Missile Fin Lock Assembly With Manual Reset and Gear Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current missile fin locking mechanisms are either complex and expensive or lack the functionality to unlock fins for pre-flight testing and reset to the locked position, posing a need for a simple and cost-effective solution that enables both flight mission unlocking and post-testing relocking.
Innovation Solution
A manually resettable lock assembly comprising a housing, a lock shaft, a reset shaft, and a transfer gear, which allows the lock shaft to move between lock and unlock positions, with a spring providing a force to urge the lock shaft toward the unlock position and a solenoid-actuated mechanism for manual resetting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fin locking mechanism is designed to be manually resettable for pre-flight testing, then the adaptability and versatility of the mechanism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking and resetting functions into a single integrated mechanism. The lock shaft and reset shaft share common components including the transfer gear, spring, and housing. The lock shaft performs both the primary locking function and, when manually actuated, the resetting function. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining the ability to lock and reset for pre-flight testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock shaft is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary locking element and as the resetting element when manually actuated. The same lock shaft that engages the fin to lock it also, when manually rotated, drives the transfer gear to move the reset shaft and subsequently reset the locking mechanism. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, reducing complexity while achieving the desired adaptability for both operational locking and pre-flight testing reset capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fin locking mechanism is designed to be manually resettable, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking and resetting functions into a single integrated mechanism. The lock shaft and reset shaft share common components including the transfer gear, spring, and housing. The lock shaft performs both the primary locking function and, when manually actuated, the resetting function. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining the ability to lock and reset for pre-flight testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock shaft is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary locking element and as the resetting element when manually actuated. The same lock shaft that engages the fin to lock it also, when manually rotated, drives the transfer gear to move the reset shaft and subsequently reset the locking mechanism. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, reducing complexity while achieving the desired adaptability for both operational locking and pre-flight testing reset capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If a spring is used to urge the lock shaft toward the unlock position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides self-service functionality by automatically urging the lock shaft toward the unlock position without requiring external actuation. When the locking force is removed or reduced (such as when the fin is properly positioned or when a reset command is given), the spring automatically pushes the lock shaft to the unlocked position, ensuring the fin can move freely. This self-service feature improves ease of operation while the spring's simple design minimizes the added complexity.
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 solution provides a simple and inexpensive lock assembly that effectively unlocks fins for flight and testing, while allowing for manual resetting to the locked position, ensuring reliable and cost-effective operation.
Implementation Method 1
The spring supplies a spring force to the lock shaft that urges the lock shaft toward the unlock position
Implementation Method 2
The transfer gear is disposed between, and engages, the lock shaft and the reset shaft, and is configured to transfer motion between the lock shaft and the reset shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly includes a housing, a lock shaft, a reset shaft, and a transfer gear. The lock shaft is disposed partially within and extends from the housing and is movable between a lock position and an unlock position. The reset shaft is disposed at least partially within the housing, is spaced apart from the lock shaft, and is movable between a first position and a second position. The transfer gear is disposed between, and engages, the lock shaft and the reset shaft, and is configured to transfer motion between the lock shaft and the reset shaft. When the lock shaft moves from the lock position to the unlock position, the reset shaft is moved from the first position to the second position, and when the reset shaft moves from the second position to the first position, the lock shaft is moved from the unlock position to the lock position.