Aerial Munition Release Layout for UAV Torque Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing munitions delivery systems face challenges in maintaining flight stability due to the unbalanced release of munitions, which generates net torque and disrupts the flight path of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and there is a need for safe and controlled activation mechanisms to prevent accidental detonation.
Innovation Solution
The Load Balancing Aerial Munitions Delivery System (LBDS) employs a lever engaging frame and spring-loaded pins to secure munitions, uses servo motors for controlled release, incorporates POGO ports for digital fuse activation, and includes a deployment unit with a rotatable dispensing plate to minimize net torque, along with safety mechanisms like payload retaining bolts and electronic ports for controlled detonation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If munitions are released sequentially from a single location, then the deployment process is simple, but net torque is generated that disrupts flight stability
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses symmetric arrangement of munition holding units and implements alternating release of munitions from opposite sides of the UAV. This symmetric design with controlled asymmetric release patterns ensures that torque generated by one munition release is counterbalanced by the subsequent release from the opposite side, maintaining flight stability while enabling sequential deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment system releases munitions in periodic alternating sequences from opposite holding units. This periodic alternating release pattern creates balanced torque cycles that prevent cumulative destabilization, allowing the UAV to maintain stable flight throughout the munitions deployment process
2Ease of operation
If the safety pin is removed during loading, then the munition can be activated, but accidental detonation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary deactivation actions during the loading process by using the lever engaging frame and spring-loaded pin to mechanically disable the munition before it is fully installed. This preliminary safety measure ensures the munition cannot accidentally detonate during loading or transport, while still allowing controlled activation when needed through the POGO ports
Solution Approach 2:
The lever engaging frame and spring-loaded pin act as intermediary safety mechanisms between the operator and the munition's detonation capability. These components provide a mechanical interlock that prevents accidental activation while allowing intentional activation through the controlled removal or disengagement of the safety mechanism via POGO port activation
3Ease of operation
If multiple munitions are held without restriction, then loading is easy, but munition movement during safety pin removal causes instability
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the munition retention function into multiple independent components: the lever engaging frame for primary retention, the spring-loaded pin for secondary retention, and the munition-retaining bolts for positional restriction. This segmented approach allows easy loading while maintaining stable munition position during safety pin removal and activation procedures
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 LBDS maintains flight stability by balancing the release of munitions and ensures safe, controlled activation, reducing the risk of accidental detonation and enhancing operational safety and precision in munitions deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded pin coupled to a top end of the munition configured to vertically support the munition, wherein, when the munition is loaded into the LBDS, the lever engaging frame includes an aperture configured to allow access to a safety pin of the munition. The lever engaging frame and the spring-loaded pin may, for example, exert a force in opposite directions along a horizontal axis to deactivate the munition
Implementation Method 2
a servo motor operably coupled to the spring-loaded pin, such that, in a stowed mode, the servo motor pushes the spring-loaded pin towards the munition to keep it from falling and to maintain the lever engaging frame's engagement with the interlock of the munition
Implementation Method 3
POGO ports configured to operate a digital fuse of the munition, such that the LBDS is capable of generating a timed explosion by activating the digital fuse
Implementation Method 4
a distance sensor, such that the LBDS activates the servo motor only at a height as a function of a fixed delay of the launched munition and a predetermined explosion height
Implementation Method 5
multiple lever munition holding units (MLMHU) symmetrically arranged in a horizontal plane, wherein, after the MLMHU are loaded with munitions, the LBDS is configured such that, after a first munition is released, a second munition opposite of the first munition is released to minimize a net torque generated by the releases of the first and the second munitions
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to an Aerial Munitions Loading and Delivery System (LBDS) configured to be mounted on an unmanned aerial platform, the LBDS having a munition holding unit including: a lever engaging frame configured to engage a interlock engagement frame of a fused munition, and a spring-loaded pin coupled to a top end of the munition configured to vertically support the munition, wherein, when the munition is loaded into the LBDS, the lever engaging frame includes an aperture configured to allow access to a safety pin of the munition. The lever engaging frame and the spring-loaded pin may, for example, exert a force in opposite directions along a horizontal axis to deactivate the munition, such that the safety pin can be removed without activating the munition.