Hinged Store Suspension Lug for Low-Drag Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension lug designs for stores, such as bombs or missiles, face challenges in minimizing aerodynamic drag after release due to protruding lugs and require manual intervention to ensure correct operation, which can lead to human error and inefficient compactness.
Innovation Solution
A store suspension lug assembly with a locking mechanism that automatically transitions from an extended to a retracted position using a mechanical bias, eliminating the need for manual release and ensuring a compact, low-drag configuration during free flight, featuring a hinged coupling and U-shaped locking member that engages and disengages with a keeper to maintain the lug in the extended position during loading and retract it during release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the suspension lug is kept in an extended position during free flight, then the store can be easily loaded onto the release unit, but the aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension lug transitions from a static extended position to a dynamic system that automatically changes position. The lug is biased to rotate from an extended loading position to a retracted free-flight position, allowing it to adapt its configuration based on operational phase without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension lug system is self-regulating through its automatic position-changing mechanism. The mechanical bias and trigger mechanism enable the lug to autonomously transition between extended and retracted positions based on the operational state, eliminating the need for crew intervention and ensuring optimal performance in each phase.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the suspension lug is retracted under spring action, then the aerodynamic drag is minimized, but the lug cannot be easily loaded onto the release unit hooks
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic position-changing mechanism that allows the lug to transition from a retracted state to an extended loading position when needed. The mechanical bias and trigger work together to enable automatic extension upon engagement with the release unit, combining the benefits of both retracted and extended configurations at different operational stages.
3Volume of moving object
If a manually withdrawable safety pin is used to hold the lug in the upright position, then the structure can be compact, but human error may occur if the pin is inadvertently left in place
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical bias and trigger mechanism creates a self-regulating system that automatically ensures the lug is in the correct position for each operational phase. The system self-corrects by preventing the lug from remaining in an incorrect position, eliminating reliance on manual safety pins and the associated risk of human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism provides mechanical feedback that ensures proper operation. When the release unit engages with the lug, the trigger automatically activates the position-changing mechanism, providing a built-in verification system that prevents incorrect configuration and enhances operational reliability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a linearly retractable suspension lug is used, then the lug can be withdrawn into a housing, but the housing must be at least as deep as the height of the extended suspension hook
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension lug transitions from a linear retraction design to a rotational position-changing mechanism. This allows the lug to retract along a curved path rather than requiring linear space equal to its extended length, significantly reducing the housing depth requirement while achieving the same aerodynamic benefit.
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 solution reduces aerodynamic drag and minimizes human error by automatically retracting the lug upon release, maintaining the extended position during loading, and ensuring a compact structure, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical bias in the form of a spring moves the lug portion to the retracted position
Implementation Method 2
a hinged coupling between the base and the lug portion
Data Source
AI summary
A store suspension lug assembly comprises a base securable to a store and a lug portion hingedly movable between an extended position in which it is engageable by a suspension hook of a release unit and a retracted position presenting a lower aerodynamic profile. The lug portion is biased towards the retracted position. A locking mechanism has a locked state in which the lug portion is held in the extended position. The locking mechanism is releasable by action of the suspension hook on the lug portion, e.g. by the suspension hook engaging a portion of the locking mechanism as the weight of the store acts on the suspension hook via the lug portion. Engagement of the suspension hook with the lug portion may maintain the lug portion in the extended position against the bias.