Missile Snap Ring Groove Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assembling missiles result in a non-smooth outer profile and require multiple steps and personnel, as they rely on fasteners and separate processes for mechanical and electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The use of snap rings and adapters with grooves allows for a single-motion assembly of missile parts, ensuring a smooth outer profile and simplifying the assembly process by engaging the snap ring with grooves on the adapters to connect and align the missile parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fasteners such as screws and clamps are used for mechanical assembly, then subassemblies can be mated, but the outer profile becomes non-smooth and multiple steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the protruding fasteners (screws and clamps) from the assembly process and replaces them with a snap ring mechanism that integrates within the groove structure, eliminating the external fasteners that disrupt the smooth outer profile
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the mechanical connection function with the groove structure itself, where the snap ring engages with grooves on both adapters to create a unified connection system that maintains the smooth cylindrical profile without separate fastener components
2Reliability
If separate processes are used for mechanical and electrical connections, then connections can be made, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges mechanical and electrical connection operations into a single snap-ring installation motion. The snap ring simultaneously secures the mechanical adapter connection and triggers the electrical connector engagement, eliminating separate processes for each connection type
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connectors are pre-positioned on the adapters before assembly. When the snap ring is installed, the adapters are already aligned and ready for immediate electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate electrical connection steps
3Ease of operation
If multiple people are required to perform assembly, then complex connections can be made, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring mechanism is designed to be self-installing by a single operator. The snap ring expands to engage the grooves on both adapters simultaneously, providing self-aligning and self-securing functionality that eliminates the need for multiple operators to coordinate complex fastening operations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for a multiple part missile according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a first missile part having a first groove formed in a surface of the first missile part and a second missile part having a second groove. A snap ring may be configured to engage the first groove and the second groove.