Automatic fin deployment mechanism
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
InventorsHarold F. Steinmetz, Gerald H. Wisdom
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Abstract
The invention comprises a fin fold mechanism for extending a moveable fin from an air flight vehicle wherein the fin deployment mechanism is fixably housed within the vehicle. A pyrotechnic gas generation actuation means is positioned within the fin extension mechanism in order to actuate a drive mechanism comprising a drive piston that pivots the fin into its extended position. Clutch means is connected to the piston for transferring movement from the piston to the moveable fin. A retraction mechanism is also provided for disconnecting the clutch means from the fin after the fin is fully extended; this allows controlled axial rotation of the fin.
Claims20
A fin fold mechanism for extending a moveable fin from an air flight vehicle housing comprising:
- a mechanism housing fixidly positioned within said air flight vehicle;
- an actuation means positioned within said mechanism housing;
- a drive means connected for actuation to said actuation means and also positioned within said mechanism housing;
- clutch means connected to said drive means for transferring rotary movement from said drive means to the moveable fin;
- and
- a retraction mechanism for disconnecting said clutch means from the fin after the moveable fin is fully extended.
A fin fold mechanism for extending a moveable fin from
- a flight vehicle housing comprising:
- a first locking means for locking the moveable fin in a stored position;
- actuation means for activating the fin fold mechanism and releasing said first locking means;
- a second locking means for locking the moveable fin in an extended position;
- retraction means for disengaging said fin fold mechanism from said moveable fin in order to permit axial rotation of said fin.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.