Interlocking Metal Plate Missile Container Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical missile launch systems face challenges in maintaining geometric precision and stiffness when launching larger missiles, and existing lattice structures are difficult to protect against corrosion and require additional shielding, which adds weight.
Innovation Solution
A structure composed of pre-cut metal plates with interlocking tenon and mortise elements, assembled to form a rigid and corrosion-resistant container holding system that integrates shielding, allowing for precise positioning and protection against incidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a lattice structure is used to hold missile containers, then the structure can accommodate missiles up to 5 meters in length, but the geometric quality constraints cannot be satisfactorily realized for larger missiles such as those 7 meters long due to insufficient lateral stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure is divided into modular cells with standardized dimensions, allowing the structure to be configured in different sizes and arrangements. Each cell can be independently designed and assembled, enabling the structure to accommodate larger missiles while maintaining geometric precision through consistent modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure uses composite construction combining metal lattice elements with reinforcing components. The lattice structure is enhanced with additional stiffening elements and optimized node designs that increase lateral stiffness while maintaining the ability to accommodate longer missiles.
2Device complexity
If a lattice structure is used for the container holding structure, then the structure can be designed with open geometry, but it is difficult to protect against corrosion particularly in the junction zones of the tubes at the nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic node junction zones are extracted from the overall structure and replaced with standardized protective components. These extracted junction zones are designed with corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings that can be applied more effectively than in traditional lattice structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure employs composite materials and protective coatings at critical corrosion-prone areas. The lattice structure is treated with corrosion-resistant materials and protective layers, particularly at node junctions, to enhance durability against environmental corrosion while maintaining the open geometric design.
3Reliability
If a shielding structure is added around the launching device to protect against missile incidents, then protection against explosions is achieved, but the whole device becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is merged with the container holding structure itself. The lattice structure is designed to serve dual purposes: holding the missile containers and providing protective shielding against explosions and environmental hazards. This integration eliminates the need for separate shielding structures, reducing overall weight while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure uses composite materials that provide both structural support and protective shielding functions. The lattice structure is enhanced with materials that offer high strength-to-weight ratio, providing effective protection against missile incidents without significantly increasing the overall device weight.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The structure (1) has a frontal precut metallic plate (101) and lateral precut metallic plates (101b, 104, 104b, 204) with complementary combinable elements, where the elements are constituted of cutouts in form of elongated openings, cutouts constituting vertical lines of mortises and tenons. The plates are assembled such that the elements of two adjacent plates are recessed with one another. The plates are connected together by soldering. Armors are integrated at the structure.