Nested Pulley Transmission for Missile Seeker Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission systems for oscillating systems, such as those in missile gimbals, face challenges in providing precise angular accelerations with minimal slack and low friction, especially in compact spaces like missile radomes, where classical systems like pulley and metal band transmissions are bulky and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A compact transmission system utilizing a metal band transmission with a unique pulley configuration and flexible metal bands made of harmonic steel, ensuring rigidity, low friction, and minimal slack, while allowing for a compact design suitable for installation in constrained spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pulley and metal band transmission system is used to provide stiffness, uniqueness of transmission, absence of slack and low friction, then transmission precision is improved, but the device becomes bulky and occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested pulley configuration where a first pulley and a second pulley are positioned concentrically, with the second pulley having a smaller diameter and being located inside the first pulley. Both pulleys share a common rotation axis, allowing the transmission system to achieve high precision transmission while occupying minimal space. The metal bands are routed through this nested arrangement, enabling compact integration without compromising transmission accuracy.
2Reliability
If classical transmission systems like gears or belts are used, then transmission ratio is achieved, but slack and friction increase, reducing transmission uniqueness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional flexible belts to metal bands, which fundamentally alters the transmission characteristics. The metal bands provide high stiffness and maintain tension without significant elastic deformation, eliminating slack. The nested pulley geometry with optimized band routing minimizes contact friction while maintaining the necessary transmission ratio, thereby achieving reliable and unique transmission positioning.
3Speed
If transmission ratio mechanisms are used to achieve required angular accelerations, then motion control is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple pulleys into a compact nested arrangement around a common rotation axis. The first and second pulleys work together in a unified configuration, with metal bands connecting them to achieve the required transmission ratio. This integrated design provides the necessary angular acceleration control while maintaining simplicity and reducing the overall complexity compared to conventional multi-component transmission systems.
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 solution provides a compact, high-rigidity transmission system that achieves precise angular movements with minimal slack and low friction, suitable for high-performance applications like missile seeker antennas, enhancing the system's ability to maintain accuracy under external disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
the bands each have one end fixed to the drive pulley and an opposite end fixed to the driven pulley... The motion is thus transferred from the band whose rigidity to this stress is such as to be considered rigid and with deformations such as not to be comparable with the precision required
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A transmission system (100) for oscillating systems is described, comprising: -a drive pulley (110) operable in rotation about an axis of rotation of the drive pulley; -a driven pulley (120); -a first and a second flexible transmission element (130A, 130B) operatively coupled to the drive pulley (110) and the driven pulley (120) for the transmission of a movement between said pulleys (110, 120), the first and second flexible transmission elements (130A, 130B) each comprising a first and a second connection portion (131A, 131B, 132A, 132B), each of said first connection portions (131A, 131B) being attached to the drive pulley (110); and -a connection element (36) to connect the transmission system (100) to a payload (4, 5) the connection element (36) being integral in rotation with the driven pulley (120) around an axis of rotation. the drive pulley (110) is adapted to drag the driven pulley (120) and the connection element (36) in rotation in a first and in a second direction of rotation opposite to each other respectively by means of the first and second flexible transmission elements (130A, 130B). The transmission system (100) is characterised in that: -the connection element (36) is arranged to rotate around the axis of rotation of the drive pulley (110); -comprises a fixed part (150) with respect to said drive and driven pulleys (110, 120), said second connection portions (132A, 132B) being attached to said fixed part (150) ; -said rotation axis around which the driven pulley (120) and the connection element (36) are integral in rotation is the axis of rotation of the drive pulley (110).