Telescopic Fuel Volume Extension for Range-Limited Effectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrastructure for storing and launching effectors such as missiles, submunitions, UAVs, and drones limits their length and fuel capacity, affecting aerodynamic performance and range, and retrofitting or replacing this infrastructure is cost-prohibitive.
Innovation Solution
An expandable fuel volume within the effector is achieved by transferring liquid fuel from an external source to axially expand the fuel volume and move a module forward or aft, improving aerodynamics and range without requiring infrastructure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the effector length is increased to improve aerodynamic performance and range, then the aerodynamic performance and range are improved, but the effector cannot be accommodated in existing infrastructure (storage containers, shipping containers, launch tubes/canisters, transport vehicles or aircraft)
Solution Approach 1:
The effector employs a telescopic fuel tank system that allows the fuel tank to extend axially during flight. The tank transitions from a compact retracted state for infrastructure compatibility to an extended flight state for optimal aerodynamic performance and range, making the effector dynamically adaptable to different operational phases
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic fuel tank utilizes a nested structure where inner cylindrical sections are housed within outer cylindrical sections. The tank consists of a first cylindrical section, second cylindrical section, third cylindrical section, and fourth cylindrical section arranged in nested configuration, allowing compact storage while enabling extended length during operation
2Quantity of substance
If the fuel capacity is increased to improve range, then the range is improved, but the effector length exceeds infrastructure limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank system transitions from a compact retracted configuration that fits within infrastructure length constraints to an extended flight configuration that provides adequate fuel capacity for long-range operations, dynamically adjusting volume to match operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic mechanism converts axial space constraints into volumetric fuel capacity through multi-stage extension. The nested cylindrical sections provide progressive volume expansion along the axial dimension, effectively increasing fuel capacity without proportionally increasing the retracted length
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 enhances the aerodynamics and range of effectors like missiles, submunitions, UAVs, and drones without the need for costly infrastructure modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a bellows fuel bladder may be positioned in the fuel volume to expand as it is filled with liquid fuel
Implementation Method 2
A bellows pressure bladder may be positioned between the bellows fuel bladder and the module to expand as the bellows fuel bladder contracts as fuel is consumed in flight
Implementation Method 3
The trigger lock is configured to secure, release and reset the translating cylindrical member to a stationary cylindrical member
Data Source
AI summary
An effector is provided with an expandable fuel volume that when filled with liquid fuel from an external source expands both the fuel volume axially and moves a module positioned forward or aft of the fuel volume axially to extend the length of the effector. The extension serves both to improve the aerodynamics of the effector and its range without requiring retrofitting or replacement of the storage, transport or launch platform infrastructure. The effector may be a munition such as ground, tube or air launched munitions such as missiles, submunitions, UAVs or drones. The airframe may be, for example, the main body, wing or rotor of the munition.