Single-Axis Fin Deployment Mechanism for Missile Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fin deployment systems for vehicles are complex, heavy, expensive, and occupy significant space, requiring multiple axes of rotation and complex mechanisms for stowing and deploying fins, which is inefficient and limits vehicle size and capability.
Innovation Solution
A deployment system using a spring-biased shaft and bushing mechanism that allows fins to deploy quickly and reliably about a single axis, with locking mechanisms to secure the fins in place, utilizing a torsion and compression spring to rotate and lock the fins, reducing complexity and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple axes of rotation and complex mechanisms are used for fin deployment, then the fins can be reliably deployed and locked into place, but the system becomes heavy, complex, and occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary complexity by using a single-axis rotation mechanism instead of multi-axis mechanisms. The fin deployment is achieved through a simplified single rotational degree of freedom, removing redundant components while maintaining reliable deployment and locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment system is segmented into distinct functional components: a spring mechanism for deployment force, a single rotation axis for fin movement, and a locking mechanism for position retention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If complex deployment systems with multiple mechanisms are used, then fins can be securely retained and deployed, but the vehicle housing volume is reduced and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism. The spring mechanism combines deployment force generation with the rotation actuation, and the locking mechanism is integrated into the single-axis rotation system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and minimizes the volume required within the vehicle housing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple axes of rotation are required for fin deployment, then comprehensive fin positioning is achieved, but the system becomes more expensive to design, build and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary rotational degrees of freedom from the deployment system. By achieving comprehensive fin positioning through a single-axis rotation mechanism rather than multiple axes, the design simplifies manufacturing processes, reduces assembly complexity, and lowers overall production costs while maintaining adequate positioning capability.
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 system enables simple, reliable, and space-efficient deployment of fins, allowing for smaller vehicles with increased capability and performance, while minimizing weight and cost, and enabling fins to deploy automatically upon release.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring coupled to the shaft, wherein the spring is configured such that torsion from the spring rotates the fin about an axis of the shaft, thereby deploying the fin
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a torsion and compression spring to rotate and lock the fins
Implementation Method 3
a spring that provides a biasing force that urges the fin to move quickly, simply and reliably from the stowed orientation to the deployed orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A missile has fins that rotate about a single axis to deploy from a stowed position to a deployed position. A foil longitudinal axis of each fin is angled relative to a shaft of the fin, such that a single-axis rotation of the shaft moves the foil from the stowed position to a deployed position. A coil spring may provide both torsion and compression forces to rotate the fin into the deployed position and lock it into place. Torsion rotates the shaft until it reaches a seat on a bushing that is around the shaft. Then compression forces from the spring engage a keyed protrusion on the shaft with a corresponding keyway in the bushing, locking the shaft in place. There may be an additional lock once the fin is deployed, such as a spring-loaded pin in the missile body that engages a depression in the shaft.