Spring-Driven Deployment and Locking for Foldable Munition Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wing deployment systems for munitions increase volume, limiting storage capacity and fire power, and require electrical interfaces, leading to inefficiencies and potential detection by radar.
Innovation Solution
A wing deployment and locking system using machined springs with high strength and torque generation, enabling radial rotation and locking mechanisms to minimize volume and maintain deployed position without electrical interfaces, utilizing pyrotechnic bolts for controlled deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If wings are deployed to increase aerodynamic surface area, then aerodynamic advantage and range are improved, but volume occupied by munition increases making it impossible to place in target aerial platform
Solution Approach 1:
The wing deployment system transforms the static wing structure into a dynamic one that can change configuration. The wings are equipped with deployment mechanisms including torsion springs, hydraulic actuators, and locking systems that enable them to transition between folded and deployed states, allowing the munition to adapt its volume and aerodynamic characteristics based on operational phase
Solution Approach 2:
The wing deployment system is divided into multiple independent components including individual wing sections, deployment mechanisms, locking systems, and release mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables controlled sequential deployment of wings during the munition's flight trajectory
2Volume of moving object
If wings are folded to reduce volume for storage, then storage efficiency and number of munitions carried are improved, but aerodynamic capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic wing configuration that transitions from a compact folded state for storage to a fully deployed aerodynamic state for flight. The deployment is triggered by operational conditions such as launch detection or timing mechanisms, allowing the munition to maintain low storage volume while achieving full aerodynamic capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The wings are pre-configured in a folded position within the munition body before launch, and the deployment mechanism is pre-loaded with stored energy (torsion springs, hydraulic pressure) ready to automatically deploy the wings at the appropriate moment, eliminating the need for active control during deployment
3Volume of moving object
If deployment mechanisms are added to enable wing folding and deployment, then storage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system is designed to be self-actuating using stored mechanical energy in the form of pre-compressed springs and pre-charged hydraulic systems. The mechanism automatically deploys the wings through mechanical advantage systems and self-locking features without requiring external power sources, control systems, or complex actuation sequences, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functionality
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
Enhances storage efficiency, allows for more munitions to be carried with increased range and fire power, while reducing aerodynamic drag and radar detection.
Implementation Method 1
The automatic wing deployment mechanisms in the prior art includes torsion springs and hydraulic actuator mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
compression spring (101) which is wound around the pin under the torsion spring. When the flying object onto which the system is mounted is launched, the wing begins to open by rotating around the pin through the torque applied by the torsion spring. In the last five degrees remaining before the wing is fully open, tapered slots (405, 407) in the wing bosses and tapered teeth (307,309) in the base begin to mesh with each other. Over the last five degrees, compression spring which is wound around the pin under the torsion spring, having sufficient tension, enables the tapered slots and the tapered teeth to be completely mated with each other by translating the wing bosses linearly along the axis through which the pin passes by a predetermined distance. Thus, the wing is locked in the fully open position
Implementation Method 3
utilizing pyrotechnic bolts for controlled deployment
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is related to a wing deployment and locking system, which enhances the storage efficiency by reducing the volume occupied by the munition through folding the wings onto the munition body in case where the munition is stored inside a special canister in the air platform or the tube of the launching platform prior to firing and which enables reaching a longer range by the aerodynamic advantage obtained as a result of creation of the same or more wing surface area compared to the conventional fixed wing systems, by ensuring wings to be deployed at the time of firing when the munition leaves the tube in which it is stored. The system consists of wing-1 (1) and wing-2 (9), which creates an aerodynamic surface area, and subsystem mechanisms that allow the wings to deployed and remain locked in the deployed state during the flight. The wing-1 subsystem is basically consists of; the machined spring-1 (16), which provides the required drive with high torque production to the system by firing the pyrotechnic bolt (18), hinge-1 (3), which ensures deployment of the wing-1 (1) by making a radial rotation movement through the one-way clutch-1 (15) located at both ends, and lock spring-1 (17) and lock pin-1 (19), which ensures the locking of the system when wing-1 (1) comes to the fully deployed position. The wing-2 subsystem is basically consists of; the machined spring-2 (21), which is in the torsion-state when the system is in its undeployed position, the spring housing (12), which enables the deployment of the wing-2 (9) by making a radial rotation movement through the one-way clutch-2 (20) located at both ends thanks to the high torque provided by the machined spring-2 (21) when the munition is released at the moment of firing, the lock spring-2 (24) and the lock pin-2 (23) that ensures locking when the wing-2 (9) is in its fully deployed position.