Projectile Collar Adapter for Guidance Kit Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting existing projectiles with guidance kits often compromises the integrity of the fuze-to-warhead junction by introducing air gaps, reducing the effectiveness of the projectile and causing permanent alterations that affect field operations.
Innovation Solution
A collar-based system is used to attach a secondary system, such as a guidance kit, to the fuze of a projectile, eliminating the air gap and preserving the integrity of the fuze-to-warhead junction by securely fastening the guidance kit around the fuze rather than between it and the warhead, using a surface adapter that can be easily installed and removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mounting flange is placed between the fuze and the warhead to attach a guidance kit, then the guidance capability is added to the projectile, but the integrity of the fuze-to-warhead junction is compromised by introducing an air gap
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the attachment system into separate components: a collar that fits around the fuze assembly and a mounting flange that attaches to the collar. This segmentation allows the guidance kit to be mounted without placing any component between the fuze and warhead, thus maintaining the integrity of their junction while still providing guidance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar serves as an intermediary component that provides a mounting surface for the guidance kit without interfering with the fuze-to-warhead connection. By introducing this intermediate structure that attaches to the exterior of the fuze assembly, the patent enables guidance capability addition while preserving the original junction integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mounting flange is placed between the fuze and the warhead to attach a guidance kit, then the guidance kit can be secured to the projectile, but permanent alteration of the projectile occurs which may affect field operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic, reversible attachment system where the collar can be removed and reinstalled, and the guidance kit can be detached and reattached. This dynamic design allows the projectile to be retrofitted with guidance capability when needed while maintaining the ability to remove the modifications for field operations, thus preserving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is pre-installed on the fuze assembly before the guidance kit is attached. This preliminary action creates a reusable mounting interface that simplifies the attachment process and allows for easy installation and removal of the guidance kit without requiring permanent modifications to the projectile structure.
3Reliability
If a collar-based system is used to attach the guidance kit around the fuze, then the structural integrity of the fuze-to-warhead junction is maintained, but additional components are introduced to the projectile assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for the guidance kit, maintains the structural integrity of the fuze assembly, and can be easily installed and removed. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thus managing device complexity while achieving the desired reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for mounting a secondary system on a projectile according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a collar. The collar is adapted to at least partially receive a fuze assembly or other projectile structure within the collar. The collar may be adapted to attach to a cover.