guides the pin during deployment, provides circumferential movement for deployment operation, and provides longitudinal movement for actuation operation. The actuation shaft also serves multiple functions including actuation, deployment engagement, and positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a deployment mechanism and actuation mechanism are included in the maneuverable object, then the control surface can be deployed and actuated, but space within the object is occupied that could be put to other uses
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface is designed to be stowed within the body of the maneuverable object in a nested configuration. The deployment device utilizes the existing structural space within the body, with the output gear and pin mechanism nested within the available volume. The actuation shaft is positioned to utilize the same spatial envelope, maximizing space utilization efficiency and minimizing the overall volume required for the deployment and actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the deployment and actuation mechanisms into a single integrated device, the patent reduces the total volume required compared to having separate mechanisms. The combined mechanism shares common components and spatial requirements, allowing for more efficient packing within the maneuverable object's body and freeing up space for payload or other systems.
3Reliability
If an actuation holding force is applied to the control surface, then the control surface can be maintained in a deployed position, but the system requires additional force application mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment device is designed to be self-locking through the interaction between the pin and the output gear opening. When the control surface reaches the deployed position, the pin engages with the longitudinal extending portion of the opening, automatically maintaining the position without requiring continuous actuation holding force. The geometry of the opening and pin arrangement creates a self-sustaining mechanical lock that maintains the control surface position under flight loads without additional force application mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin acts as an intermediary element between the actuation shaft and the output gear, mediating the force transmission and position maintenance. The pin engages with specific portions of the output gear opening to transfer and maintain positional information without requiring continuous actuation force. This intermediary mechanism enables reliable position maintenance while eliminating the need for complex holding force application systems.
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 solution reduces the size and complexity of control surface deployment and actuation mechanisms, allowing for efficient use of space and minimizing weight, while maintaining control surface position under various flight conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a pin integral with, or attached to, the actuation shaft and protruding through an opening in the output gear, the opening having a circumferentially extending portion extending circumferentially about the longitudinal axis and a longitudinally extending portion extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the output gear is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis independent of the actuation shaft when the pin is in the circumferentially extending portion of the opening, and the output gear and actuation shaft are operable to rotate together about the longitudinal axis when the pin is in the longitudinally extending portion of the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A device for deployment and actuation of a control surface for a maneuverable object, including an actuation shaft arranged for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the device; an output gear arranged concentric with the actuation shaft and configured to unlock the control surface when rotated about the longitudinal axis; and a pin integral with, or attached to, the actuation shaft and protruding through an opening in the output gear, wherein the output gear is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis independent of the actuation shaft when the pin is in a circumferentially extending portion of the opening, and the output gear and actuation shaft are operable to rotate together about the longitudinal axis when the pin is in a longitudinally extending portion of the opening.