Ram Deceleration Wedges for Launch System Shock Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Launch systems often damage payloads and associated components like tethers or cords due to vibratory shock during launch, necessitating better control mechanisms to reduce damage.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight launch system featuring a carbon fiber cylinder with a ram and wedges to align and slow the projectile, reducing shock by maintaining alignment and using wedges to decelerate the ram before exit, thereby minimizing stress on cables and electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the ram is accelerated to high speed for effective launch, then the launch effectiveness is improved, but the vibratory shock and damage to payloads and associated components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning multiple deceleration wedges in advance along the ram's path. These wedges are pre-configured to progressively reduce the ram's speed before it reaches the payload, allowing the high-speed launch capability to be maintained while the harmful vibratory shock is mitigated through pre-planned deceleration zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by placing a cable between the ram and the payload, and positioning deceleration wedges that create controlled resistance. This cushioning mechanism absorbs and distributes the vibratory shock that would otherwise directly impact the payload and associated components like tethers and electronics, thereby protecting them while allowing effective launch speeds.
2Device complexity
If traditional launch systems are used without deceleration mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of payload and component integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the deceleration function into multiple discrete wedges positioned at different locations along the ram's path. Rather than using a single complex deceleration mechanism, the system segments the deceleration process into several simpler wedge elements that work together, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable payload protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements (the cable and deceleration wedges) between the ram and the payload. These intermediaries serve as mediators that absorb and manage the forces generated during launch, protecting the payload and associated components from direct exposure to harmful vibratory shock, thereby improving reliability without requiring major structural changes to the launch system.
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 system effectively reduces the likelihood of damage to projectiles and associated cables by controlling the ram's deceleration and maintaining alignment, allowing for reliable and reusable launch operations.
Implementation Method 1
a propellant disposed between the closed bottom portion and the ram, the propellant to force the ram and the UAV out of the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
the four wedges are located a distance along the length of the cylinder to maintain slack in the cable from the ram to the closed bottom portion of the vessel after the ram is wedged between at least two of the wedges
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment includes a launch vessel defining an elongate, linear interior extending from a bottom portion to an exit opening. The embodiment includes a ram slidably disposed in the launch vessel, the ram sealed to the vessel. The embodiment also includes one or more wedges coupled to the launch vessel along the interior proximal the exit opening, with each wedge shape sized to increasingly narrow a cross section of the interior along an exit vector extending from the bottom portion toward the exit opening. In the embodiment, the vessel is to house a charge proximal the bottom portion, the charge to propel the ram along the exit vector, with the one or more wedges sized to stop be ram inside the interior.