Electromechanical initiator for pyrotechnic primers

Abstract

A device for electronic remote detonation configured to electrically actuate and allow remote activation of a pyrotechnic primer for detonation when the prescribed electric current is supplied to the device, a spring-loaded firing pin is released for a release component, activating the primer. The primer then can initiate an explosive charge or other pyrotechnic devices and subsequently a variety of explosive charges.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520ELECTROMECHANICAL INITIATOR FOR PYROTECHNIC PRIMERSRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 631,067, filed on April 8, 2024. The entire contents of the foregoing application are expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates in general to an electromechanical initiator for pyrotechnic primers.

[0003] In commercial applications, for example demolitions, a firing device containing a percussion primer is typically used to initiate an initiator. For military applications, a self-contained system is desirable. In military systems, an end fitting can be used to position a percussion primer on the end of the initiator.

[0004] While existing electromechanical initiator for pyrotechnic primers are suitable for their intended purposes the need for improvement remains, particularly in providing an electronic initiator having the features described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0005] According to one aspect of the disclosure of the electromechanical initiator device is provided. The device includes a housing, including a channel therethorugh, a firing pin assembly positioned within the channel, a release component operably coupled to the firing pin assembly at a proximal end of the electromechanical initiator device, a rail secured to the channel, at least one electrical contact secured to the housing and in electrical communication with the release component, threads formed on a distal end of the electromechanical initiator device. The firing pin assembly includes a first firing pin operably coupled to a firing pin spring and a second1MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520 firing pin operably coupled to an opposite end of the firing pin spring and enclosed in the release mechanism. The second firing pin can include locking lugs.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the device may include the rail being a dovetail rail.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the device, wherein a pyrotechnic primer is removeably coupled to the electromechanical initiator device via the threads.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the device, may include the release component being a driving fitting, the diving fitting includes a locking surface on a top surface of the driving fitting, the locking surface having a contoured cutout, a spool contained within the driving fitting, the spool having grooves on an exterior surface, a release mechanism positioned in the grooves, and locking lugs formed in an interior surface of the spool. The locking lugs of the driving fitting receive the locking lugs of the second firing pin, thereby securing the firing pin assembly in an unreleased position. The link mechanism can be a link wire.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the device may include the driving fitting being in a locked positioned when the firing pin assembly is in the unreleased position and the driving fitting is in an unlocked position when the firing pin assembly is in a released position.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the device may include the release mechanism constricting upon application of electrical energy and rotating the driving fitting 45 degrees and the second firing pin by an equal angle before extending through the locking surface and the firing pin spring extends, releasing the firing pin assembly to the released position.2MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the device may include the grooves forming a spiral pattern on the exterior surface of the spool or forming a concentric pattern on the exterior surface of the spool.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the device, may include the release component being a split spool including a release mechanism. The release mechanism holds two halves of the split spool together, securing the firing pin assembly in an unreleased position, and can be a link wire. The release mechanism melts, stretches, or breaks upon application of electrical energy, releasing the firing pin assembly into a released position.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the device, may include an electronics component configured to receive instructions from a controller and supply electrical energy. The electronics component can be removeably coupled to the housing or is integrated into the housing.

[0014] These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The subject matter, which is regarded as the disclosure, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a semi-transparent perspective view of a electromechanical initiator device according to an embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a semi-transparent side view of the electromechanical initiator device of FIG.1;3MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520

[0018] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a firing pin of the electromechanical initiator device of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIGS. 4 A, 4B, and 4C are a perspective view of the firing pin of FIG. 3 in different rotational positions;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of a spool of the electromechanical initiator device of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the spool of FIG. 3;

[0022] FIG. 7 is semi-transparent side view of a electromechanical initiator device according to another embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of a split spool of the electromechanical initiator device of FIG. 7;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the electromechanical initiator device where the firing pin is in an unreleased position;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a section view of the electromechanical initiator device where the firing pin is released and retained by the safety tab;

[0026] FIG. 11 is a partial section perspective-view of the electromechanical initiator device including a resettable electromechanical safety according to an embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 12A is a partial section side-view of the electromechanical safety of FIG. 11 positioned in a rest position;

[0028] FIG. 12B is a partial section side-view of the electromechanical safety of FIG. 11 positioned in a deflected position;

[0029] FIG. 13 A is a partial section side-view of the electromechanical initiator device including a non-resettable electromechanical safety according to an embodiment, where the electromechanical safety positioned in a deflected position; and4MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520

[0030] FIG. 13B is a partial section side-view of the electromechanical safety of FIG. 13 A positioned in a rest position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Embodiments disclosed herein provide for a electromechanical initiator device designed to electrically actuate and allow remote activation of a pyrotechnic primer for detonation.

[0032] This invention described herein allows a pyrotechnic primer to be initiated by an electromechanical initiator triggered by an electrical signal. When the prescribed electric current is supplied to the device, a spring-loaded firing pin is released, activating the primer. The primer then can initiate an explosive charge or other pyrotechnic devices, such as shock tube or explosive boosters, and subsequently a variety of explosive charges. The electrically-actuated device allows electronic devices, for example wireless / remote controllers, to initiate explosive charges.

[0033] Historically, pyrotechnic primers that were initiated by electrical signal have been hot bridge-wire devices, blasting caps, exploding wire initiators, and spark initiators for shock tubes. However, hot bridge-wire devices and blasting caps are susceptible to inadvertent initiation by static electricity, which can create an undesired situation for the user. Exploding wire initiators are generally insensitive to static discharge, but the devices as well as the circuit components required to generate and release the rapid, high voltage and current pulse used to activate them are expensive and complex. Additionally, both the initiator and the driving circuitry are often destroyed by the explosive they are initiating, resulting in a high cost per usage. Furthermore, spark initiators for shock tubes are negatively affected by water / moisture. This can result in an undesired level of reliability under field conditions.

[0034] In contrast, embodiments of the present disclosure provide advantages in that they are insensitive to static discharge, do not require high voltage or current for activation, and are configured to be unaffected by moisture. The present disclosure uses electricity to actuate a mechanism, releasing a spring-loaded firing pin that generates an impact to initiate a primer. Manual and electromechanical safety devices 5MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520 can be integrated into embodiments, to avoid unintentional actuation. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the pyrotechnic element is configured as a separable component, unlike hot bridge-wire or exploding wire initiators. In this embodiment, the device is configured to accept standard primer assemblies, which are manually coupled by a threaded connector into the unit b. This provides advantages and simplifies shipment and storage of the initiator, as the latter does not contain any explosive or otherwise hazardous / regulated materials when the primer component is removed.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a resettable electromechanical initiator device 100 is shown. The device 100 includes a housing 102. The housing 102 can be substantially cylindrical in shape with rounded end portions. The housing 102 can be substantially cylindrical in shape with substantially flat end portions. Or the housing 102 can be substantially cylindrical with a flat side and have either rounded or substantially flat end portions. In an embodiment, the device 100 includes a tab member 138 that traverses the housing 102 perpendicular to a central axis X and is manually removeable. The tab member 138 can extend through two opposing exterior sides of the housing 102. In an alternative embodiment, the tab member 132 can extend through only one of an exterior side of the housing 102 with the remaining portion of the tab member 138 being contained within the housing 102.

[0036] Contained within the housing 102, the device 100 includes a channel 108, a rail 104 positioned within the channel 108, a firing pin assembly 114 positioned within the channel 108, electrical contacts 124, and a driving fitting 126 that is substantially cylindrical and is positioned within the housing 102 at a proximal end 110 of the housing 102. The channel 108 extends through the housing 102, and is positioned substantially on the center axis X of the housing 102. The rail 104 is secured to an interior side of the channel 108 and is positioned substantially parallel to the center axis X. The rail 104 extends from a distal end 112 of the housing 102 and terminates below the driving fitting 126. The rail 104 can be a dovetail rail and is shaped with an inverted trapezoid cross-section. The rail 104 provides a low profile and allow close spacing between components. The electrical contacts 124 can be positioned on either side of the central axis X and secured to the housing 102 with chemical or mechanical means such6MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520 as fasteners 144 (FIG. 5). The device 100 further includes threads 106 on the distal end 112, positioned within the channel 108. The pyrotechnic element may be removeably coupled to the device 100 via the threads 106.

[0037] The firing pin assembly 114 includes a first firing pin 116, a second firing pin 118, and a firing pin spring 122. As the first firing pin 116 is translated into an unreleased position (FIG. 1), the firing pin spring 122 is compressed and the firing pin assembly 114 slides along the rail 104 until it reaches the unreleased position. The first firing pin 116 and the firing pin spring 122 are operably coupled together and positioned within the channel 108. The second firing pin 118 is operably coupled to the firing pin spring 122 on an opposite end of the first firing pin 116, near the proximal end 110. As shown in FIG. 2, upon releasing the firing pin assembly 114, the firing pin spring 122 expands, driving the first firing pin 116 toward the distal end 112 to make contact with the pyrotechnic element (not shown) removeably coupled to the device 100 via the threads 106.

[0038] The driving fitting 126 secures the firing pin assembly 114 in the unreleased position and releases the firing pin assembly 114 upon activation, allowing the firing pin assembly 114 to extend into the released position. To set the device 100 for use, the second firing pin 118 is rotated and translated into place. Referring to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, an upper end of the second firing pin 118 has at least one locking lug 120. In an embodiment, the second firing pin 118 includes two locking lugs 120. The locking lugs 120 extend the length of the second firing pin 118 and project from the second firing pin 118. The driving fitting 126 includes a locking surface 136 located on a top surface of the driving fitting 126, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, and reciprocating locking lugs 132. The reciprocating locking lugs 132 are the inverse of the locking lugs 120. Rather than being project, the locking lugs 132 may in other embodiments be a cavity, cutout, or notch in the driving fitting 126 that receive the locking lugs 120. The locking lugs 120, 132 are dimensioned roughly the same to ensure a secure fit. The locking lugs 120 rest against the locking surface 136 of the driving fitting 126 as the firing pin spring 122 is compressed. The locking surface 136 has a contoured cutout 137, such that the locking lugs 120 can only pass through the7MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520 locking surface 136 when rotated into alignment with the cutout 137. As shown in FIGS. 4A-C, the locking lugs 120 rotate 45° clockwise, in a direction of an arrow A, until the locking lugs 120 align with the contoured cutout 137 of the locking surface 136, then the second firing pin 118 is translated in a direction of an arrow B. In an alternative embodiment, the locking lugs 120 rotate from 15-45° clockwise to align with contoured cutout of the locking surface 136. The locking lugs 132 and locking surface 136 are substantially in line such that the second firing pin 118 can slide through the locking surface 136 and the locking lugs 132 without being rotated inside the driving fitting 126. The reciprocating locking lugs 132 holds the second firing pin 118 in the unreleased position after the second firing pin 118 is translated in the direction of the arrow B. The driving fitting 126 is in a locked position when the firing pin assembly 114 is in the unreleased positioned, and the driving fitting 126 is in an unlocked position when the firing pin assembly 114 is in a released position.

[0039] To release the firing pin assembly 114, and contact the pyrotechnic element, the driving fitting 126 is activated. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the driving fitting 126 further includes a spool 128 with grooves 130 on an outer surface of the spool 128. The locking lugs 132 are formed in an interior portion of the spool 128. The grooves 130 can be a spiral pattern or a concentric pattern on the spool 128. The grooves 130 act as a guide for a resettable release mechanism (not shown), for example a titanium-nickel (TiNi) wire. The resettable release mechanism rotates the driving fitting, thereby releasing the firing pin assembly 114. The resettable release mechanism is installed in the grooves 130, and is anchored to the electrical contacts 124 of the housing 102 on one end and near the top surface of the driving fitting 126 on another end, such that contraction of the resettable release mechanism rotates the driving fitting 126. In an embodiment, to avoid inadvertent rotation of the driving fitting 126 due to vibration or other external forces, the housing 102 and driving fitting 126 include reciprocating detent features 134. The detent features 134 cooperate to hold the driving fitting 126 in place until the resettable release mechanism applies a sufficient force to rotate the driving fitting 126 a predetermined degree of rotation and engage the detent features 134. The driving fitting 126 can have a diameter of 2 to 8 inches (5.08 cm - 20.32 cm), inclusive. The spool 128 has substantially the same8MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520 diameter as the driving fitting 126. It should be appreciated that as the diameter is decreased, there may be an increased the risk of inadvertent rotation of the driving fitting 126 and releasing the firing pin assembly 114. Further, as the diameter of the drive fitting increases the resettable release mechanism may be unable to rotate a large diameter as effectively, leading to potentially failures to fire.

[0040] To activate the driving fitting, power supplied to the electrical contacts 124, triggering the resettable release mechanism thereby generating a rotational motion to rotate the driving fitting 126 which releases the second firing pin 118 and allows the firing pin spring 122 to expand, as shown in FIG. 2, driving the first firing pin 116 forward to a distal end 112 of the housing 102 to make contact with a pyrotechnic primer. Upon triggering the resettable release mechanism, the rotation of the driving fitting 126 causes the second firing pin 118 to rotate by an equal angle. In an embodiment, a voltage of five to ten volts of electricity can be supplied from the electrical contacts 124 to the resettable release mechanism. In some embodiments, the time to detonation, in other words the time span between when electricity is supplied to when detonation occurs, can be 100 milliseconds. In an embodiment, and without being bound to any theory of operation, the application of electric current causes the temperature of the resettable release mechanism to rise, which causes it to contract. This in turn rotates the driving fitting 126 and the second firing pin 118 until the locking lugs 120, 126 align, releasing the second firing pin 118. The resettable release mechanism applies 1 to 8 pounds of force (4.5 N - 35.6 N) to the driving fitting 126 to cause it to rotate. The device 100 can be reset after firing by recompressing the firing pin spring 122, rotating and translating the second firing pin 118 as shown in FIGS. 4A- C, and rotating the driving fitting 126 back to the locked position.

[0041] In alternative embodiment, the electromechanical initiator is a nonresettable device 700. Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the device 700 includes a housing 702. The housing 702 can be substantially cylindrical in shape with rounded end portions. The housing 702 can be substantially cylindrical in shape with substantially flat end portions. Or the housing 702 can be substantially cylindrical with a flat side and having either rounded or substantially flat end portions. In an9MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520 embodiment, the device 700 includes a tab member 138 that traverses the housing 702 perpendicular to a central axis X and is manually removeable. The tab member 138 can extend through two opposing exterior sides of the housing 702. In an alternative embodiment, the tab member 138 can extend through only one of an exterior side of the housing 702 with the remaining portion of the tab member 138 being contained within the housing 702.

[0042] Contained within the housing 702, the device 700 includes a rail 704, a channel 708, a firing pin assembly 714 positioned within the channel 708, and electrical contacts 724. The channel 708 extends through the housing 702, and is positioned substantially on the center axis Y of the housing 702. The firing pin assembly 714 includes a first firing pin 716, a second firing pin 118, and a firing pin spring 722. The first firing pin 716 and the firing pin spring 722 are operably coupled together and positioned within the channel 708. The second firing pin 718 is operably coupled to the firing pin spring 722 on an opposite end of the first firing pin 716, near the proximal end 710. The second firing pin 718 includes a conical head 726. As the first firing pin 716 is translated into an unreleased position, the firing pin spring 722 is compressed and the firing pin assembly 714 slides through / along the rail 704 until it clicks into the unreleased position. The rail 704 extends from a distal end 712 of the housing 702 and terminates below the second firing pin 718. The rail 704 can be a dovetail rail and shaped as an inverted trapezoid cross-section. The rail 704 provides a low profile and allow close spacing between components. The rail 704 is secured to an interior side of the channel 708 and is positioned substantially parallel to the center axis Y. The electrical contacts 724 can be positioned on either side of the central axis Y and can be secured to the housing 702 with chemical or mechanical means such as fasteners. The device 700 further includes threads 706 on the distal end 712, positioned within the channel 708. The pyrotechnic element (not shown) may be removeably coupled to the device 700 via the threads 706. Upon releasing the firing pin assembly 714, the firing pin spring 722 expands, driving the first firing pin 716 toward the distal end 712 to make contact with the pyrotechnic element removeably coupled to the device 700 via the threads 706.10MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520

[0043] A split spool 728 circumferences the second the second firing pin 118 as shown in FIG. 9 and holds the firing pin assembly 714 in an unreleased position until the split spool 728 is activated. The split spool 728 described herein may be similar to the split spool as described in US Patent 10,124,915, 6,525,920, and 6,433,990, which are incorporated herein by reference. The split spool 728 consists of two halves and includes a non-resettable release mechanism 730, for example a fuse wire, that holds the two halves of the split spool 728 together. The split spool 728 can have a diameter of 2 to 8 inches. The non-resettable release mechanism 730 secures the two halves of the split spool 728, retaining the second firing pin 118, as shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, an upper end of the second firing pin 118 includes a conical feature. The conical feature of the second firing pin 118 rests against a reciprocating conical profile on the two halves of the split spool 728, preventing the second firing pin 118 from passing through the split spool 728, as long as the halves of the split spool 728 are held together. The angle of the conic feature 726 of the second firing pin 718 and the force of the firing pin spring 722 provide a separating force between the two halves of the split spool 728, which is reacted by the non-resettable release mechanism 730 wrapped around the split spool 728 halves. The halves of the split spool 728 rest against a topinterior of the housing 102, keeping the firing pin spring 122 in an unreleased position, i.e. compressed, until the non-resettable release mechanism 730 is functioned.

[0044] To trigger the non-resettable release mechanism 730, electric current is applied via the electrical contacts 724. A voltage of five to ten volts of electricity can be supplied from the electrical contacts 724 to the non-resettable release mechanism 730. The detonation time, in other words the time span between electricity supplied to when detonation occurs, can be 100 milliseconds. The power supplied to the electrical contacts 724, triggers the release mechanism 730 thereby allowing the halves of the split spool 728 to separate. Application of electric current to the non-resettable release mechanism 730 raises its temperature to near the melting point of the material, allowing the non-resettable release mechanism 730 to stretch or melt, releasing and allowing separation of the halves of the split spool 728 which releases the second firing pin 718. Once the second firing pin 718 is released, the firing pin spring 722 expands, driving11MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520 the first firing pin 716 forward to a distal end 712 of the housing 702 to make contact with a pyrotechnic primer.

[0045] To prevent inadvertent firing, the resettable device 100 and nonresettable device 700 can include the mechanical tab member 138. FIG. 9 illustrates the tab member 138 in place and the firing pin assembly 114, 714 in an unreleased position. FIG. 10 illustrates the tab member 138 in place and the firing pin assembly 114, 714 in a release position. The tab member 138 can include a ring 140 on an end of the tab member 138 extending through an exterior side of the housing 102 to facilitate removing the tab member 138 from the device 100, 700 by the operator. The tab member 138 may further include a hole 142 positioned on a portion of the tab member 138 that is contained within the housing 102, 702 and substantially lines up with a first firing pin 116, 716 of the device 100, 700. The housing 102, 702 may include a slot (not shown) positioned below the first firing pin 116, 716 to allow the tab member 138 to freely slide and be removed from the device 100, 700 The first firing pin 116, 716 can include a projection that resides in the hole 142. In the event that the first firing pin 116, 716 is inadvertently released, for example due to mechanical damage to the device 100, 700, before the tab member 138 is removed, an end of the first firing pin 116, 716 contacts the tab member 138. In an embodiment the first firing pin 116, 716 can include a projection, the projection protrudes through the hole 142 in the tab member 138, locking the tab member 138 in the housing 102, 702 (FIG. 10). This ensures that the released first firing pin 116, 716 cannot continue to fall, even after the safety tab 132 is removed, which could result in immediate and unintended primer initiation.

[0046] In an embodiment, the device 100, 700 further includes an electromechanical inhibitor mechanism. The electromechanical inhibitor mechanism can be resettable or non-resettable. Referring now to Figures 11, 12A, and 12B, an embodiment is shown of a resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100. The resettable electromechanically inhibitor mechanism 1100 includes a leaf spring 1102, a resettable release mechanism 1104, for example a TiNi wire, and an insulator 1106, for example a nonconductive layer-material. At a distal end 1108 of the resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100, the leaf spring 1102 is anchored to the12MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520 housing 102, 702. The insulator 1106 covers a side of the leaf spring 1102 that is facing away from the channel 108, 708, providing a barrier between the leaf spring 1102 and the resettable release mechanism 1104. The leaf spring 1102 is bent or curved such that in a resting state it extends into a center of the channel 108, 708 and under the first firing pin 116, 716. The leaf spring’s 1102 geometry is such that if the first firing pin 116, 716 is released prior to the electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100 being actuated, the first firing pin 116, 716 locks the leaf spring 1102 in place, preventing the first firing pin 116, 716 from striking a pyrotechnic primer. If the first firing pin 116 releases prior to the electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100 actuating, the device 100 will need to be reset prior to use.

[0047] The leaf spring 1102 is retracted from the first firing pin’s 116, 716 path, thereby withdrawing the leaf spring 1102 from a locking position (FIG. 12A), by functioning the resettable release mechanism 1104. The resettable release mechanism 1104 is anchored to the housing 102, 702 at the distal end 1108 of the electromechanically inhibitor mechanism 1100 and extends the length of the leaf spring 1102. In an alternative embodiment, the resettable release mechanism 1104 is anchored to the leaf spring 1102 at the distal end 1108 of the electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100. The device 100, 700 includes a second circuit to apply an electric current to the resettable release mechanism 1104. Application of an electric current causes the resettable release mechanism 1104 to contract, bending the leaf spring 1102 toward the housing 102, 702 to an unlocked positioned, and unlocking the first firing pin 116, 716 (FIG. 12B). The resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100 employed in device 100 can be reset after several types of events, for example after the electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100 is released, after firing, or after a miss- sequenced event. The resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100 employed in device 700 can be reset after the electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100 is released.

[0048] FIGS. 13A and 13B show a non-resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1300. The non-resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1300 includes a leaf spring 1302 and a non-resettable release mechanism 1103, for example13MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520 a fuse wire. At a proximal end 1310 of the non-resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1300, a loop 1306 is secured on the side of the leaf spring 1302 facing away from the channel 108, 708. Similar to the resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism, the leaf spring 1302 is anchored to the housing 102, 702 at a distal end 1308 of the non-resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1300. The nonresettable release mechanism 1304 is secured to the loop 1306, extends across the channel 108, 708 and is secured to the housing 102, 702 on the opposite side. The leaf spring 1302 is straight such that in a resting state it is substantially straight. The nonresettable release mechanism 1304 holds the leaf spring 1302 in a deflected position, extending into a center of the channel 108, 708 and under the first firing pin 116, 716 (FIG. 13 A).

[0049] Similar to the device 100, 700 with the resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100, device 100, 700 with the non-resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1300 includes a second circuit to apply an electric current to the non-resettable release mechanism 1304. Application of an electric current to the nonresettable release mechanism 1304 heats the non-resettable release mechanism 1304 and releases the leaf spring 1302, unlocking the first firing pin 116, 716. Heating the non-resettable release mechanism 1304 causes it to stretch or melt, thereby allowing the leaf spring 1302 to return to its resting state and be removed from the first firing pin’s 116, 716 path, i.e. an unlocked position (FIG. 13B). Similar to the resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100, the non-resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism’s 1300 geometry is such that if the first firing pin 116, 716 is released prior to the non-resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1300 is actuated, the first firing pin 116, 716 locks the leaf spring 1302 in place, preventing the first firing pin 116, 716 from striking the primer. Once the electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1300 is released or after a miss-sequenced event, the electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1300 cannot be reset.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 14, the device 100, 700 further includes an electronics component 1400. The electronics component 1400 can include a digital circuit 1408, a remote receiver unit 1410, a battery 1406, and a radio frequency module 1404. In an14MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520 embodiment, the electronics component 1400 is integrated into the electromechanical initiator 100, 700. In another embodiment, the electronics component is removeably coupled to the electromechanical initiator 100, 700. This allows the electronics component 1400 to be reused even where the electronics component 1400 is used with the non-resettable electromechanical initiator 700.

[0051] In an embodiment, the electronics component 1400 receives instructions from a controller 1402 through a wired connection. In this embodiment, the electronics component 1400 may optionally a radio frequency module 1404. The electromechanical initiator 100, 700 is placed in position for desired detonation with the pyrotechnic element, a wire is operably coupled to the electronics component 1400 and is run out to a location of the controller 1402. This can require several feet or several hundred feet of wire depending on how far from the electromechanical initiator 100, 700 the controller 1402 must be placed prior to detonation. In an alternative embodiment, the electronics component 1400 receives instruction from the controller 1402 through radio frequency signals. The radio frequency module 1404, included in the electrical component 1400, can be in electrical communication with the battery 1406 and electrical contacts. The radio frequency module receives instructions / commands from the controller 1402, for example to place the electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100, 1300 in an unlocked position or release the firing pin assembly 114, 714, thereby initiating a sequence for the battery to deliver electric current to either the circuit 1408 controlling the firing pin assembly 114, 714 or the electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100, 1300, depending on the instructions sent. The battery can supply 1-10 watts to activate the firing pin assembly 114, 714 or the electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1100, 1300.

[0052] The device 100, device 700, resettable electromechanically inhibitor mechanism 1100, and non-resettable electromechanical inhibitor mechanism 1300 may include additional features described below.

[0053] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the device, wherein the at least one electrical contact is mechanically or chemically secured to the housing.15MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520

[0054] The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

[0055] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.

[0056] It should also be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

[0057] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0058] While the disclosure is provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may include only some of the described exemplary aspects. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.16MEI 52395435v.1

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 138189-15520WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A electromechanical initiator device, comprising: a housing, including a channel therethorugh; a firing pin assembly positioned within the channel; and a release component operably coupled to the firing pin assembly at a proximal end of the electromechanical initiator device.

2. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 1, the firing pin assembly further comprising: a first firing pin operably coupled to a firing pin spring; and a second firing pin operably coupled to an opposite end of the firing pin spring and enclosed in the release mechanism.

3. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 1, further comprising: a rail secured to the channel; at least one electrical contact secured to the housing and in electrical communication with the release component.

4. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 3, wherein the rail is a dovetail rail.

5. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 1, further comprising threads formed on a distal end of the electromechanical initiator device.

6. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 5, wherein a pyrotechnic primer is removeably coupled to the electromechanical initiator device via the threads.

7. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 2, the second firing pin further comprising locking lugs.17MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-155208. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 7, wherein the release component is a driving fitting comprising: a locking surface on a top surface of the driving fitting, the locking surface having a contoured cutout; a spool contained within the driving fitting, the spool having grooves on an exterior surface; a release mechanism positioned in the grooves; and locking lugs formed in an interior surface of the spool.

9. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 8, wherein the locking lugs of the driving fitting receive the locking lugs of the second firing pin, securing the firing pin assembly in an unreleased position.

10. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 8, wherein the driving fitting is in a locked positioned when the firing pin assembly is in the unreleased position.

11. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 8, wherein the release mechanism is a link wire.

12. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 8, wherein the release mechanism constricts upon application of electrical energy and rotates the driving fitting 45 degrees and the second firing pin by an equal angle before extending through the locking surface and the firing pin spring extends, releasing the firing pin assembly to a released position.

13. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 8, wherein the driving fitting is in an unlocked position when the firing pin assembly is in the released position.

14. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 8, wherein the grooves form a spiral pattern on the exterior surface of the spool.18MEI 52395435v.1Attorney Docket No. 138189-1552015. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 8, wherein the grooves form a concentric pattern on the exterior surface of the spool.

16. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 1 wherein the release component is a split spool including a release mechanism.

17. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 16, wherein the release mechanism is a link wire that holds two halves of the split spool together, securing the firing pin assembly in an unreleased position.

18. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 16, wherein the release mechanism melts, stretches, or breaks upon application of electrical energy, releasing the firing pin assembly into a released position.

19. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 1, further comprising an electronics component configured to receive instructions from a controller and supply electrical energy.

20. The electromechanical initiator device of claim 19, wherein the electronics component is removeably coupled to the housing or is integrated into the housing.19MEI 52395435v.1

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