Projectile Fin Deployment Mechanism for Low-Drag Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectile designs face challenges with fixed fins that increase aerodynamic drag and require internal space for retractable fins, compromising airspeed and maneuverability while reducing space for essential equipment.
Innovation Solution
A fin assembly with a movable fin that transitions between stowed and deployed positions using a pivot member, biaser, and slot mechanism, allowing the fin to extend outside the chamber and adjust its orientation relative to the projectile's longitudinal axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixed or stationary fins are equipped to a projectile, then stability and control are improved, but aerodynamic drag increases reducing airspeed and maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The fin assembly employs a movable fin that can transition between deployed and stowed positions along the longitudinal axis of the projectile. The fin is positioned at a biased position toward the tail relative to the nose, allowing it to be deployed when stability is needed and stowed when reduced drag is required, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and aerodynamic drag through dynamic reconfiguration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If retractable fins are equipped inside the projectile, then aerodynamic profile is conserved, but internal space is reduced for guidance systems and payloads
Solution Approach 1:
The fin assembly is extracted from the internal chamber space and positioned externally on the projectile body. The fin can be stowed along the longitudinal axis between the nose and tail, extending outside the chamber, which eliminates the need to allocate internal storage space for the fin mechanism while still providing the capability to reduce aerodynamic drag when stowed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If retractable fins are equipped inside the projectile, then aerodynamic profile is conserved, but the overall profile must be increased which increases aerodynamic drag
Solution Approach 1:
The fin assembly allows dynamic adjustment of the projectile's overall profile. When the fin is stowed along the longitudinal axis, the projectile maintains a streamlined profile with minimal drag. When the fin is deployed, it extends outside the chamber to provide stability and control, temporarily increasing the profile only when necessary for flight performance.
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 solution minimizes aerodynamic drag by optimizing fin positioning during flight, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency while conserving internal space for other critical components.
Implementation Method 1
a biaser operably engaged with the fin and the base, wherein the biaser is configured to apply a biasing force on the fin to pivot the fin from the stowed position to the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile having a body that includes a nose, a tail opposite to the nose, a chamber defined between the tail and the nose, and a longitudinal axis defined between the nose and the tail. The projectile also includes a payload stored in the chamber of the body, and a propulsion system equipped with the body. The projectile also includes a fin assembly operably engaged with the body between the nose and the tail and is positioned outside of the chamber, wherein a fin of the fin assembly is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the fin is stowed completely between the nose and the tail. In the deployed position, a portion of the fin extends away from the nose or from the tail.