Projectile Air Brake Deployment via Centrifugal Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectile control systems face challenges in deploying control surfaces during launch without impeding the projectile's path and in effectively managing aerodynamic drag for precision guidance and range correction.
Innovation Solution
An air brake system comprising pivot-mounted protrusions, such as air brake discs, that extend outward from the projectile using centrifugal force, integrated with a deployment system and actuation mechanism to selectively increase aerodynamic drag and facilitate precision guidance and range correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control surfaces are extended during launch, then flight control capability is improved, but the projectile's path is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The control surfaces are designed to be deployed after launch when no longer needed for smooth passage through the barrel, allowing the projectile to be launched smoothly first, then control surfaces are extended for flight control
Solution Approach 2:
The control surfaces transition from a retracted state during launch to an extended state during flight, dynamically adapting their configuration based on the operational phase to optimize both launch performance and flight control
2Speed
If air brake surfaces are deployed to increase drag, then velocity control is improved, but flight stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The air brake surfaces are deployed asymmetrically to create controlled drag that corrects trajectory and range errors, using deliberate asymmetry to achieve stability and precision rather than compromising it
Solution Approach 2:
The air brake system provides feedback control by adjusting drag based on actual flight performance, allowing real-time correction of velocity and trajectory to maintain stable and accurate flight
3Productivity
If deployable control surfaces are used, then launch performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control surfaces utilize centrifugal force generated during flight to automatically deploy and maintain their extended position, eliminating the need for complex external actuation mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
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 air brake system effectively increases drag to control the projectile's velocity and trajectory, enhancing accuracy and range correction capabilities by deploying air brake discs in a controlled manner, allowing for precise adjustments during flight.
Implementation Method 1
The braking vane members are extended by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the projectile
Implementation Method 2
at least two airbrakes that are radially deployable so as to increase the projectile's aerodynamic drag
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for an air brake system [210] for a projectile [100] according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a pivot and a protrusion [212] mounted on the pivot. The protrusion is adapted to selectively translate outward from the longitudinal axis of the projectile. The methods and apparatus may further operate in conjunction with an actuation system [214] engaging the protrusion, wherein the actuation system is configured to selectively facilitate the translation of the protrusion.