Offset-Bore Coupling Mechanism for Projectile Balance Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projectile devices face challenges in adjusting coupling mechanisms to accommodate varying weights and geometries of guidance components, leading to issues in balancing and aligning the device correctly for deployment, particularly when the guidance component's weight increases relative to the payload.

Innovation Solution

The use of adjustable coupling mechanisms with offset bores and tethering systems allows for rotational adjustment of components, enabling precise alignment and distance adjustment between coupling points to maintain balance and stability, regardless of the guidance component's weight distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed coupling mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate varying weights and geometries of guidance components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying guidance component weights and geometriesVSAvoidcoupling mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism incorporates a rotatable first component with multiple holes arranged circumferentially, allowing the component to be rotated to different angular positions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the coupling mechanism to accommodate varying weights and geometries of guidance components by changing the relative positioning of coupling points, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The first component is divided into multiple discrete holes arranged around its circumference, allowing selective engagement at different positions. This segmentation enables independent adjustment of coupling point locations without requiring complete redesign of the coupling mechanism, achieving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Weight of moving object

If the guidance component weight increases, then the payload capacity is reduced, but the coupling mechanism must maintain proper balance and alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguidance component weightVSAvoidbalance and alignment of projectile device

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable first component allows dynamic repositioning of coupling points to adjust the balance and alignment of the projectile device. When the guidance component weight increases, the coupling mechanism can be rotated to new angular positions that redistribute forces and maintain proper balance, preventing instability despite the weight change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the angular position parameter of the first component to adjust the coupling geometry. By rotating the first component to different angles, the effective coupling point positions change, allowing the system to compensate for weight variations and maintain proper balance and alignment of the overall projectile device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If rotational adjustment is enabled, then alignment precision is improved, but the coupling mechanism requires additional adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precision of coupling pointsVSAvoidadjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable first component provides a simple yet effective adjustment mechanism that achieves precise alignment through rotational movement. The circumferential arrangement of holes allows for fine-tuned angular positioning, achieving high alignment precision without requiring complex adjustment devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between precision and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11643208B2Adjustable coupling mechanisms for projectile devices

Publication Date: 2023.05.09 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an assembly including at least one adjustable coupling mechanism. In one aspect, the first coupling mechanism includes a first component having a central axis parallel to its outside surface. The first component further includes an inside surface defined by a bore formed in the first component along a central bore axis. The central bore axis is offset from the central axis. The first component can be coupled to the assembly, uncoupled, rotated about its central axis, and recoupled to change a distance between the first coupling mechanism and another part of the assembly. The first component further includes a plurality of holes formed circumferentially around the bore bottom and extending through the bore bottom and the bottom surface of the first component that can be used to removably couple the first component to the assembly.