Pyrotechnic Missile Locking Mechanism for Reliable Component Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing missile designs lack an efficient mechanism to ensure that components like canards remain locked until a specific time and can be reliably unlocked at the right moment, particularly under environmental influences and without relying on complex mechanisms or freely moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A pyrotechnic locking and unlocking device using a latch mechanism with a coupling element that moves between a block and release position, driven by a pyrotechnic force element, which is activated by a trigger signal, allowing for robust and reliable activation of components like canards at a desired time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms (locking pins, electric locking bolts, linear actuators) are used to lock missile components, then the component can be held in a waiting position, but the mechanism becomes complex and vulnerable to environmental influences and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all freely moving parts, gears, and complex mechanical components from the locking mechanism. The solution extracts the problematic elements (moving parts that can fail under vibration and environmental conditions) and replaces them with a deformable body that achieves locking and unlocking through controlled deformation alone, eliminating the source of reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems (locking pins, electric bolts, linear actuators with moving parts) with a pyrotechnic-driven deformable body system. The mechanical system that relies on moving parts is substituted with a system that uses controlled deformation of a deformable body, driven by pyrotechnic gas pressure, to achieve the same locking and unlocking functions with superior reliability.
2Ease of operation
If complex mechanisms with freely moving parts are used for locking and unlocking, then the mechanism can be adjusted and controlled, but it becomes vulnerable to environmental influences and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes all freely moving parts, gears, and adjustable mechanical components that make the system vulnerable to environmental influences. The solution uses a deformable body that achieves controlled locking and unlocking through pyrotechnic-driven deformation, eliminating susceptibility to vibrations and environmental factors while maintaining full controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the locking element and the actuating mechanism. When deformed by pyrotechnic gas pressure, it automatically locks the component; when returned to its original shape, it automatically unlocks. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate locking and actuating mechanisms, reducing vulnerability to environmental influences.
3Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the component can be secured in waiting position, but the mechanism requires multiple parts and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (locking element, actuator, spring mechanism) into a single integrated deformable body. This unified structure eliminates the need for multiple separate parts and their associated connection points, reducing the number of potential failure points while maintaining reliable locking functionality. The deformable body combines structural support, locking, and actuating functions in one element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates all freely moving parts, gears, and complex mechanical assemblies from the locking mechanism. By removing these unnecessary components and replacing them with a pyrotechnic-driven deformable body system, the patent reduces the number of parts and potential failure points while enhancing reliability.
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 provides a robust and reliable mechanism for unlocking missile components, resistant to environmental influences and vibrations, with no need for gears or freely moving parts, ensuring accurate and timed deployment of components like canards.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrotechnic force element (16) with an output (18) that is pyrotechnically movable or is moved from a passive position (PP) into an active position (PA) upon a trigger signal (SA)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A missile (2) includes a device (4) for unlocking a component (8) locked by a bolt (6), with which at least one bolt (6), which is movable between a block position (PB) locking the component (8) and a release position (PF) releasing the component (8), with a pyrotechnic force element (16) with a drive (18) which is pyrotechnically movable from a passive position (PP) to an active position (PA) upon a trigger signal (SA), and with a coupling element (27) by which at least one of the bolts (6) is coupled to the drive (18) in such a way that a mechanical movement of the bolt (6) from the block position (PB) to the release position (PF) is caused by a movement of the drive (18) from the passive position (PP) to the active position (PA) or vice versa.In a method for unlocking the component (8), the latch (6) is moved from the block position (PB) to the release position (PF), the output (18) is moved from the passive position (PP) to the active position (PA), wherein the coupling element (27) couples the latch (6) with the output (18) in such a way that the movement of the output (18) causes the movement of the latch (6) from the block position (PB) to the release position (PF) or vice versa.