Miniature Torpedo UAV Launch via Combustion Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torpedoes are too heavy and large to be carried and launched from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) due to their size and weight, which exceeds the payload capacity of smaller UAVs and conventional manned aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A miniature torpedo with an overall length of approximately 18.5 inches and a weight of less than 10 pounds, featuring a contact and attachment assembly, a chamber with flammable elements, an ignition assembly, propulsion and steering assembly, navigation and guidance assembly, and a targeting sensor and guidance transducer assembly, allowing it to be carried and launched from UAVs and increasing payload capacity for larger aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional torpedoes are used, then anti-ship capability is achieved, but weight and size exceed UAV payload capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The torpedo is segmented into distinct functional modules: propulsion system, warhead assembly, guidance system, and control surfaces. This modular segmentation reduces overall weight while maintaining functional integrity and anti-ship capability suitable for UAV deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The torpedo employs parameter changes by using lightweight composite materials instead of traditional heavy metals, reducing weight from conventional torpedo standards to under 10 pounds while maintaining structural integrity and penetrating capability against ship hulls
2Length of moving object
If conventional torpedoes are used, then anti-ship capability is maintained, but torpedo size exceeds UAV payload capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system, propulsion components, and control mechanisms are nested within a compact cylindrical housing of approximately 18.5 inches length. This nested arrangement minimizes external dimensions while preserving all essential anti-ship functions
Solution Approach 2:
The torpedo utilizes efficient three-dimensional spatial arrangement where components are positioned radially and axially to maximize functional density within the constrained 18.5-inch length, enabling full anti-ship capability in a compact form factor
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used to reduce weight, then UAV compatibility is achieved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The torpedo employs composite materials including carbon fiber reinforced polymers and lightweight aluminum alloys that provide sufficient structural strength for penetrating ship hulls while maintaining weight under 10 pounds for UAV compatibility
4Length of moving object
If compact design is used to reduce size, then UAV payload capacity is satisfied, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torpedo integrates multiple functions into unified components: the propulsion system also serves as structural support, the guidance transducer assembly combines targeting and navigation functions, and the control surfaces serve both steering and stability functions, reducing overall complexity despite compact dimensions
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 the miniature torpedo to effectively attach to and penetrate a ship's hull, increasing the torpedo payload capability of both smaller and larger UAVs and conventional manned aircraft, while providing enhanced targeting and propulsion control.
Implementation Method 1
The ignition assembly ignites one or more flammable element(s) and releases the ignited element(s) from the chamber
Implementation Method 2
the high temperature heat of the burning element(s) melt a hole through the ship's hull
Implementation Method 3
The contact and attachment assembly attaches the torpedo to a ship's hull
Implementation Method 4
The propulsion and steering assembly that is operable to propel and steer the torpedo through water below the water line
Implementation Method 5
a targeting sensor and guidance transducer assembly that intercepts information on a location of the ship's hull
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature torpedo has a contact and attachment assembly 106 that is operable to hold the torpedo to a ship, a plurality of flammable elements that are sequentially ignited and burn against the ship's hull, and a propulsion and steering assembly that propels and directs the torpedo to the ship. The torpedo is constructed to be carried by and launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle. A targeting and control apparatus is employed with the torpedo that provides wire guidance to the torpedo and an ability to communication with other aparatus to coordinate an attack with multiple torpedos.