Missile Rudder Locking Assembly for Pre-Launch Actuator Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rudder control assemblies for missiles face challenges in ensuring reliability and functionality, particularly in preventing damage from aerodynamic loading and testing the steering functionality before launch.
Innovation Solution
A rudder control assembly comprising a first actuator for steering and a second actuator with a locking element that locks and unlocks the rudder, allowing for testing of the steering function while preventing damage, and a method for testing the first actuator by activating it while the rudder is locked, determining if it moves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rudder is locked in a fixed position to prevent damage from aerodynamic loading, then the reliability and strength are improved, but the ability to test steering functionality before launch deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to automatically connect the first actuator with the rudder via the coupling element when unlocking the rudder, before actual steering operation. This preliminary connection ensures that the actuator is properly engaged with the rudder control system before the missile is launched, allowing functionality testing while maintaining protection during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple functions: it locks the rudder in a fixed position to prevent damage during transport, and simultaneously acts as a connection mechanism to engage the first actuator with the rudder when unlocked. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by combining protection and testing capabilities in a single mechanism.
2Reliability
If the locking element connects the first actuator with the rudder when unlocking, then the steering functionality can be tested, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking function and the connection function into a single locking element. When the locking element transitions from locked to unlocked state, it simultaneously releases the rudder and establishes the connection between the first actuator and the rudder through the coupling element. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall mechanism while enabling functionality testing.
3Strength
If the rudder is locked to prevent distortion and fatigue failures, then the strength and durability are improved, but the ability to verify actuator functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary verification of actuator functionality through the testing method described in the patent. The first actuator can be activated while the rudder is in the locked position, and the system can determine whether the actuator moves appropriately. This preliminary testing ensures actuator functionality is verified before launch, while the rudder remains protected in its locked position during transport.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rudder control assembly (2) for a missile (1), the rudder control assembly (2) comprising: a first actuator (20) connectable to a rudder (16), which first actuator (20) is configured to steer the rudder (16) when connected to the rudder (16); a coupling element (22) for connecting the first actuator (20) to the rudder (16); and a second actuator (24) for locking the rudder (16) in a fixed position, wherein the second actuator (24) comprises a locking element (26), which is configured to lock and unlock the rudder (16) and which locking element (26) also is configured to connect the first actuator (20) with the rudder (16) by means of the coupling element (22) when unlocking the rudder (16). The invention also relates to a missile (1), comprising a rudder control assembly (2). The invention also relates to a method, performed by a control device (100), for testing a first actuator (20) of a rudder control assembly (2) for a missile (1). The invention also relates to a computer program (P) and to a computer-readable medium.