Payload Launch Apparatus Drag Inducing Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional payload release mechanisms from high-speed aircraft face challenges in controlling payload movement and clearance from the host aircraft, particularly at supersonic and hypersonic speeds, due to unpredictable flow fields and turbulent effects, leading to a high risk of collision and catastrophic failure.
Innovation Solution
A payload launch apparatus featuring a tubular holding device with a drag-inducing container that is released behind the aircraft, utilizing a drag-inducing device such as resilient flaps or fins to decelerate and constrain the payload's motion, ensuring clearance from the host aircraft, and optionally including a closure device to minimize aerodynamic impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional payload release mechanisms are used from high-speed aircraft, then the payload can be released, but the payload cannot be effectively controlled or cleared from the host aircraft due to unpredictable flow fields and turbulent effects at supersonic and hypersonic speeds
Solution Approach 1:
A tubular holding device is introduced as an intermediary structure between the payload and the external environment. This holding device provides a controlled pathway for payload release, constraining lateral and vertical motion until the payload exits through the open end, thereby mediating the interaction between the payload and the unpredictable high-speed flow field
Solution Approach 2:
The container is equipped with a drag-inducing device that changes the aerodynamic parameters of the payload system. By generating drag in the direction opposite to aircraft travel, this device actively modifies the payload's motion characteristics, enabling controlled deceleration and clearance from the host aircraft in the high-speed flow environment
2Productivity
If payload is released from high-speed aircraft, then the payload can be deployed, but there is a high risk of collision with the host aircraft due to turbulent flow effects and unpredictable motion
Solution Approach 1:
The drag-inducing device acts as an aerodynamic counterweight by generating drag force in the direction opposite to the aircraft's travel. This counteracting force balances the forward momentum of the payload, enabling controlled deceleration and safe clearance from the host aircraft without collision
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device constrains the payload's motion primarily along the longitudinal axis (dimension of aircraft travel) while allowing controlled movement in lateral and vertical dimensions through the open end. This dimensional approach separates the controlled acceleration phase from the free-flight phase, reducing collision risk
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
Enables accurate and reliable release of payloads from high-speed aircraft, reducing the risk of collision and ensuring safe clearance by generating drag to decelerate the payload and constrain its motion until it is clear of the aircraft, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a container having thereon at least one drag inducing device configured to induce drag in a direction substantially opposite to that of said direction of travel of said air vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for releasing a payload from an air vehicle (14), the apparatus comprising a generally tubular holding device (10) mounted on, or formed integrally with, said air vehicle, said holding device (10) having an open end facing in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of travel (16) of said air vehicle (14), in use, the apparatus further comprising a container (18) for housing said payload and configured to be at least partially received within said holding device (10), at least one releasable retaining device (20) for releasably retaining said container (18) within said holding device (10), and an actuation device for selectively actuating said at least one releasable retaining device to release said container from said holding device, said container (18) having thereon at least one drag inducing device (22) configured to induce drag in a direction substantially opposite to that of said direction of travel (16) of said air vehicle, in use, so as to act to drag said container (18) from said holding device (10) through said open end.