Rotating Projectile Steering via Movable Mass Pitch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling the flight path and steering of rotating projectiles, such as Frisbees and aerobies, face challenges in efficiently altering the pitch moment and aerodynamic forces due to gyroscopic stabilization, making it difficult to achieve stable and maneuverable flight paths.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a mechanism to vary the moment of inertia and alter the aerodynamics during flight by using radial displacement of balanced masses or fluidic masses to control the pitch moment, allowing for precise steering and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If gyroscopic stabilization is used to maintain stable flight, then flight stability is improved, but maneuverability and control over pitch moment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable masses that can be dynamically repositioned within the projectile during flight. By moving these masses radially or tangentially, the system dynamically alters the moment of inertia and center of mass position, enabling pitch moment control while maintaining gyroscopic stability. This dynamic adjustment allows the projectile to transition between stable flight and maneuverable states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key physical parameters (moment of inertia, center of mass position) during flight by repositioning internal masses. This parameter modification enables control of aerodynamic forces and pitch moment without compromising the gyroscopic stabilization that provides flight stability. The ability to vary these parameters in response to flight conditions resolves the contradiction between stability and maneuverability.
2Measurement precision
If mass is added to control pitch moment and aerodynamics, then control precision is improved, but weight of the projectile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable masses serve dual purposes: they provide the necessary mass for pitch moment control while also contributing to the projectile's overall aerodynamic properties. By utilizing existing structural components as control masses rather than adding separate dedicated control mechanisms, the system achieves precise control without excessive weight penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The control masses are positioned strategically at specific locations within the projectile where they have maximum leverage on pitch moment. This localized placement optimizes control precision while minimizing the total mass required, as the masses are positioned to maximize their aerodynamic and inertial effects rather than being distributed throughout the structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanisms are used to alter aerodynamics during flight, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of mass distribution, center of mass control, and pitch moment adjustment into a single integrated mechanism. The movable masses simultaneously perform multiple control functions, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining aerodynamic adaptability during flight.
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
This approach enables stable and maneuverable flight paths by effectively mitigating gyroscopic effects and enhancing control over the projectile's trajectory.
Implementation Method 1
A Frisbee is gyroscopically stabilized
Implementation Method 2
An inverted dish shape provides lift
Implementation Method 3
drag on the exterior surface(s) also impact aerodynamics
Implementation Method 4
the precession rate is equal to the pitch moment divided by the moment of inertia and spin angular velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a gyroscopically-stabilized projectile, comprising a control system producing a control signal, a rotating aerodynamic shell, and a reaction mass system responsive to the control signal, the method comprising: imparting rotational and translational kinetic energy to induce gyroscopic stabilization of the projectile about a gyroscopic axis and a movement of the projectile along a flight path; interacting the shell with surrounding air while moving, to induce aerodynamic forces; generating the control signal from the control system; and altering a state of the reaction wheel system selectively in dependence on the control signal, to alter the flight path.