Launch rail transport system

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11913753-B2
Application number	US-202217655596-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Mar 21, 2022
Priority date	Mar 24, 2021
Publication date	Feb 27, 2024
Grant date	Feb 27, 2024

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for a brace for attachment to a launch rail for a projectile for distributing loading of the projectile when supported by the launch rail. A height of the brace can be adjusted to distribute loading. In embodiments, a release mechanism can allow movement of a wear plate during launch of the projectile.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A system, comprising:
a brace configured for attachment to a launch rail for a projectile, the brace comprising:
a load distribution mechanism comprising:
a wear plate for distributing loading of the projectile when supported by the launch rail;
a height adjustment assembly for receiving a force and adjusting a height of the wear plate; and

a release mechanism configured to allow movement of the wear plate during launch of the projectile from an inactive position to an active position.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the height adjustment assembly comprises first and second wedge blocks.

3. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the height adjustment assembly comprises a height adjustment block having surfaces abutting respective surfaces of the first and second wedge blocks.

4. The system according to claim 3 , further including a translation member to provide the force to the height adjustment assembly.

5. The system according to claim 4 , wherein the translation member comprises a threaded screw.

6. The system according to claim 4 , wherein the translation member further includes a proximal end to receive a rotational force and a distal end rotatably engaged with an end member for positioning the second wedge block.

7. The system according to claim 4 , further including a torque limiter coupled to the translation member.

8. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the release mechanism comprises a bias member to bias the release mechanism to the inactive position.

9. The system according to claim 8 , wherein the wear plate moves in the same direction as the projectile during launch.

10. A system, comprising:
a brace configured for attachment to a launch rail for a projectile, the brace comprising:
a load distribution mechanism comprising:
a wear plate for distributing loading of the projectile when supported by the launch rail;
a height adjustment assembly for receiving a force and adjusting a height of the wear plate; and

a release mechanism configured to allow movement of the wear plate during launch of the projectile from an inactive position to an active position, wherein the release mechanism comprises a bias member to bias the release mechanism to the inactive position and an elongate member for capturing the bias member.

11. A method, comprising:
configuring a brace for attachment to a launch rail for a projectile, the brace comprising:
a load distribution mechanism comprising:
a wear plate for distributing loading of the projectile when supported by the launch rail;
a height adjustment assembly for receiving a force and adjusting a height of the wear plate; and

a release mechanism configured to allow movement of the wear plate during launch of the projectile from an inactive position to an active position.

12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the height adjustment assembly comprises first and second wedge blocks.

13. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the height adjustment assembly comprises a height adjustment block having surfaces abutting respective surfaces of the first and second wedge blocks.

14. The method according to claim 13 , further including a translation member to provide the force to the height adjustment assembly.

15. The method according to claim 14 , wherein the height adjustment assembly includes a mechanical lock to prevent the translation member from loosening.

16. The method according to claim 14 , wherein the translation member further includes a proximal end to receive a rotational force and a distal end rotatably engaged with an end member for positioning the second wedge block.

17. The method according to claim 14 , further including employing a torque limiter coupled to the translation member.

18. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the release mechanism comprises a bias member to bias the release mechanism to the inactive position.

Assignees

• Raytheon Co

Inventors

• Bento Joaquim A
• Han Samuel S
• Souliotis Michael R
• Gogolen Bruce F
• Kornstein Howard R
• Corbin Michael V

Classifications

• F41F3/0406 Primary

  Rail launchers · CPC title