Articulated Pulling Element for Pyrotechnic Signaling Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual knotting of a pulling element in pyrotechnic signaling devices complicates and increases the cost of assembly, posing risks during production and handling.
Innovation Solution
A pulling element with articulated sections connected by hinges, allowing for machine production and automatic unfolding, featuring rigid and elastic sections for safe handling and space-saving storage, along with a coupling device for flexible activation of the ignition device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible pulling element is used to activate the ignition device, then the device can be manually actuated, but the element must be manually knotted during assembly which complicates production and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling element is divided into multiple rigid sections that are connected through articulated hinge mechanisms. This segmentation allows the element to be manufactured as a pre-assembled unit with integrated hinges, eliminating the need for manual knotting during final assembly while maintaining flexibility for manual actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling element transitions from a completely flexible rope to a semi-rigid articulated structure with controlled flexibility. The hinge connections provide deterministic articulation points that enable machine assembly while preserving the ability to be manually pulled and folded.
2Length of moving object
If a long rope is used for the pulling element to ensure sufficient length for activation, then the device can be actuated from a distance, but it occupies excessive space during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated sections of the pulling element are designed to nest within each other when folded, similar to a nested doll structure. Each section contains or overlaps with adjacent sections, allowing the element to be collapsed into a compact form that fits within the device housing while maintaining full extended length for activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling element transitions dynamically between a compact folded state for storage and a fully extended state for activation. The hinge connections enable smooth transitions between these states, allowing the element to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If rigid sections are used in the pulling element to enable machine production, then manufacturing is simplified, but handling comfort may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling element is segmented into rigid sections connected by flexible hinges. This segmentation allows each section to be precisely manufactured using machine processes while the hinge connections provide flexibility for comfortable manual handling and activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling element combines rigid materials for the sections with flexible hinge mechanisms, creating a composite structure that exhibits both rigidity for manufacturability and flexibility for handling comfort.
Data Source
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AI summary
The unit has a pyrotechnical effect set such as a signal/and or light set, and a lighting device (14) activated by a traction member (24). The traction member comprises an outer section (48) and an inner section (50), where the sections are flexibly connected with each other. The sections are foldable and interfoldable by the flexible connection and are resistant to bend. The outer section is formed in half length of the inner section. A releasing unit such as a firing pin (36) and /or a rubbing lighter of the lighting device is assigned to the traction member that is made of plastic.