Selectable Force Gas Generator for Airborne Store Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bomb rack systems have a preset ejection force that is inflexible and can result in insufficient separation or tumbling of airborne stores due to rapid changes in flight conditions, and they are also costly, heavy, and prone to maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A selectable force gas generator (SFGG) system that dynamically adjusts the ejection force based on flight parameters such as attitude, rate of motion, and acceleration, using a fluid-actuated ejector piston and a signal switching matrix to actuate a subset of gas-generating units, ensuring effective separation of airborne stores from the aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a preset ejection force is used in conventional bomb rack systems, then the system structure is simple, but the ejection effectiveness deteriorates under rapid changes in flight conditions causing insufficient separation or tumbling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the ejection force adjustable rather than fixed. The gas generator system allows dynamic selection of ejection force levels (e.g., 10,000 lbs, 20,000 lbs, 30,000 lbs) based on real-time flight conditions, enabling the system to adapt to varying atmospheric density, aircraft speed, and store characteristics while maintaining effective separation and preventing tumbling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the ejection force parameter according to flight conditions. The system monitors parameters such as altitude, speed, and atmospheric density to selectively activate different gas generator configurations, thereby changing the ejection force parameter to optimize separation effectiveness for each specific operational scenario.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bomb rack systems are used, then the ejection force is predetermined and fixed, but the operational envelope is limited due to inability to compensate for rapid changes in speed, attitude, and gravitational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by implementing an automated ejection force selection system. The controller automatically monitors flight parameters (speed, attitude, gravitational forces) and selects the appropriate ejection force level without requiring manual intervention, thereby expanding the operational envelope while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring flight parameters and using this information to adjust ejection force selection. The system receives feedback from sensors measuring speed, attitude, and gravitational forces, then automatically adjusts the gas generator activation to maintain optimal separation conditions throughout the ejection process.
3Reliability
If conventional reusable bomb rack systems are used, then the system can be reused, but it becomes costly, heavy, and requires regular inspections and maintenance subject to fatigue and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by designing a single-use or limited-use gas generator system that is lighter and less maintenance-intensive than conventional reusable bomb racks. The gas generator components can be replaced after a single use or after reaching a predetermined number of cycles, eliminating the need for continuous maintenance of heavy reusable structures while maintaining adequate reliability for the intended operational lifespan.
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 SFGG system ensures reliable and stable ejection of airborne stores by dynamically adjusting the ejection force to match changing flight conditions, reducing the risk of tumbling and extending the operational envelope of the delivering aircraft, while also being a more durable and cost-effective solution compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
A selectable force gas generator (SFGG) includes a total number of more than one gas-generating unit in fluid communication with the first ejector housing assembly. The SFGG actuates the first fluid-actuated ejector piston with a first selected amount of force.
Data Source
AI summary
An airborne store support assembly includes an ejector housing assembly that receives a fluid-actuated ejector piston. Extension of the piston pushes apart an airborne store from an aircraft for separation after release. A selectable force gas generator (SFGG) includes a total number of more than one gas-generating unit in fluid communication with the ejector housing assembly to actuate the fluid-actuated ejector piston with a selected amount of force. A communication interface in communication with the SFGG supplies at least one firing signal that causes a selected subset of the more than one gas-generating unit that corresponds to the selected amount of force that is dynamically determined by a controller based on flight parameters of at least one of an attitude, a rate of motion, and a rate of acceleration of the aircraft.