Control Surfaces for High-Spin Munitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current guidance and control systems for high-spin munitions face challenges such as limited dynamic response, unpredictable actuation timing, high power requirements, large volume occupation, and high costs, making them impractical for medium caliber rounds and inefficient for high-spin rounds with spin rates above 200 Hz.
Innovation Solution
The development of novel actuation devices using detonation of small charges for short duration impulses and intermittently deployed control surfaces driven by electric motors at a fraction of the spin rate, along with polarized RF sensors for precise roll angle measurement, to provide efficient and accurate control actions without de-spinning the round.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional actuation devices (electric motors, voice coil motors, solenoids) are used for high-spin rounds, then control action can be provided, but the dynamic response is limited and actuation timing becomes unpredictable at spin rates above 200 Hz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed detonation of small charges synchronized with the round's spin cycle. Instead of continuous actuation, controlled explosions are timed to occur at specific points in the roll cycle, providing predictable control forces that scale with spin rate. This periodic action maintains timing precision even at 200 Hz and above by leveraging the regularity of the spin cycle itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical actuation systems (electric motors, voice coil motors, solenoids) with a chemical actuation system based on controlled detonation of small charges. This substitution eliminates the mechanical inertia and response time limitations that plague motor-based systems at high spin rates, achieving superior dynamic response and timing predictability through chemical energy release.
2Ease of operation
If de-spinning methods are used to enable control surface actuation, then control action can be provided, but the round volume required increases and lethality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control function from a separate de-spun section and integrates it directly into the spinning portion of the round. By placing control surfaces and actuation mechanisms within the spinning section, the design eliminates the need for a dedicated de-spun zone, thereby reducing overall round volume while maintaining full control capability throughout the flight trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic deployment of control surfaces synchronized with the spin cycle, allowing control action during specific phases of rotation without requiring continuous de-spinning. This approach enables effective control while maintaining the round's spin-stabilized structure and minimizing volume requirements.
3Productivity
If conventional thrusters are used for high-spin round control, then flight trajectory correction can be achieved, but the device volume and surface area requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuation system into multiple small, distributed charge locations around the round rather than using a single large thruster. This segmentation allows control forces to be applied at different points in the spin cycle, achieving comprehensive trajectory correction capability while minimizing the volume and surface area required for each individual actuation element.
4Measurement precision
If precision roll angle measurement sensors are implemented, then accurate control timing can be achieved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive optical markers painted on the round that reflect light from an onboard LED. The reflected light pattern is detected by a simple photodetector sensor, eliminating the need for complex active sensors. The round itself provides the measurement target through its painted markings, and the system uses the round's own spin motion to generate the measurement signal, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining precision.
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
These solutions enable precise and efficient control actions with minimal power consumption and volume occupation, suitable for high-spin rounds, improving guidance and control systems' effectiveness and reducing costs, while maintaining lethality and scalability to medium and large caliber munitions.
Implementation Method 1
polarized RF sensors for precise roll angle measurement
Implementation Method 2
detonation of small charges for short duration impulses
Data Source
AI summary
A method for deploying a control surface from an exterior surface of a spinning projectile during flight is provided. The method including: at least partially retracting the control surface into an interior of the projectile for a portion of a full revolution of the spinning projectile and extending the control surface from the interior of the projectile for another portion of the full revolution of the spinning projectile; and maintaining the control surface in a same plane during the full revolution of the spinning projectile.