Reversible Shaft Lock and Drive Mechanism for Aerospace

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current shaft lock and drive devices for aerodynamic surfaces, such as rockets and missiles, are non-reversible once disengaged, preventing full testing before deployment and requiring separate mechanisms for maintaining the shaft lock and driving the shaft during flight, leading to cost and weight inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A reversible shaft lock and drive device that uses a stored energy mechanism, like a spring, combined with a slidable coupling and rotatable coupling system, allowing the device to be tested and engaged/disengaged seamlessly, enabling both storage and operational states without the need for pyrotechnic bolts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pyrotechnic bolts are used to engage the shaft lock, then the shaft lock can be securely locked in the storage state, but the shaft lock cannot be returned to the engaged state once disengaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft lock engagement reliabilityVSAvoidreversibility of shaft lock

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pyrotechnic bolt is designed to be discarded (consumed) during the disengagement process, while the shaft lock mechanism itself is recovered and made reusable. The explosive charge destroys the locking engagement irreversibly, but the shaft lock components are designed to reset automatically or manually, allowing the system to return to its initial locked state for subsequent operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft lock system is divided into separate functional components: the pyrotechnic bolt (for disengagement), the shaft lock body (for locking), and the engagement surfaces. This segmentation allows the pyrotechnic element to perform its one-time disengagement function while the mechanical shaft lock components can be reused multiple times through manual or automatic resetting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a separate mechanism is used to maintain the shaft lock in the engaged position, then the shaft lock can be reliably maintained, but the cost and weight of the system increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft lock maintenanceVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft lock mechanism is designed to combine the locking function and the drive function into a single integrated mechanism. The same mechanical components that maintain the locked position also serve as the drive train during operation, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall system weight and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft lock mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it maintains the locked position during storage, enables disengagement through pyrotechnic action, and serves as the drive mechanism during operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms and reduces system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If pyrotechnic bolts are used to engage the shaft lock, then the shaft lock can be securely locked, but the device complexity increases due to requiring separate mechanisms for locking and driving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft lock engagementVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft lock mechanism combines the locking function and the drive function into a single integrated mechanism. The same mechanical components that maintain the locked position also serve as the drive train during operation, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 full pre-deployment testing, reduces costs and weight by integrating the shaft lock and drive functions into a single mechanism, and ensures reliable engagement and disengagement of the shaft lock, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A reversible shaft lock and drive device that uses a stored energy mechanism, like a spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8030603B2Systems and methods for a selectively engageable shaft lock and drive device priority

Publication Date: 2011.10.04 GENERAL DYNAMICS ORDNANCE & TACTICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

The present invention provides an apparatus and methods directed to a selectively engageable shaft locking device. In one embodiment, a shaft lock device is presented which enables the testing of the shaft and shaft drive device without engaging the drive mechanism into a fully operational state. Another embodiment provides the ability to return the shaft lock device to a storage state after full engagement. The present invention also provides for methods of testing a selective shaft lock device according to the disclosures contained herein.