Spinning Mass Actuation for Steering High-Spin Projectiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for steering high-spin projectiles require de-spinning portions of the projectile, increasing complexity and decreasing reliability and range.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a spinning structure with a mass connected to it, actuated by a piezoelectric actuator to induce precession torque, synchronizing mass movement with the spin to change the projectile's angle of attack and flight path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional de-spinning methods are used to steer the projectile, then steering control can be achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of stopping the spin to enable steering (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using the spin itself to enable steering. The movable mass utilizes the rotating reference frame and Coriolis forces generated by the spin to produce steering torques, allowing the projectile to be steered while maintaining high spin rates throughout flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile's own spin, which is necessary for stability, is made to serve the dual purpose of both stabilization and steering control. The movable mass interacts with the spinning structure to generate control torques using the spin energy already present in the system, eliminating the need for separate de-spinning mechanisms or additional control surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If de-spinning is performed to input steering commands, then course changes can be made, but range and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reverses the conventional wisdom by maintaining spin throughout flight rather than de-spinning for control. The movable mass generates steering torques by exploiting Coriolis forces in the rotating frame, allowing course changes without sacrificing the stability benefits of spin or the range advantages of maintaining high velocity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being controlled from spin rate (traditional: reduce spin to steer) to mass position (invention: move mass to steer while maintaining spin). By actuating the movable mass along the spin axis or radially, the system generates control torques without altering the spin rate, thereby maintaining both reliability and range.
3Ease of operation
If small control surfaces are used on de-spun portions, then aerodynamic steering is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the steering function from the aerodynamic control surfaces and relocates it to an internal movable mass system. By moving the mass within the projectile body and utilizing inertial forces, the system achieves steering control without requiring external control surfaces or de-spinning mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the aerodynamic mechanical control system (control surfaces interacting with air flow) with an inertial control system (movable mass utilizing Coriolis forces). This substitution eliminates the need for complex control surfaces and their associated actuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining steering 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
Enables high-speed steering of projectiles without de-spinning, maintaining reliability and range, using the projectile's spin energy to correct flight paths efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation system can include at least one piezoelectric actuator operatively connected to the at least one mass to move the at least one mass
Implementation Method 2
The actuation system can be configured to move the at least one mass while the spinning structure is spinning to use the spin of the spinning structure to induce a precession torque on the spinning structure
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include a spinning structure configured to spin in operation, and at least one mass operatively connected to spinning structure to rotate about a spin axis with the spinning structure. The at least one mass can be configured to be moved relative to the spinning structure during a spin of the spinning structure. The system can include an actuation system configured to move the at least one mass relative to the spinning structure. The actuation system can be configured to move the at least one mass while the spinning structure is spinning to use the spin of the spinning structure to induce a precession torque on the spinning structure. The actuation system can be configured to synchronize actuation motion of the at least one mass to the spin of the spinning structure such that the induced precession torque is in a desired direction.