Low-Force Payload Deployment Panel System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payload deployment systems from vehicles, especially high-velocity vehicles, often disrupt the vehicle's outer mold line (OML), leading to adverse aerodynamic performance and risk of payload damage due to high forces required for release.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a movable panel system with a driving force mechanism that activates a release mechanism to deploy payloads without damaging the vehicle's OML, using a low-force mechanism that replaces the initial panel with a second panel to maintain the OML, and employing a reusable structure to minimize force impact on the payload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frangible panel or bolt systems are used to release payload, then payload can be released from vehicle, but peak force required is greater than force needed for desired payload velocity and payload damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is divided into two independent stages: first panel release and payload release. The first panel can be released at low force while the payload remains retained, allowing the second panel to then release the payload gently without the peak forces required in traditional single-stage frangible systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The first panel is released in advance of the payload release. By removing the first panel beforehand, the path is cleared and the second panel can then safely release the payload without the risk of high-force interference, enabling a controlled, low-force payload ejection.
2Reliability
If explosive elements or high-force actuators are used to release payload, then payload release is achieved, but aerodynamic performance of vehicle is degraded due to OML disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic, multi-stage release sequence where the first panel is released, then the second panel releases the payload. This dynamic sequencing allows the OML to be maintained during payload release, as the panels are positioned to preserve the vehicle's external mold line integrity, thereby avoiding aerodynamic degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first panel acts as an intermediary element that is released before the payload. This intermediary removal clears the path for the second panel to safely eject the payload without compromising the OML, thus preventing aerodynamic performance degradation while maintaining payload release capability.
3Productivity
If same actuator is used to remove outer door/panel and eject payload, then deployment is achieved, but significant force is imparted on payload causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment process is segmented into two distinct phases: first panel removal and payload ejection. Each phase uses the same actuator but at different stages, allowing the force to be applied efficiently to the panel first, then transferred to the payload release mechanism with reduced force magnitude, preventing payload damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The first panel is removed in a preliminary action before payload ejection. This preliminary removal reduces the mass and resistance that the actuator must move during the subsequent payload ejection phase, thereby reducing the peak force imparted on the payload while maintaining deployment efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed relating to maintaining an outer mold line of a vehicle after a payload is deployed from the vehicle, and providing a low-force non-frangible method of deploying a payload from a vehicle.