Modular Effector Architecture for Faster Development and Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional effectors require significant development time and costs due to their individual designs, and maintenance and repair are problematic due to reliance on effector-specific components.
Innovation Solution
A modular effector system formed of a kit of parts with a common hull interface and modular architecture, allowing for interchangeable modular components to configure effectors for various use cases, including kinetic and non-kinetic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional effectors are built with individual designs using special-purpose components, then the effector can be optimized for a specific function, but the development time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The effector system is divided into modular components including a kinetic/non-kinetic effect component, fuze component, propulsion component, guidance component, and payload component. Each module can be independently designed, manufactured, and tested, significantly reducing overall development time while maintaining function-specific optimization through selective module combinations
Solution Approach 2:
A universal interface system is provided that allows different modular components to be interconnected. The interface includes standardized mechanical coupling, electrical connections, and data communication protocols, enabling a single set of modular components to be configured for multiple different effector functions and applications
2Reliability
If conventional effectors use individual designs, then specific performance requirements can be met, but maintenance and repair become problematic when replacement components are not readily available
Solution Approach 1:
The effector is segmented into interchangeable modular components that can be independently replaced. If one component fails or needs upgrading, only that specific module needs to be replaced rather than the entire effector, and standardized interfaces ensure compatibility across different batches and production runs
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture enables components to be recovered from decommissioned effectors and reused in new configurations. Functional modules such as propulsion, guidance, and payload components can be refurbished and integrated into new effector systems, reducing the need for complete component replacement and improving supply chain resilience
3Reliability
If conventional effectors are designed individually, then each effector can be optimized for its specific use case, but the overall system complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Complex effector systems are broken down into standardized functional modules. This segmentation reduces design complexity by reusing proven module designs across multiple applications and allows complex functionality to be achieved through simple assembly of pre-engineered components rather than custom integration
Solution Approach 2:
Universal interfaces and standardized connection protocols reduce system complexity by providing consistent methods for integrating different modules. The same interface standards are used across all modular components, eliminating the need for custom integration designs for each effector configuration and simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes
4Reliability
If conventional effectors use special-purpose components, then the effector can be optimized for specific functions, but adaptability to different use cases is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The effector system is segmented into independent functional modules that can be selectively combined. This allows the same base module (e.g., propulsion or guidance) to be adapted for different use cases by simply changing the payload or mission-specific components, maintaining function-specific performance while enabling versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture with universal interfaces enables a single set of core components to serve multiple different effector types and applications. The standardized coupling mechanisms and communication protocols allow the same propulsion module or guidance system to be integrated into different effector configurations for various missions, from depth charges to guided munitions
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Disclosed is a kit (100) of parts configured to form an effector. The kit comprises a modular kinetic/non-kinetic effect component (102) that is connectable to at least one further modular component (104) to configure the effector for use in one of a plurality of different use cases. Also disclosed are a modular effector system and a method of forming an effector.