Jun 17, 2025

US12330782 - Steerable rotating projectile

A method for controlling a flying projectile which rotates during flight, comprising: determining an angle of rotation of an inertial mass spinning about an axis during flight, and controlling at least one actuator for altering at least a portion of an aerodynamic structure, selectively in dependence on the determined angle of rotation and a control input, to control aerodynamic forces during flight. An aerodynamic surface may rotate and interact with surrounding air during flight, to produce aerodynamic forces. A sensor determines an angular rotation of the spin during flight. A control system, responsive to the sensor, produces a control signal in dependence on the determined angular rotation. An actuator selectively alters an aerodynamic characteristic of the aerodynamic surface in response to the control signal.

Inventors: Steven M. Hoffberg
Filing date: 2022-01-20

The patent describes a steerable rotating projectile that utilizes a control system to manage its aerodynamic characteristics based on the angle of rotation detected by a sensor. By synchronizing the mechanical response of a motor with the projectile’s rotation, the system aims to enhance flight control and stability.

Claim 1

A projectile, comprising: an exterior surface; a field sensor configured to determine a relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to an external field; a motor configured to have a selective mechanical response to a control signal; and an automated controller configured to generate the control signal, selectively dependent on feedback from the field sensor, to synchronize a phase of the mechanical response of the motor with a phase of the relative rotation of the exterior surface. an exterior surface; a field sensor configured to determine a relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to an external field; a motor configured to have a selective mechanical response to a control signal; and an automated controller configured to generate the control signal, selectively dependent on feedback from the field sensor, to synchronize a phase of the mechanical response of the motor with a phase of the relative rotation of the exterior surface.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12330782

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12330782