Float Support Member Linkage Mechanism for Rocket Launcher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small diameter rockets face challenges in maintaining a separable connection system with launchers due to movement within the launch tube, which often results in disengagement and increased rocket profile, making installation difficult and affecting aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A float support member with rotatably coupled linkages and spring members that provide two degrees of freedom, allowing the rocket to float freely within the launch tube housing while maintaining electrical connection, and reducing the rocket's profile for easier installation and improved aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separable connection system is used to provide communication between the rocket and launcher, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connector components disengage due to movement of the rocket within the launch tube
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a float mechanism that allows the rocket to move freely within the launch tube while maintaining continuous electrical connection. The float support member with linkages enables dynamic adjustment of the connector position, accommodating rocket movement without disengagement. This transforms the rigid connection system into a dynamic one that adapts to position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rocket and launcher, mediating the connection while allowing relative movement. The float support member with its linkage system serves as a mediator that maintains electrical contact despite the rocket's movement within the launch tube, preventing direct disengagement between connector components.
2Reliability
If connector components are added to maintain electrical connection, then communication is achieved, but the rocket profile increases making installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by integrating the float mechanism and connector components within the existing rocket structure. The float support member is mounted to the rocket in a nested configuration, allowing the connection system to be contained within the rocket's profile rather than adding external bulk, thus facilitating easier installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes another dimension by implementing the float mechanism that moves in lateral and transverse directions rather than extending the rocket profile lengthwise. The linkages allow movement in multiple dimensions, maintaining connection reliability without increasing the rocket's primary dimension for installation purposes.
3Reliability
If connector components are added to maintain electrical connection, then communication is achieved, but the rocket profile increases affecting aerodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The float mechanism and connector components are nested within the rocket structure, preventing external protrusions that would disrupt airflow. This nesting approach maintains a streamlined rocket profile, preserving aerodynamic performance while ensuring reliable electrical connection through the integrated float support system.
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 float support member ensures continuous electrical connection between the rocket and launcher regardless of position, facilitates easy installation, and enhances the rocket's aerodynamics by maintaining a low profile.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first and second secondary linkages including a spring member. The spring members biasing the first and second secondary movable pin points, respectively, outwardly away from one another.
Data Source
AI summary
A float support member that comprises a base for mounting to an object, primary linkages rotatably coupled by a primary pin defining a primary movable pin point that moves both in a lateral direction and a transverse direction, and secondary linkages rotatably coupled to said primary linkages, respectively, by first and second secondary pins, respectively. The first and second secondary pins define first and second secondary movable pin points, respectively, that each move both in a lateral direction and a transverse direction. The first and second secondary linkages being rotatably coupled to the base by first and second stationary pins, respectively, defining first and second stationary pin points, respectively. The position of the primary movable pin point in both the lateral and transverse directions depends on the position of both of the first and second secondary moveable pin points in both the lateral and transverse directions and vice versa.