Spinning Projectile Collar Steering via Aerodynamic Control Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for spinning projectiles face challenges in precisely controlling the spin rate and directional course due to issues like premature explosion, shock-induced imprecision, and heat dissipation problems, particularly when attempting to de-spin sections or apply braking forces.
Innovation Solution
A collar system with variable-pitch control surfaces is used on a spinning fuselage, allowing for selective positioning and steering through aerodynamic forces, utilizing mechanisms like swash plate actuators and voice coil systems to control the lift-producing surfaces and maintain desired orientations relative to the Earth inertial frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If braking or damping forces are applied to slow the rotation of one section relative to another, then the relative spin rate is controlled, but heat dissipation problems occur and other operational issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical braking systems with aerodynamic forces generated by control surfaces on a movable collar. Instead of using friction-based brakes that generate heat, the system uses air resistance and lift forces from adjustable control surfaces to apply differential drag and control the relative rotation between sections, eliminating heat dissipation problems while maintaining reliable spin rate control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes aerodynamic forces (a form of pneumatic principle) by deploying control surfaces that interact with the airflow during projectile flight. The aerodynamic drag and lift forces generated by these surfaces provide the necessary braking and control forces without mechanical contact, thus avoiding heat generation from friction while effectively controlling the collar's rotation relative to the fuselage
2Ease of operation
If propulsive outlets, fuels and pyrotechnics are used to produce forces for course correction, then directional control is achieved, but the danger of premature explosion and shock-induced imprecision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pyrotechnic and explosive propulsion systems with aerodynamic control surfaces. Instead of using fuels and pyrotechnics that risk premature explosion and generate shock waves, the system uses adjustable control surfaces that generate aerodynamic forces for course correction, eliminating safety risks and improving precision while maintaining full directional control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameters from chemical propulsion (explosives, fuels) to aerodynamic propulsion (control surface deflection). This parameter change eliminates the harmful effects of combustion and explosion while providing precise, controllable forces for course correction through incremental adjustments of control surface angles
3Ease of operation
If a collar with control surfaces is used to steer the projectile, then precise directional control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into a separate, movable collar assembly that can rotate independently on the fuselage. This segmentation allows the control surfaces to be positioned and adjusted independently from the main body, simplifying the control mechanism while achieving precise directional control through the collar's rotational degree of freedom rather than complex multi-axis control surface actuation
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 solution enables precise control of the projectile's spin rate and directional course with reduced power consumption, avoiding heat dissipation and shock issues, and allows for efficient bank-to-turn maneuvering, making it compact, robust, and scalable.
Implementation Method 1
a collar rotatable relative to the fuselage, wherein the collar includes positionable lift-producing control surfaces that are variably positionable relative to a collar housing of the collar
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile, air vehicle or submersible craft with a spinning or rolling fuselage, rotating on its axis, has a collar which can be positioned relative to a longitudinal axis of the projectile using aerodynamic forces. Aerodynamic surfaces, such as lift-producing surfaces, for example tails or canards, are coupled to the collar, and rotate with the collar. An actuator system or mechanism controls orienting of the lift-producing surfaces, such as tilting of the lift producing surfaces, to direct the collar into a desired position relative to a longitudinal axis of the projectile, and to maintain the collar in that position. With such a control the projectile is able to be steered using bank-to-turn maneuvering. The actuator system may use any of a variety of mechanisms to move the lift-producing surfaces, thereby positioning the collar.