Folding Rudder System with Elastic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding rudder systems for guided missiles are complex and expensive, requiring individual development for each missile, limiting adaptability and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking folding rudder system with a foldable rudder part, rudder housing, and an elastic locking device, utilizing torsion springs to maintain the rudder in an unfolded position, ensuring reliability and adaptability across various missile systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a folding rudder system is designed to be simple and inexpensive to manufacture, then manufacturing cost and assembly complexity are reduced, but the reliability and robustness of the system may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rudder system is divided into modular components: a rudder housing, a foldable rudder part with rudder blade and rudder foot, and an elastic locking device. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard parts, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic locking device automatically locks the foldable rudder part in the unfolded position without requiring external actuation or complex control systems. The system uses its own elastic elements (torsion springs) to maintain the operational position, eliminating the need for additional motors, sensors, or control electronics that would increase cost and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a folding rudder system is designed to be adaptable to various missile systems, then versatility and scalability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rudder housing is designed with a standardized interface that can accommodate different foldable rudder parts for various missile calibers and types. The elastic locking device and mounting mechanism are configured to work with multiple rudder configurations without requiring custom-designed components, enabling the same basic system architecture to serve multiple missile platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable rudder part can dynamically transition between folded and unfolded positions, and the elastic locking device adapts to different rudder configurations while maintaining the same locking mechanism. This dynamic capability allows a single system design to accommodate varying operational requirements across different missile systems.
3Reliability
If the foldable rudder part is completely surrounded by the rudder housing in the unfolded position, then the rudder part remains securely locked in position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable rudder part is completely surrounded by and nested within the rudder housing when in the unfolded position. The elastic locking device utilizes the space between the rudder blade and rudder housing to engage and lock the assembly. This nesting arrangement provides secure locking without requiring additional external structures or complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic locking device acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the foldable rudder part and the rudder housing. It uses the available space and geometric relationships between existing components to create the locking action, rather than requiring direct mechanical connection or complex structural integration.
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 system is cost-effective, adaptable, and ensures reliable control by maintaining the rudder in an unfolded state, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while allowing easy adaptation to different missile systems without interfering with the missile shell.
Implementation Method 1
a spring force of the first elastic element forces the foldable rudder part into the unfolded position
Implementation Method 2
The first elastic element is particularly advantageously a first torsion spring
Implementation Method 3
The foldable rudder part is completely surrounded by the rudder housing and the elastic locking device in the unfolded position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rudder system (11) comprising a foldable rudder section (18), a rudder housing (3) on which the foldable rudder section (18) is rotatably mounted, an elastic locking device (2), wherein the foldable rudder section (18) is movable relative to the rudder housing (3) from a folded position to an unfolded position, wherein the elastic locking device (2) is held by the foldable rudder section (18) in a pre-tensioned position when the foldable rudder section (18) is in the folded position, wherein the elastic locking device (2) can be moved from the pre-tensioned position to an at least partially relaxed position by relaxation when the foldable rudder section (18) is in the unfolded position, and wherein the elastic locking device in the at least partially relaxed position blocks a movement of the foldable rudder section (18) relative to the rudder housing (3).