Retractable Missile Nose Fairing Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art nose fairing assemblies for missiles separate from the missile body near the target, causing debris that can damage the guidance head or other components, whereas a need exists for a system that keeps the fairing assembly attached to prevent damage and provide a simple, controllable, and reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A missile nose fairing system comprising retractable sections that are normally restrained and can be retracted into recessed regions within the missile nose upon signal activation, using a drive unit and tension springs to ensure the sections remain attached in both extended and retracted positions, preventing debris and allowing unobstructed guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nose fairing assembly is separated from the missile body to provide unobstructed guidance, then the guidance head has unobstructed view, but debris is generated that can damage the guidance head or other components
Solution Approach 1:
The nose fairing assembly is divided into multiple retractable sections that can be independently moved. Instead of complete separation, each section is segmented and can be retracted individually into the missile body, allowing the guidance head to be exposed while keeping the sections attached to prevent debris generation
Solution Approach 2:
The nose fairing sections are made dynamically movable between extended and retracted positions. The sections can be retracted into recessed regions within the missile body when guidance is needed, and extended when protection is needed. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt between protection and unobstructed guidance without complete separation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the nose fairing assembly remains attached to the missile body, then debris is prevented, but the guidance head may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable sections are designed to nest within recessed regions of the missile body. When retracted, the sections are housed inside the missile nose structure, keeping the guidance head completely exposed and unobstructed while maintaining attachment. The nested configuration allows full exposure of the guidance head without complete fairing separation
3Reliability
If a retractable mechanism is implemented, then the fairing can be attached in both positions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable sections utilize tension springs as restraining means that automatically provide the necessary force for retraction without requiring complex active restraint systems. The springs self-generate the restraining force, eliminating the need for additional motors or actuators for the restraint function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable attachment in both extended and retracted positions
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 prevents damage to the guidance head and other components by keeping the fairing assembly attached, ensuring reliable operation and unobstructed guidance while maintaining a simple and controllable mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
restraining means for normally preventing aftward displacement of said plurality of sections
Implementation Method 2
Each section is attached to the missile body by means of one or more tension springs which are biased to draw the section aftwardly upon release of the restraining means
Implementation Method 3
an inner surface of a retracting section being slidable along an outer surface of a corresponding recessed region
Data Source
AI summary
A missile nose fairing system includes sections attached at an aft end thereof to a missile body, a restraint for normally preventing aftward displacement of the plurality of sections, and a drive unit for releasing the restraint in response to a received signal. Each of the sections has an outer surface that converges to a common forward pointed tip for enclosing and protecting a guidance head when in an extended position and is retractable into a corresponding recessed region formed within a missile nose when the drive unit is activated releasing the restraint.