Projectile Aft End Modification for Fin Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectiles, particularly spin-stabilized ones, lack the accuracy and control provided by fin stabilization, limiting their effectiveness in achieving precise trajectories.
Innovation Solution
A method to modify the aft end of a projectile by removing material and installing a tail fin kit with hingedly coupled fins, which can be deployed to provide stability and accuracy, converting spin-stabilized projectiles into fin-stabilized ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If material is removed from the aft end of the projectile and a tail fin kit is installed, then accuracy and trajectory control are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tail fin kit is divided into separate components (fins, base, hinge mechanism) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled onto the projectile. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual parts while achieving the complex function of fin-stabilized flight when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The fins are designed with a hinge mechanism that allows them to be stowed during launch and then deployed to a operational position during flight. This dynamic configuration enables the projectile to maintain simplicity during loading and firing while providing accuracy control when needed during flight.
2Ease of operation
If existing spin-stabilized projectiles are converted to fin-stabilized projectiles, then trajectory management and control are improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Threads are pre-formed on the aft end of the projectile during its original manufacturing process. This preliminary action creates a ready-made mounting interface that simplifies the later installation of the tail fin kit, reducing the manufacturing complexity of the conversion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The tail fin kit design with standardized threading and mounting mechanisms allows it to be adapted to multiple different projectile types. This universality means that once the kit is designed and manufactured, it can be installed on various spin-stabilized projectiles, improving trajectory management across different projectile stocks without requiring unique solutions for each type.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a tail fin kit with hingedly coupled fins is installed on the projectile, then stability and accuracy are improved, but the structure and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism allows the fins to transition between a stowed position during launch and a deployed position during flight. This dynamic capability provides structural stability when needed (deployed fins for aerodynamic stability) while minimizing structural complexity during storage and handling (stowed fins).
Solution Approach 2:
When not in use, the fins are positioned within or alongside the projectile body, effectively nesting the stabilization components within the overall projectile structure. This nesting minimizes the additional structural volume and complexity while maintaining the capability for deployed stabilization during flight.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of modifying a projectile (10) includes removing material from an aft (64) end of the projectile, and coupling a device (70) to the aft end. The method may be used to convert a spin - stabilized projectile into a fin stabilized projectile, by modifying the aft end of a spin - stabilized projectile to accept a fin kit. The modifying may involve removing material with lathe, and may include forming external threads (54) on the aft end that may engage corresponding internal threads on the device, to effect the coupling of the device to the aft end. The modification method allows versatility in employing projectiles, including existing stocks of projectiles. In particular the method allows spin - stabilized projectiles to be converted to more accurate fin - stabilized projectiles.