Hybrid Missile Launch Pad Structure for Shock Mitigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing launch and stowage pads for missile systems suffer from diminished plateau characteristics due to their segmented nature, leading to undesirable force/deflection characteristics and reduced shock and vibration mitigation.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid pad system comprising an outer sheet, an inner sheet, and a resilient structure with web and restoration regions, including buckled struts, to provide enhanced alignment, shock mitigation, and lateral support during launch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If segmented pad units with buckled struts are used, then lateral support and shock mitigation are provided, but plateau characteristic is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pad units into a single monolithic structure formed from one piece of material. This integration eliminates the segmented nature of traditional pad systems while maintaining the lateral support functionality through the continuous material structure, thereby restoring the desired plateau characteristic in the force/deflection response.
Solution Approach 2:
Within the monolithic structure, the patent incorporates discrete buckled strut elements that provide localized lateral support and shock mitigation. These struts are embedded in the continuous material, allowing individual elements to deform and absorb energy while the overall structure maintains structural integrity and plateau behavior.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If segmented pad units are used, then shock mitigation is provided, but force/deflection characteristics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic construction combines shock mitigation functionality with precise force/deflection characteristics in a single integrated structure. The continuous material provides controlled elastic deformation and energy absorption, while the embedded buckled struts enhance shock resistance, achieving both goals simultaneously with improved precision.
3Strength
If segmented pad units are used, then lateral support is provided, but alignment maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic structure integrates lateral support elements into a unified configuration that provides both lateral force resistance and alignment stability. The continuous material structure distributes loads evenly and maintains geometric stability, preventing missile misalignment while delivering the required lateral support.
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 hybrid pad system improves missile alignment, reduces peak contact forces, and enhances shock and vibration mitigation, while offering tunable design attributes for various launch conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient structure is positioned between the outer sheet and the inner sheet. The resilient structure includes one or more web regions and one or more restoration regions.
Implementation Method 2
maintain missile alignment, mitigate shock and vibration, and/or provide lateral support to the missile during launch
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of pad units containing buckled (e.g., chevron-shaped) struts may be used to perform these functions
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid pad system positioned between a missile and a launch tube is provided herein. The hybrid pad system includes an outer sheet and an inner sheet spaced from the outer sheet. A web region can be positioned between the outer sheet and the inner sheet. A restoration region can be positioned between the outer sheet and the inner sheet and tangentially offset from the web region. A support can be operably coupled with the inner sheet.