Projectile Fin Deployment System with Concurrent Pivoting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fin deployment systems for projectiles lack efficient and controlled mechanisms for transitioning wrap-around fins from a stowed to a deployed position, particularly in high-acceleration environments like those experienced by cannon-fired projectiles.
Innovation Solution
A fin deployment system featuring an actuator plate, mechanical stop arrangements, an actuation assembly, and torque applicators that enable concurrent pivoting of the actuator plate and fin assemblies from a stowed to a deployed position, with locking mechanisms to secure the fins in place, utilizing pyrotechnic components and torsion bars for rapid and controlled deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If wrap-around fins are provided for cannon-fired projectiles, then aerodynamic stability is improved, but the complexity of the deployment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment mechanism is divided into multiple independent fin assemblies, each capable of pivoting independently about its own hinge. Each fin assembly includes its own locking and unlocking mechanisms that operate independently, allowing controlled deployment of individual fins while maintaining overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static stowed configuration to a dynamic deployed configuration through controlled pivoting motions. The fins are designed to pivot from a retracted position (reducing drag) to an extended position (providing aerodynamic stability), with mechanical stops ensuring precise positioning in both states.
2Reliability
If mechanical stop arrangements are used to lock fins in position, then reliability of fin positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical stop arrangements are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the fin's position and the applied forces. The stops utilize the fin's own motion and the mechanical interaction between the fin assembly and the stop structure to achieve locking and unlocking without requiring external control systems or additional actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical stops utilize changes in geometric parameters (position, orientation, and relative movement between components) to achieve locking and unlocking. As the fin pivots to different positions, the geometric relationship between the fin assembly and the mechanical stop changes, causing automatic engagement or disengagement of the locking mechanism.
3Speed
If pyrotechnic components are used for actuation, then deployment speed is improved, but the reliability decreases due to safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The pyrotechnic components are pre-installed and pre-configured within the deployment mechanism, but remain dormant until a specific trigger event occurs. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment when needed while maintaining safety during storage and transport, as the pyrotechnic material is already in place but not yet activated.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system or trigger mechanism acts as an intermediary between the pyrotechnic component and the fin assembly. This intermediary ensures that the pyrotechnic material is only activated under controlled conditions, providing a reliable interface that manages the safety risks while enabling rapid deployment when properly triggered.
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
Enables rapid, controlled, and synchronized deployment of wrap-around fins, ensuring stability and aerodynamic efficiency during projectile flight by locking the fins in place, even in high-acceleration conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation assembly comprises a pyrotechnic component operable for selectively displacing the actuation piston to the second axial position when fired
Implementation Method 2
the fin assembly includes a torsion bar radially extending from the fin hinge to an outer surface of the fin, the torsion bar being operable for applying a torque to the fin assembly to thereby pivot the fin assembly from the stowed position to the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A fin deployment system for a projectile is provided, the fin deployment system defining a longitudinal axis and including: an actuator plate, a first mechanical stop arrangement, an actuation assembly, a plurality of fin assemblies, and a second mechanical stop arrangement. The actuator plate is pivotable from a first pivot position to a second pivot position about the longitudinal axis. The first mechanical stop arrangement is configured for initially locking the actuator plate at the first pivot position, and for selectively unlocking the actuator plate from the first pivot position responsive to an actuating force, to thereby allow the actuator plate to pivot to the second pivot position. The actuation assembly is for selectively applying the actuating force to the first mechanical stop arrangement, to thereby unlock the actuator plate from the first pivot position. Each fin assembly includes a fin pivotable from a stowed position to a deployed position about a respective fin hinge defining a respective deployment axis, each fin assembly forming a kinematic pair with the actuator plate such that the pivoting of the actuator plate between the first pivot position and the second pivot position, and the pivoting of each fin from the respective the stowed position to the respective the deployed position, are concurrent. The second mechanical stop arrangement is for locking the fin assemblies in the respective deployed positions responsive to the actuator plate pivoting from the first pivot position to the second pivot position.