Low-Drag Seeker Window Cover Triggered by Launch Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The viewing window of a seeker device on a projectile is exposed to soot and debris during launch, leading to obstruction and potential damage, which affects its viewing capability and can increase platform weight and reduce aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A cover for the viewing window that transitions between a pre-flight configuration, shielding the window, and a flight configuration, exposing it upon launch acceleration, using a sleeve and flaps that slide and pivot to form a continuous surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective tube or housing is fitted to house and protect the projectiles, then the viewing window is protected from debris and soot, but the platform weight increases and aerodynamics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is divided into multiple segments including a main cover body and multiple flaps that can move independently. This segmentation allows the cover to provide protection when needed while being able to retract or open to reduce drag during flight, eliminating the need for a completely enclosed heavy housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a static protective housing to a dynamic structure with movable flaps and cover portions. The flaps can pivot and the cover can move between closed and open positions, allowing the system to adapt its protection level based on flight phase, reducing weight penalties compared to a permanently enclosed structure.
2Reliability
If a protective tube or housing is fitted to house and protect the projectiles, then the viewing window is protected from debris and soot, but the aerodynamics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system transitions from a fixed housing to a dynamic structure where flaps can pivot and cover portions can move. During flight, the flaps can be positioned to minimize drag while still providing necessary protection, and the cover can be retracted or opened to improve aerodynamic flow around the projectile.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing uniform protection through a complete housing, the flaps provide localized protection at critical areas (such as the viewing window region) while leaving other areas open for improved aerodynamics. This selective protection approach maintains viewing window safety while preserving overall projectile aerodynamics.
3Weight of moving object
If the viewing window is exposed to the external environment during flight, then aerodynamics are improved and platform weight is reduced, but the viewing window becomes damaged or marred by debris
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system provides dynamic protection where flaps can pivot into position during launch to shield the viewing window from debris, then retract during flight to maintain aerodynamics and reduce weight. This temporal separation of protection and aerodynamic optimization resolves the contradiction between exposed flight and protected launch.
4Device complexity
If the viewing window is exposed to rocket debris during launch, then no protective housing is needed, but the viewing window becomes encumbered with soot and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is segmented into multiple movable flaps rather than a single fixed housing. These flaps can independently pivot to provide protection during launch, offering necessary shielding without requiring a complete enclosed housing structure, thus reducing complexity while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps transition from a static housing concept to dynamic movable elements that can pivot into protective positions during launch and then retract during flight. This dynamic approach provides protection when needed without the penalty of a permanent housing structure.
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
Protects the viewing window from debris and soot during launch, maintaining its functionality while reducing platform weight and drag.
Implementation Method 1
the cover is configured to expose the viewing window in the flight configuration in response to an impulse of acceleration generated by a launch of the guided vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A guided vehicle that includes a body, a propulsion system operably engaged inside of the body, a housing operably engaged with the body and encasing a guidance device inside of the housing, a viewing window of the guidance device, and a cover moveably engaged with the housing, wherein the cover is moveable between a pre-flight configuration and a flight configuration. In the pre-flight configuration, the cover covers the viewing window. In the flight configuration, the cover is configured to expose the viewing window in the flight configuration in response to an impulse of acceleration generated by a launch of the guided vehicle.