Monolithic Missile Pivot Connection via Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pivot connection systems for flying machines, such as missiles, require multiple mechanical components, extensive assembly, and verification processes, leading to increased complexity and time, which is not satisfactory for applications like missile deployment.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece pivot connection part comprising an inner and outer body with connection elements that break under force, allowing rotation, and cam and pawl blocking assemblies to secure positions, manufactured using additive methods like 3D printing, eliminating the need for assembly and reducing control duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple mechanical components are used for pivot connection, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mechanical components (inner body, outer body, connection elements, cam blocking assembly, pawl blocking assembly) into a single integrated pivot connection part manufactured by additive manufacturing. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining all necessary functions through monolithic construction, directly resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pivot connection part performs multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical connection via connection elements, blocking in deployed position via cam and pawl assemblies, and structural support. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple specialized components into one universal part, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple mechanical components are assembled, then functional requirements are met, but assembly time and verification duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The additive manufacturing process preliminarily creates the complete pivot connection part with all features (connection elements, blocking assemblies, guiding surfaces) already integrated and positioned correctly. This eliminates the need for subsequent assembly operations and verification of component interactions, directly reducing time loss while ensuring functional requirements are met through design-stage validation.
3Strength
If conventional mechanical connection elements are used, then mechanical connection is ensured, but the system requires significant assembly and control duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assembly systems with additive manufacturing technology. The connection elements and blocking assemblies are created as integral features of the monolithic part rather than being assembled mechanically. This substitution maintains mechanical connection strength through continuous material structure while dramatically improving assembly productivity by eliminating assembly operations entirely.
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot connection part for a flying machine includes an inner body, an outer body radially surrounding the inner body, and a set of connection elements configured to connect the inner body to the outer body. Breaking the connection elements detaches the inner body from the outer body. A first blocking assembly having a cam and a stop is configured to block relative rotation between the inner and outer bodies in a first rotational direction. A second blocking assembly having a pawl and a resilient stop blade is configured to block relative rotation between the inner and outer bodies in a second rotational direction.