Hinged Store Suspension Lug for Automatic Drag Reduction
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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 steps or risk human error in operation, especially with folding lugs that rely on safety pins or complex cocking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A hinged suspension lug assembly with a locking mechanism that automatically retracts under mechanical bias when the store is released, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring the lug remains extended during loading and retracts smoothly for reduced drag, featuring a U-shaped locking member and keeper mechanism for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the suspension lug is made foldable to reduce aerodynamic drag, then drag is minimized during free flight, but the lug cannot be reliably held in the extended position during loading without manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension lug assembly performs self-positioning through automatic cocking and locking mechanisms. The spring-loaded cocking mechanism automatically extends the lug during loading, and the locking mechanism automatically secures it in the extended position without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling drag reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the lug in advance by automatically cocking it into the extended position before loading occurs. The locking mechanism is pre-configured to engage automatically when the lug is extended, ensuring the lug is ready for immediate use without requiring manual setup or verification
2Ease of operation
If a manually withdrawable safety pin is used to hold the folding lug in the upright position, then the lug can be secured during loading, but human error may occur if the safety pin is inadvertently left in place after loading
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic locking mechanism replaces manual safety pin operations with self-actuating engagement. The locking mechanism automatically engages when the lug is extended and automatically disengages when the store is released, eliminating the need for manual intervention and the associated risk of human error
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides mechanical feedback through its engagement and disengagement states. The system automatically detects when the lug is properly extended and locked, and when the store is released and the lug should retract, creating a closed-loop system that prevents human error
3Shape
If a linearly retractable suspension lug is used to achieve streamlined configuration, then aerodynamic profile is improved, but the housing becomes relatively intrusive and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension lug transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic foldable design that automatically changes position based on operational requirements. The lug folds against the store body during free flight for streamlined profile, and automatically extends during loading operations, providing adaptability without requiring complex active control systems
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 provides a compact, low-drag configuration during free flight and automatic operation, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring reliable lug retraction without additional steps, enhancing both aerodynamic efficiency and operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
the lug portion will move automatically to the retracted position under the mechanical bias
Data Source
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AI summary
A store suspension lug assembly 10 comprises a base 12 securable to a store and a lug portion 14 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 14 is biased towards the retracted position. A locking mechanism 34, 36 has a locked state in which the lug portion 14 is held in the extended position. The locking mechanism 34, 36 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 34 as the weight of the store acts on the suspension hook via the lug portion 14. Engagement of the suspension hook with the lug portion 14 may maintain the lug portion 14 in the extended position against the bias.