Expandable Electromagnetic Launcher With Adjustable Motor Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic launchers are not readily reconfigurable to accommodate launch packages of various transverse sizes, limiting their versatility and efficiency, as they require oversized sabots and complex barrel designs to manage high bursting forces.
Innovation Solution
The development of laterally open high-current linear motors with a power-actuated repositioning mechanism allows for adjustable spacing and containment structures, such as C-clamps and trusses, enabling the expansion of the launcher to accommodate different projectile sizes without the need for oversized barrels, and the use of ultra-segmented motors with obliquely conducting contact rails to manage magnetic pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electromagnetic launcher with fixed caliber is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to accommodate various transverse-sized launch packages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher barrel is designed with expandable and collapsible sections that can dynamically change the internal caliber to match different projectile sizes. The barrel segments can be moved relative to each other using actuators, allowing the same launcher to accommodate various transverse dimensions without requiring multiple fixed-caliber launchers.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel is divided into multiple separable segments that can be independently positioned. These segments can be joined or separated to create different caliber configurations, enabling a single launcher to function as multiple calibers would traditionally require.
2Adaptability or versatility
If oversized sabots are used to accommodate smaller projectiles, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of substance and energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal caliber parameter of the launcher is changed to match the projectile size by expanding or collapsing barrel segments. This eliminates the need to use oversized sabots for smaller projectiles, as the barrel itself is resized to provide a precise fit, thereby reducing material waste.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed caliber barrel is used, then the manufacturing precision is simplified, but the adaptability to different projectile sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel transitions from a static fixed-caliber design to a dynamic adjustable-caliber design. Actuators move barrel segments to create different caliber configurations, allowing the system to maintain manufacturing precision for each specific caliber while providing adaptability across multiple sizes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electromagnetic launchers with different fixed calibers are used, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single electromagnetic launcher is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating different caliber configurations. The expandable and collapsible barrel sections allow one launcher to replace what would traditionally require multiple fixed-caliber launchers, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 allows for the efficient acceleration of various transverse-sized launch packages using a single pulse power source, reducing waste and enhancing the structural robustness and versatility of electromagnetic launchers, while effectively containing high magnetic pressures and mitigating barrel droop and recoil.
Implementation Method 1
manage magnetic pressure
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic launchers accelerate launch packages
Implementation Method 3
high-current linear motors
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic launcher operable to accelerate launch packages of various transverse sizes, the launcher comprising, in one example, two high-current linear motors having longitudinally extending, laterally open propulsion channels configured to receive and accelerate metal armatures integrated with a launch package; and a power actuated repositioning mechanism for spacing the motors apart as needed.