Pneumatic Actuation Devices for Munitions Control Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current actuation devices for guided gun-fired munitions and mortars face challenges such as high power requirements, limited dynamic response, large volume occupation, survivability issues under high accelerations, reliability concerns, and high costs, making them impractical for medium and small caliber applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of low-power, low-volume actuation devices that utilize high-energy gas-generating materials for pneumatic operation, integrated into the projectile structure to provide scalable, reliable, and high-dynamic-response control surface actuation, capable of producing significant forces and torques with minimal electrical energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electrical motors or solenoids are used for actuation, then control surface actuation is achieved, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic actuators that utilize compressed gas stored in the munition to drive control surfaces. This replaces electrical motors and solenoids with a pneumatic system where compressed gas expands to move pistons and control surface linkages, eliminating the need for high-power electrical consumption during actuation while maintaining effective control surface movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the actuation mechanism from electrical to pneumatic by utilizing the physical parameter of compressed gas pressure. The stored compressed gas provides mechanical work directly to the control surfaces through pneumatic actuators, transforming the energy source from electrical to pneumatic and significantly reducing power requirements.
2Ease of operation
If traditional actuation devices are used, then control function is provided, but volume occupied is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pneumatic actuation system with the existing munition structure by utilizing the compressed gas already present in the munition for dual purposes: both propulsion and control surface actuation. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate actuator volumes and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By using the existing compressed gas supply for control actuation, the system eliminates the need for separate electrical motor housings, mounting structures, and associated components, thereby significantly reducing the volume required for actuation systems in medium and small caliber munitions.
3Reliability
If electrical actuation systems are used, then guidance control is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic actuation system utilizes the compressed gas already contained in the munition, which is a necessary component for propulsion anyway. This self-service approach means the control system benefits from an existing resource without requiring additional expensive electrical motors, power sources, or complex control electronics, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability.
4Force
If smart materials are used for actuation, then strain capability is improved, but electrical energy requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent bypasses the need for smart materials by using conventional pneumatic actuators driven by compressed gas. This approach achieves the required force and control capability through mechanical pneumatic pressure rather than electrical activation of smart materials, thereby avoiding the high electrical energy requirements associated with piezoelectric, electrostrictive, or magnetostrictive materials.
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 efficient, cost-effective, and reliable control surface actuation for a wide range of munitions, reducing volume occupancy and power requirements, enhancing precision and survivability, and enabling the use of onboard energy harvesting, thus improving the guidance and control systems for gun-fired projectiles and mortars.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator can comprise: a housing for movably housing each of the two or more pistons; a plurality of gas generation charges generating a gas in fluid communication with the housing
Implementation Method 2
activation of each of the plurality of gas generation charges results in an increase in pressure in the housing causing the piston to move in the housing from the retracted to the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator including: a housing; a piston movably disposed in the housing, the piston being movable between an extended and retracted position; a plurality of gas generation charges generating a gas in fluid communication with the housing; and an exhaust port for exhausting gas from the cylinder generated by the plurality of gas generation charges; wherein activation of each of the plurality of gas generation charges results in an increase in pressure in the housing causing the piston to move in the housing from the refracted to the extended position. The actuator can further include a return spring for biasing the piston in the retracted position and the plurality of gas generation charges can be disposed in the housing.