Detonation Actuator Stack for Projectile Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current actuation technologies for gun-fired projectiles and mortars face limitations such as limited control authority, high electrical energy requirements, large volume occupation, and reliability issues under high-g firing accelerations, making them unsuitable for precision guidance and control.
Innovation Solution
The development of an actuator stack comprising detonation charges and momentum exchange mechanisms, which are integrated into the projectile structure to provide minimal volume occupation, high control authority, and robustness against high firing accelerations, using a ring portion with actuators for thrust and a mechanical actuator with biasing members for precise control surface deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If electric motors are used for actuation in guided weaponry, then control authority is achieved, but volume occupation and electrical energy requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric motor actuation with a mechanical actuator system that uses spring-loaded mechanisms and cam-based control surfaces. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy electric motors and batteries, significantly reducing volume occupation while maintaining control authority through purely mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the electrical power system (batteries and motor control electronics) from the guided projectile, replacing it with a mechanical actuation system that operates independently of electrical power sources during flight.
2Ease of operation
If electric motors and batteries are used for actuation, then actuation function is provided, but electrical energy requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical motor control systems with simple mechanical actuation mechanisms including springs, cams, and linkages. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining the actuation function throughout the projectile's flight duration.
3Ease of operation
If conventional actuators are used, then actuation is provided, but reliability under high-g firing accelerations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs shock-absorbing mounting structures and flexible connections that are pre-designed to withstand high-g firing accelerations. These cushioning elements protect the actuator mechanisms from damage during the firing process, ensuring reliability and survivability under extreme acceleration conditions.
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
This solution enables precise guidance and control with reduced electrical power consumption, increased reliability, and enhanced precision for both stationary and moving targets, while occupying minimal volume and withstanding harsh environments, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator stack comprising: two or more individual actuators; a detonation charge; a primer for igniting the detonation charge
Implementation Method 2
detonating the charges sequentially or simultaneously to generate impulsive forces (moments)
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator stack is provided and having two or more individual actuators stacked in a longitudinal direction. Each of the two or more actuators having a solid detonation charge; a primer for igniting the detonation charge; and detonation wiring for powering the primer; and wherein at least one of the two or more individual actuators comprise an accelerating nozzle having at least a convergent section terminating at a throat.