Hinged Submunition Container for Conformal Aerial Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submunition deployment systems from aerial vehicles, particularly supersonic vehicles, face challenges in efficiently releasing submunitions while maintaining aerodynamic integrity and ensuring all processing and data reside with the submunition.
Innovation Solution
A submunition assembly with axially-shaped container having separable walls and a rigid parachute panel, where the submunition controls the deployment mechanism, including separation of walls and parachute deployment, ensuring all processing and data are contained within the submunition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container walls are made separable to enable submunition release, then the submunition can be deployed, but the aerodynamic integrity of the aerial vehicle is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separable walls that can pivot about a hinge axis. During storage, the walls maintain a conformal surface with the aerial vehicle. Upon deployment command, the walls pivot to separate and release the submunition, transforming from a closed conformal structure to an open release configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The container walls are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable through pivoting motion about a hinge. The system transitions between two stable states: a stored state where walls form a conformal surface, and a deployed state where walls are separated to release the submunition. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to serve both aerodynamic and deployment functions.
2Shape
If the container is designed to maintain conformal surface for aerodynamic integrity, then the aerial vehicle performance is improved, but the submunition release mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conformal surface function and the release mechanism are merged into a single integrated container structure. The walls that form the conformal surface are the same walls that pivot to release the submunition. This eliminates the need for separate release mechanisms while maintaining aerodynamic integrity during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary element that enables the walls to pivot between stored and deployed positions. The hinge allows the container to maintain conformality during storage while providing a simple pivot motion for release, avoiding complex actuation mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the container is axially shaped with separable walls, then the submunition can be released, but the structural integrity during flight is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container walls are pre-configured with hinge connections and positioning features that maintain structural integrity during flight. The hinge is designed to hold the walls in a rigid conformal configuration during storage and transport, providing structural strength when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is segmented into walls connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be rigid during storage (maintaining integrity) but easily deployable (enabling release). The segmentation allows the same structure to provide both strength and release capability without compromising either function.
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
Enables efficient deployment of submunitions with maintained aerodynamic conformality and ensures all processing and data remain with the submunition, enhancing mission reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A rigid parachute panel containing a parachute is positioned about the hinge and is configured to separate from the container and allow the parachute to deploy to slow the assembly during free-fall
Implementation Method 2
A streamer is deployed to orient the container during free-fall
Implementation Method 3
Upon receipt of a release command, the walls pivot about the hinge to separate and release the submunition
Data Source
AI summary
A submunition assembly to be stored and deployed from an aerial vehicle, particularly a supersonic vehicle, includes a container having at least first and second walls that are joined at one end by a hinge that together define a volume along an axis perpendicular to the hinge that contains a submunition. The submunition assembly is suitably axially-shaped with a rigid parachute panel positioned around the hinge to separate and deploy a parachute. The container may have an internal volume that is conformal to the submunition. The container may have an exterior shape that is either optimized for free-fall or has a portion that provides a conformal surface for the aerial vehicle. The submunition assembly may be configured so that all processing, memory and data resides with the submunition, which issues any and all commands to control the container including separation of the rigid parachute panel and opening of the container to release the submunition.