Aero-Assisted Missile Wing Deployment Using Flight Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectile deployment systems, such as those using explosive gas generators or springs, incur additional costs, manufacturing complications, undesirable mass or bulk, and flight control disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A wing deployment system utilizing a panel or winglet that acts as a secondary aerodynamic control surface, generating angular acceleration through fluid forces to deploy wings rapidly and efficiently, minimizing complexity and bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If explosive gas generators or springs are used for wing deployment, then the wing can be deployed, but additional costs, manufacturing complications, and undesirable mass or bulk are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The wing deployment system uses the projectile's own aerodynamic forces during flight to deploy the wings, eliminating the need for separate explosive gas generators or spring mechanisms. The fluid flow around the projectile naturally generates the force needed to open the wings through the aerodynamic panel, making the system self-servicing and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical deployment systems (explosive gas generators, springs) with an aerodynamic system. The panel utilizes fluid dynamic forces generated during projectile flight to actuate wing deployment, substituting a mechanical system with an aerodynamic one that leverages the flight environment itself.
2Reliability
If explosive gas generators or springs are used for wing deployment, then the wing can be deployed, but flight control disturbances occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical deployment systems (explosive gas generators, springs) with an aerodynamic system. The panel utilizes fluid dynamic forces generated during projectile flight to actuate wing deployment, substituting a mechanical system with an aerodynamic one that leverages the flight environment itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the fluid flow around the projectile, which would otherwise be a passive environmental factor, into an active deployment mechanism. The aerodynamic forces generated during flight are harnessed to open the wings, turning the flight environment into a beneficial resource for deployment rather than a source of disturbance.
3Reliability
If conventional deployment mechanisms are used, then the wing can be deployed, but complex and bulky devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The wing deployment system uses the projectile's own aerodynamic forces during flight to deploy the wings, eliminating the need for separate explosive gas generators or spring mechanisms. The fluid flow around the projectile naturally generates the force needed to open the wings through the aerodynamic panel, making the system self-servicing and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heavy, complex deployment mechanisms (explosive gas generators, springs) from the system, retaining only the essential aerodynamic panel that utilizes environmental forces for deployment. This extraction of unnecessary components reduces both mass and complexity while maintaining deployment functionality.
4Reliability
If conventional deployment mechanisms are used, then the wing can be deployed, but additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heavy, complex deployment mechanisms (explosive gas generators, springs) from the system, retaining only the essential aerodynamic panel that utilizes environmental forces for deployment. This extraction of unnecessary components reduces both mass and complexity while maintaining deployment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic panel serves multiple functions: it acts as both a control surface for wing deployment and an aerodynamic element that generates force during flight. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs compared to dedicated deployment mechanisms.
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 system enables rapid wing deployment in a short timescale (10-50 milliseconds) without complex devices, ensuring stability and reducing manufacturing complications.
Implementation Method 1
The panel may be a winglet or wing cover that is arranged on an upper end of the wing and configured to incur a lift or drag force when the panel is exposed to fluid flow, such as airflow, around the projectile during forward movement of the projectile
Implementation Method 2
The panel may be a winglet or wing cover that is arranged on an upper end of the wing and configured to incur a lift or drag force when the panel is exposed to fluid flow
Implementation Method 3
The initial deployment mechanism may be a spring or other stored energy release mechanism that is activated by pressurization or active control in the projectile during deployment
Data Source
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AI summary
A projectile and method of deploying a projectile includes a wing deployment system for deploying a wing of a projectile. The wing deployment system includes a stored energy release mechanism that is activated to generate an initial range of motion of the wing and a panel arranged on the wing and configured to cause an angular acceleration of the wing during the initial range of motion of the wing.