Airstream-Powered Munition Fuze Layout for Sensor Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing munition fuze systems face challenges with expensive and hazardous Lithium Thionyl Chloride energisers, limited battery life, and space constraints that impede sensor functionality, particularly for long-range targets.
Innovation Solution
A fuze system with a power generator located behind the foremost section, generating electrical power through interaction with an airstream, using a rotor and stator configuration to rotate relative to the body, allowing for aerodynamic integration and separate housing of sensors and fuze subsystems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Lithium Thionyl Chloride energisers are used to power the fuze system, then electrical power can be provided, but the system becomes expensive, hazardous, and has limited battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The power generator enables the fuze system to generate its own electrical power through aerodynamic interaction during flight, eliminating the need for external battery sources and making the system self-sufficient throughout its operational lifecycle
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the chemical energy storage system (Lithium Thionyl Chloride batteries) with an aerodynamic energy conversion system that transforms kinetic energy from airflow into electrical power, substituting a hazardous chemical system with a mechanical-aerodynamic one
2Use of energy by moving object
If power generating componentry is located at the foremost section of the fuze system body, then power can be generated, but the field of regard of sensors is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The fuze system is divided into distinct functional zones: the foremost section is dedicated exclusively to sensors with unobstructed field of regard, while the power generator is positioned in the mid-section, separating conflicting functional requirements spatially
Solution Approach 2:
The power generator is positioned laterally in the mid-section rather than longitudinally at the foremost end, utilizing the radial dimension of the cylindrical fuze body to resolve the spatial conflict between power generation components and sensor positioning
3Duration of action of moving object
If the power generator interacts with the airstream to generate power, then a continuous power source is provided for long-range targets, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the aerodynamic interaction element that captures kinetic energy from the airstream and as the rotating component of the electromagnetic generator, eliminating the need for separate drive mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the aerodynamic rotor with the electromagnetic generator rotor, combining the energy capture function and the electrical generation function into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a safe, inexpensive, and reliable power source for munition fuzes, ensuring continuous power supply for long-range targets while maintaining aerodynamic shape and sensor functionality, reducing environmental impact and simplifying installation.
Implementation Method 1
a power generator, attached to the body, for generating electrical power and providing it to the fuze system, the power generator configured to generate electrical power by interacting with an airstream around the fuze system
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present disclosure, there is provided a fuze system for attaching to a munition body, the fuze system comprising: a body comprising a foremost section; a fuze located in the body; a power generator, attached to the body, for generating electrical power and providing it to the fuze system, the power generator configured to generate electrical power by interacting with an airstream around the fuze system, wherein at least a part of the power generator is located behind the foremost section, the at least a part of the power generator being arranged to rotate relative to the foremost section of the body.