Missile Balance Weight Using Disintegrable Shot Package
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for balancing tactical missiles are lengthy, complex, and dangerous, involving heavy metal balance weights that can become hazardous projectiles during detonation or propulsion unit explosions, posing risks to personnel and infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A balance weight system using shot with particles up to 1 mm in size and average mass less than 0.02 g, housed in a disintegrable package, made of high-density materials like tungsten, to prevent dangerous projectile formation upon explosion, and easily installable in cells within the missile's aerodynamic cowling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If heavy metal balance weights are used for missile balancing, then balancing precision is improved, but safety deteriorates due to the risk of creating dangerous projectiles during detonation
Solution Approach 1:
The balance weight is segmented into numerous small shot particles (average mass less than 0.02 g, maximum grain mass at most 0.04 g) contained within a package. This segmentation ensures that upon detonation, the dispersed small particles cannot form dangerous projectiles while still providing the necessary balancing mass when contained together.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the balance weight material from large heavy metal pieces to fine shot particles with controlled size distribution (particle size at most 1 mm, average mass less than 0.02 g). This parameter change maintains the mass required for balancing while eliminating the projectile hazard through sufficient particle size reduction and dispersion.
2Reliability
If traditional drilling and bolting methods are used to fix balance weights, then securing reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the balance weight itself and transfers it to the package containing the shot particles. The package is designed to be secured to the missile using simple adhesive application to the outer surface, eliminating the need for drilling, bolting, or other complex mechanical fastening methods while maintaining reliable securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance weight package is designed as a disposable component that is simple to install and replace. The package with shot particles can be easily attached using adhesive and, if needed, replaced without requiring complex tooling or procedures, simplifying the overall balancing procedure while maintaining reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If compact balance weights are used, then space efficiency is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to the need for precise machining and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The balance weight is manufactured by segmenting the total mass into numerous small shot particles of controlled size (particle size at most 1 mm). These particles are then contained within a package of appropriate volume, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving compact form factor suitable for missile integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing approach from precision machining of solid metal pieces to using pre-formed shot particles with controlled size distribution. This parameter change in material form and manufacturing method significantly simplifies production while achieving the required compact volume when contained in a package.
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
Simplifies the balancing process, reduces risk to personnel, and ensures that balance weights do not become dangerous projectiles upon missile detonation or explosion, facilitating precise balancing and safe handling.
Implementation Method 1
when the missile charge is detonated or when the missile propulsion unit accidentally explodes, these compact balance weights are propelled in any direction in the same way as shrapnel balls
Implementation Method 2
under the effect of the detonation of the charge or of the possible explosion of the propulsion unit, the packaging of the shot is disintegrated
Data Source
AI summary
According to the invention, the balance weights of the missile are made from pellets whereof the particle size is at most equal to 1 mm which is enclosed in a closed package.