Multi-part Pusher Missile Launcher Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing launch systems for missiles using pusher plates often cause excessive stress on warhead explosives during launch, leading to mis-shapes, rips, and improper detonation due to the forces transmitted through the pusher plate.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part pusher system where parts are movable relative to each other, engaging different parts of the missile to provide controlled acceleration, using pressurized gases to minimize stress on the warhead explosive by distributing forces uniformly across the payload and casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single pusher plate is used to launch the missile, then the launch force can be applied, but excessive stress is transmitted to the warhead explosive causing mis-shapes, rips, and improper detonation
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher plate is divided into multiple segments (first pusher segment, second pusher segment, third pusher segment) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each segment to engage different parts of the missile (warhead, explosive, motor assembly) and distribute the launch force more evenly, preventing excessive stress concentration on the warhead explosive that would cause mis-shapes, rips, and improper detonation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher segments are designed to be movable relative to one another during the launch process. This dynamic configuration allows the segments to adjust their positions independently, enabling controlled acceleration of different missile components and distributing the force transmission path to minimize stress on the warhead explosive while maintaining effective launch force application.
2Strength
If a multi-part pusher system is used to distribute forces uniformly, then stress on warhead explosive is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher system is segmented into multiple independent but coordinated components (first, second, and third pusher segments) that can be manufactured and assembled separately. Each segment has a specific function in engaging different parts of the missile, allowing for modular design that manages complexity while achieving uniform force distribution to protect the warhead explosive.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher segments are arranged in a nested configuration where the first pusher segment engages the warhead, the second segment engages the explosive, and the third segment engages the motor assembly. This nested arrangement allows the segments to be compactly stored within the launcher tube and systematically deployed during launch, managing spatial complexity while maintaining force distribution benefits.
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 multi-part pusher system ensures uniform acceleration of the missile parts during launch, reducing stress on the warhead explosive and maintaining its integrity, while sealing the payload from expanding gases, allowing for controlled force distribution and adaptable engagement with varying payload orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized gas source or gas generator that provides pressurized gas
Implementation Method 2
a pusher for transmitting force from the pressurized gas to an object to be launched
Data Source
AI summary
A launcher includes a pusher that has parts that move relative to one another to provide desired forces or accelerations to corresponding parts of an object to be launched. Pressurized gasses are used to move the pusher to eject the object from the launcher. The parts of the pusher engage the different parts of the object to account for differences in shape and/or orientation of the parts of the objects, and to provide desired accelerations to the object parts. The pusher parts may include a piston or diaphragm that moves relative to an outer annular part of the pusher. The piston or diaphragm may press against a warhead explosive or other payload of a missile, with the outer part pressing against a fuselage or casing of the missile, in which the payload is mounted. Use of the pusher with multiple parts minimizes stresses between the object parts.