Wing Lock Mechanism Using Ball Screw for Sequential Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air launched vehicles require three separate mechanisms and command signals for unlocking, deploying, and relocking their wings, which complicates manufacturing and operation, making existing solutions costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A wing lock and deployment apparatus using a driver threadably engaged with a ball screw and a lock keeper biased to engage a toggle lock, allowing for a single command to sequentially unlock, deploy, and lock the wings, eliminating the need for multiple mechanisms and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three separate mechanisms with independent actuators are used for unlocking, deploying, and relocking wings, then each function can be performed independently, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate mechanisms (unlocking mechanism, deployment mechanism, and relocking mechanism) into a single integrated mechanism. The ball screw assembly serves as a common actuator that drives all three functions through different stages of rotation, eliminating the need for three independent actuators and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The ball screw assembly performs multiple functions: it unlocks the wings from the stowed position, deploys the wings to the extended position, and relocks the wings in the deployed position. This single multi-functional actuator replaces three specialized actuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability of each individual function
2Measurement precision
If three separate command signals with accurate timing are required, then each wing operation can be controlled precisely, but the ease of operation and control simplicity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate command signals into a single command signal that triggers all wing operations. The ball screw assembly automatically sequences the unlocking, deployment, and relocking functions through its mechanical design, eliminating the need for complex timing control systems while maintaining precise operational sequencing
Solution Approach 2:
The ball screw assembly automatically sequences and executes all three wing functions (unlocking, deployment, relocking) in the correct order through its inherent mechanical design. The system self-regulates the timing and sequencing of operations without requiring external timing control, simplifying the control system while maintaining operational precision
3Reliability
If multiple independent mechanisms are used, then each function can be optimized independently, but the manufacturing cost and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates three independent mechanisms into a single integrated ball screw assembly, reducing the total number of parts, actuators, and mounting structures required. This integration simplifies manufacturing processes, reduces material costs, and lowers production complexity while maintaining the functional independence and reliability of each wing operation through the mechanical sequencing inherent in the ball screw design
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 simplifies the process by achieving all three operations with a single command and actuation event, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining safety certifications.
Implementation Method 1
a driver threadably engaged with a ball screw, wherein the driver is connected to the deployable wings
Implementation Method 2
The lock keeper is biased to a position where the lock keeper engages a toggle lock
Data Source
AI summary
A wing lock and deployment apparatus for an air launched vehicle includes a ball screw and driver acted on by a single actuation event. The disclosed wing lock and deployment apparatus is capable of unlocking deployable wings of an air launched vehicle, deploying deployable wings of the air launched vehicle from a stored position, and locking deployable wings of the air launched vehicle in a deployed position in sequential order with the one single actuation event.