Modular Tube Launch System for Aircraft Payload Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional launch systems for tubular payloads often require bulky storage devices that obscure entrances and exits, and not all platforms are equipped with a launch system, limiting their deployment flexibility and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular, reconfigurable tube launch system with removably connected tube launch sections and a powered magazine that uses electrically powered wheels for propulsion, allowing integration with existing platforms and non-intrusive placement, enabling vertical stacking and efficient payload handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional storage devices are used for tubular payloads, then payloads can be stored, but entrances and exits of the aircraft are obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The launch system is divided into modular tube launch sections that can be independently configured. These sections are arranged to extend in a direction normal to the launch direction, segmenting the storage function from the entrance/exit pathways, thereby maintaining payload capacity while preserving access spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine is oriented to extend in a direction normal to the launch direction (vertical stacking), changing the spatial dimension of payload storage from horizontal to vertical. This dimensional change allows payloads to be stored without obstructing the horizontal entrance and exit spaces of the aircraft.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a launch system is added to a platform, then payload deployment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube launch sections are designed with universal interfaces that allow them to be removably connected to various platforms and to each other. The same modular sections can serve different payload deployment needs by simply reconfiguring the number and arrangement of sections, eliminating the need for complex platform-specific launch systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The launch system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, with tube launch sections that can be added or removed based on mission requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to scale from simple to complex configurations without requiring a completely different system design, reducing overall device complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If bulky storage devices are used, then payloads can be stored, but space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Payloads are stacked vertically within the magazine, utilizing the vertical dimension for storage rather than horizontal space. This allows maximum payload capacity within the available volume of the platform, significantly improving space efficiency compared to conventional horizontal storage arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular tube launch sections can be nested or compactly arranged when not in use, and the vertical stacking of payloads within the magazine allows efficient use of internal volume. The system accommodates payloads in a compact configuration that maximizes the use of available space within the platform.
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
Enables the deployment of tubular payloads from various platforms without obstructing entrance and exit spaces, providing flexible configuration and efficient use of space, while utilizing existing power sources or independent power for operation.
Implementation Method 1
Electrically powered wheels are arranged in each tube launch section for propelling the payloads
Implementation Method 2
the magazine may rely on gravity and powered magazine wheels for launching the payloads directly out of the magazine
Data Source
AI summary
A tube launch system is used for launching payloads from a platform and includes at least one tube launch section that is removably mounted to the platform, a plurality of powered wheels that are electrically powered and arranged in the tube launch section for propelling the payloads through the tube launch section, and a power source configured to operate the powered wheels. The tube launch system may include a magazine having an endless conveyor and powered magazine wheels that are engageable with the payloads to move the payloads from the endless conveyor to the tube launch section.