Projectile Control Surface Deployment via Integrated Rotation and Rack Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Complex mechanical systems for deploying and actuating control surfaces in projectiles often increase hardware and software complexity, power consumption, and mass, while also introducing opportunities for component failure.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical deployment and actuation system comprising a rotation module, pinion module, rack module, and bevel module, which dynamically couple to facilitate selective rotation and translation of a control surface, allowing for efficient deployment and actuation of control surfaces during projectile flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical systems including pyrotechnic actuators and feedback mechanisms are used for control surface deployment and actuation, then the control surface can be selectively deployed and positioned, but the hardware and software complexity, power consumption, and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a rotation module for deploying the control surface and a actuation module for positioning it. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining selective deployment and actuation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation module serves dual purposes: it both deploys the control surface from its stowed position and acts as the actuation mechanism for positioning the control surface once deployed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pyrotechnic actuators and feedback mechanisms, reducing hardware complexity and mass.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical systems with multiple components are used for control surface deployment and actuation, then the control surface can be selectively deployed and positioned, but the mass of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation module performs both deployment and actuation functions, eliminating the need for separate pyrotechnic actuators, feedback mechanisms, and associated electronics. This consolidation significantly reduces the mass of the control system while maintaining full selective deployment and positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the deployment mechanism and actuation mechanism into a single integrated rotation module. By combining these functions into one mechanical structure rather than using separate components, the overall mass of the control system is reduced while preserving the ability to selectively deploy and position the control surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical systems with multiple components are used for control surface deployment and actuation, then the control surface can be selectively deployed and positioned, but the opportunity for component failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two simple, independent mechanical modules: rotation module for deployment and actuation module for positioning. This segmentation reduces the total number of components and interfaces, thereby reducing opportunities for failure while maintaining selective deployment and actuation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation module performs both deployment and actuation functions, reducing the total number of components in the system. Fewer components mean fewer potential failure points, improving reliability while maintaining the capability for selective deployment and positioning of the control surface.
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
This system reduces complexity and mass, enhances control surface deployment and actuation efficiency, and minimizes the risk of component failure by providing a more streamlined and reliable mechanism for modifying projectile trajectory.
Implementation Method 1
The rack module is configured to dynamically couple to the pinion module and translate along the principal axis of the rack module in response to rotation of the pinion module
Implementation Method 2
The bevel module is configured to couple to the rotation module and selectively rotate the rotation module, wherein rotation of the rotation module occurs about the principal axis of the rotation module
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mechanical deployment and actuation system may comprise a rotation module, a pinion module, a rack module, and a bevel module. The rotation module may be configured to couple Io a boosing and rotate about the principal axis, of the rotation module relative to the housing. The pinion module may be configured io couple to the rotation module and selectively rotate about the principal axis of the pinion module relative to the rotation module. The rack module may be configured to dynamically couple to the pinion module and translate along the principal axis of the rack module in response to rotation of the pinion module. The bevel module may be configured to couple to the rotation module and selectively rotate the rotation module, wherein rotation of the rotation module rotates about the principal axis of the rotation module, the rack module, and the pinion module.