Split Sleeve Store Ejection System Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional store ejection systems in the aeronautical industry lack improvements in physical characteristics and operational aspects, particularly in the mechanisms for releasing and isolating stores from pressurization.
Innovation Solution
A store ejection system with a split sleeve hook opening and isolation valve actuation configuration, featuring a pair of split sleeve members and a poppet valve that actuates the hook members and isolation valve, allowing for simultaneous release and isolation of stores using a simplified and cost-effective mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional store ejection system uses separate mechanisms for hook release and isolation valve actuation, then the system can reliably release stores and isolate pressurization, but the device complexity increases and operational simplicity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hook release mechanism and isolation valve actuation into a single integrated system. The split sleeve members, when actuated by the poppet valve, simultaneously perform both functions: releasing the hook members from the store and actuating the isolation valve to close and isolate the pressurization system. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability through coordinated simultaneous action.
Solution Approach 2:
The split sleeve guide member and split sleeve members serve multiple functions within the system. They act as both the actuating mechanism for hook release and the actuating mechanism for isolation valve closure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while ensuring both operations occur together.
2Ease of operation
If a store ejection system uses a simplified actuation mechanism, then operational simplicity and cost-effectiveness improve, but the reliability of simultaneous hook release and valve isolation may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the actuation of hook release and isolation valve into a single integrated mechanism driven by one poppet valve, the system achieves operational simplicity. The unified actuation path ensures that both functions are triggered simultaneously by a single action, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliability through the coordinated design of the split sleeve members that must both engage their respective targets together.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the split sleeve members are pre-positioned and pre-loaded in a manner that ensures simultaneous engagement with both the hook members and the isolation valve actuator. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the poppet valve actuates the split sleeve guide member, both the hook release and valve isolation occur reliably and simultaneously without requiring complex timing mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional systems use separate actuation paths for hook release and isolation valve, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate actuation paths into one unified actuation system. Instead of having independent mechanisms for hook release and isolation valve actuation, both functions are achieved through a single poppet valve that actuates the split sleeve guide member, which in turn simultaneously drives the split sleeve members to perform both functions. This reduces the number of components and actuation mechanisms, lowering manufacturing cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The split sleeve members are designed as multi-functional components that perform both hook release and valve isolation actuation. This universality allows for a reduction in the total number of specialized components required in the system, simplifying manufacturing and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to perform both critical functions reliably.
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 efficient and reliable discharge of stores by actuating the hook members and isolation valve, ensuring effective release and subsequent isolation from pressurization, enhancing operational simplicity and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The flow of pressurized gas from the pressure vessel is typically controlled by an isolation valve... actuated by a pressure increase in a cylinder. The pressure can be provided by a pyrotechnic cartridge, i.e., an explosive, or by a source of non-pyrotechnic pressurized gas.
Implementation Method 2
The pressure can be provided by a pyrotechnic cartridge, i.e., an explosive
Implementation Method 3
The pressure can be provided by a pyrotechnic cartridge, i.e., an explosive
Data Source
AI summary
A store ejector rack including a first hook member and a second hook member, a split sleeve guide member, and a pair of split sleeve members, including a first split sleeve member and a second split sleeve member, operatively coupled to the split sleeve guide member. The first split sleeve member is coupled to the first hook member and the second split sleeve member is coupled to the second hook member. A valve control assembly is operatively coupled to the split sleeve guide member, wherein actuation of the split sleeve guide member causes actuation of the first hook member, the second hook member, and the valve control assembly.