Missile Launch Assembly Modular Guide System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing missile launch assemblies are not designed for flexible and easy reloading, limiting their operational efficiency and versatility.

Innovation Solution

A missile launch assembly with a rotatable support base, adjustable supporting feet, and a guide system that allows for independent positioning and quick replacement of launch frames and containers, enabling flexible reconfiguration and reloading without the need for a transport vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If missiles are housed in fixed launch containers stacked on a support base, then structural stability is improved, but reloading flexibility and ease deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidreloading flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The launch assembly is divided into modular launch containers that can be independently handled and replaced. Each container is a self-contained unit that can be individually loaded and unloaded from the support base, enabling flexible reloading while maintaining the overall structural stability of the assembly through standardized mounting interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support base is made rotatable about a vertical axis, transforming it from a static structure to a dynamic one. This rotational capability allows the launch containers to be repositioned and accessed from different angles, significantly improving reloading flexibility and operational versatility while the base itself provides continued structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If launch containers are mechanically fixed to form rigid launch batteries, then structural strength is improved, but ease of replacement and reconfiguration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidease of replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid launch battery is segmented into individual replaceable launch containers. Each container maintains structural integrity for its housed missile, while the modular design allows entire containers to be quickly swapped out as complete units, combining structural strength with operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Launch containers are designed to be nested or stacked upon one another on the support base, with each container serving as a complete functional unit. This nesting arrangement allows containers to be securely positioned while enabling rapid replacement by removing one container and inserting another in its place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the launch assembly is integrated with a transport vehicle, then transportation capability is improved, but independent positioning and reloading capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation capabilityVSAvoidindependent positioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into a separable transport vehicle and an independent launch assembly with its own rotatable support base. This allows the launch assembly to function independently for positioning and reloading operations while still being transportable when mounted on the vehicle, resolving the contradiction between integrated transportation and independent operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support base is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural support during launch operations and as a rotatable positioning mechanism for independent reloading. When mounted on the transport vehicle, it provides stabilization; when operating independently, it enables flexible positioning and container access without requiring the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3564615B1Missile launch assembly and missile launcher comprising said launch assembly
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 MBDA ITAL
  • EP3564615B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3564615B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3564615B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A missile launch assembly (10) comprising: - a support base (11) orientable between a transport angular position and a launch angular position; - at least one launch frame (20) fixed to the support base (11) to be integral in rotation therewith, the launch frame (20) comprising at least one pair of struts (21, 22); - a first launch container (100) containing a respective first missile; - coupling elements (S1, S2) through which the first launch container (100) is removably fixed to the launch frame (11) between the pair of struts (21, 22), in which the coupling elements (S1, S2, 101, 102) comprise a first guide system (S1) adapted and configured to allow guided sliding of the first launch container (100) between said struts (21, 22) along a first stroke delimited between a first initial insertion position and a first final fixing position.