Roll Control Actuated Canard for Projectile Trajectory Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projectile control systems face challenges in achieving effective two-dimensional course correction with high cost, weight, and power consumption, particularly in the design and retrofit of projectiles, where current systems lack the flexibility to adapt to varying flight conditions.

Innovation Solution

The Roll Control Actuated Canard (RCAC) system articulates fixed canards, utilizing a magnetic friction brake and lightweight control collar to provide efficient roll control, reducing power consumption and complexity, and allowing for trajectory adjustments through asymmetric aero-surfaces and external aero-spin surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed canards are used in a Roll Control Fixed Canard (RCFC) system, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the trajectory correction capability is limited and cannot adapt to varying flight conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrajectory correction capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from fixed canards to articulated canards that can move relative to the projectile body. The canards are connected through a ball joint and linkage mechanism, allowing them to dynamically adjust their angle of attack and orientation based on flight conditions. This dynamic capability enables the system to optimize trajectory correction performance across different flight regimes while maintaining manageable complexity through the use of a single actuator controlling the articulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple high-speed control actuators are used on asymmetric aero-surfaces, then trajectory correction effectiveness is improved, but power consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecourse correction effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple high-speed control actuators by using a single actuator that controls the articulation of the canards. Instead of having separate actuators for each asymmetric aero-surface, the system uses one actuator to control the relative motion between the canards and the projectile body, thereby reducing power consumption and system complexity while maintaining course correction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuator in the RCAC system serves multiple functions: it controls the articulation of both canards, adjusts their angle of attack, and optimizes their contribution to trajectory correction. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized actuators, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective course correction capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If articulated canards are used to increase range and adaptability, then trajectory correction capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to flight conditionsVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the canard assembly into separate articulating components that can move independently relative to each other and the projectile body. The canards are segmented from the main body through the ball joint and linkage mechanism, allowing them to be controlled independently. This segmentation enables adaptability to different flight conditions while keeping the complexity manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 RCAC system offers enhanced trajectory correction capabilities with reduced power and weight, enabling increased range and adaptability to flight conditions while maintaining simplicity and low complexity, making it more effective than traditional Roll Control Fixed Canard systems.

Implementation Method 1

The RCAC system includes simple spin control with a magnetic friction brake or proportional brake

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic friction: Magnetorheological Fluid

Data Source

PatentUS9464876B2Trajectory modification of a spinning projectile by controlling the roll orientation of a decoupled portion of the projectile that has actuated aerodynamic surfaces

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 GENERAL DYNAMICS ORDNANCE & TACTICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

An apparatus and system for controlling the trajectory of a projectile having two rotationally decoupled sections, wherein the first section is rotationally decoupled from the second section. The first section of the projectile contains a navigation system. The first section also contains an actuator by which aero-control surfaces on the second section are actuated. The second section may have external aero-spin surfaces which provide a torque counter to the rotation of the base projectile. The apparatus and system also includes embodiments having applications for nose sections of projectiles.