Missile Component Attachment Assembly with Auto-Adjusting Hook
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Solution Overview
Problem
The attachment of missile components, such as control surfaces, on the flight line or in the field is challenging due to the lack of availability of specialized tools needed for secure attachment with repeatable torque and proper load, which is often impossible without custom tools.
Innovation Solution
A quick-attaching and auto-adjusting attachment assembly that integrates a pre-loaded over-center mechanism and auto-adjusting assembly, utilizing a conically tapered interface and a rotatable drive, allowing for secure attachment without specialized tools and reducing assembly time and effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom specialized tools are used for attachment, then secure attachment with repeatable torque is achieved, but tool availability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly performs its own attachment function through the over-center mechanism that automatically locks when the component is installed. The system serves itself by using the installation process to trigger the locking action, eliminating the need for separate specialized tools to secure the attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from an unlocked state to a locked state through dynamic movement of the over-center mechanism. The mechanism uses the natural motion of installation to trigger the locking action, converting the installation process itself into the securing action without requiring additional tools.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom specialized tools are used for attachment, then repeatable torque is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The over-center mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage and lock when the component is installed. The locking action is prepared in advance within the mechanism structure, so that the act of installation itself triggers the precise locking position, ensuring repeatable torque without requiring precision tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment and locking functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The over-center mechanism combines the attachment interface with the locking action, so that one installation motion accomplishes both attaching and securing the component, reducing assembly steps and complexity.
3Reliability
If custom specialized tools are used for attachment, then proper load on attachment interface is achieved, but ease of repair and field operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly uses a universal over-center mechanism that can be operated with standard hand tools commonly available in field environments. The mechanism serves multiple functions: attachment, locking, and load distribution, all through a single design that works with ordinary tools rather than specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to be simple and robust, using basic mechanical components that can be easily replaced if needed. The over-center mechanism relies on simple geometric relationships rather than precision components, making it durable and easy to repair in field conditions with limited resources.
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 secure and repeatable attachment of missile components with standard tools, ensuring proper load distribution and reducing assembly time and effort on the flight line and in the field.
Implementation Method 1
a conically tapered missile component interface surface configured to be wedged against the conically tapered missile body interface surface
Implementation Method 2
a pre-loaded over-center mechanism operably coupled to the auto-adjusting assembly and configured to lock the hook in engagement with the engagement rod in the third position
Implementation Method 3
The series of pivoting arms are pivotably connected to a rotatable engagement drive at a first end thereof and a hook at a second end thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment assembly includes a conically tapered missile body interface surface of a missile body attachment interface wedged against a conically tapered missile component interface surface of a missile body attachment interface. The missile body attachment interface also includes an engagement rod for locked engagement by a hook of the missile component attachment interface. Specifically, the missile component attachment interface includes an auto-adjusting assembly having a series of pivoting arms connected to a rotatable engagement drive at a first end thereof and a hook at a second end thereof. The auto-adjusting assembly is moveable between a first position and a second position, and between the second position and a third position. The missile component attachment interface includes a pre-loaded over-center mechanism operably coupled to the auto-adjusting assembly and configured to lock the hook in engagement with the engagement rod in the third position.