Torsion spring wing deployment initiator
US8686329B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 22, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF42B10/14
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A compact, purely mechanical wing deployment assisting mechanism uses torsion springs and lever arms to apply a deploying force to a guidance wing during its initial deployment through a wing slot in a rocket or missile, thereby assisting the wing to burst through a cover seal protecting the wing slot. The wings are then fully deployed by centrifugal force. Various embodiments include two “extreme duty” springs and two lever arms per wing, working in parallel. Embodiments provide a total of at least 24 pounds of force per wing at the end of a spring travel of 0.30 inches. In some embodiments, the entire mechanism weighs less than 0.5 pounds and/or occupies less than 2.5 cubic inches per wing. In embodiments, an assembled group, including two springs and two lever arms, is located between each pair of wings, whereby each assembled group applies one lever arm to each adjoining wing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.