Bomb Fuze Initiator With Integrated HF/IR Proximity Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bomb proximity sensors are configuration-specific and non-interchangeable, often incompatible with guidance kits, and require additional hardware for integration.

Innovation Solution

A bomb fuze initiator with an integrated proximity sensor, including a transceiver and electronic circuit, that determines distance from the ground and transmits signals to the fuze, compatible with both base and accessory wells, allowing universal installation and eliminating the need for separate sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a proximity sensor is integrated into the warhead well, then proximity sensing function is achieved, but the guidance kit cannot be housed in the same well

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemunition configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidsensor integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuze system is divided into two separate components: a fuze initiator housed in the accessory well and a fuze housed in the base well. This segmentation allows the proximity sensor to be integrated into the fuze initiator without interfering with the guidance kit in the warhead well, while maintaining modular architecture that simplifies integration and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fuze initiator is designed as a universal component that can be integrated with various munition configurations (base well, accessory well, or both). It provides multiple functions including proximity sensing, release detection, and fuze initiation, making it adaptable to different bomb types and guidance kit configurations without requiring configuration-specific sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a proximity sensor is placed in the tail unit or integrated with guidance kit, then proximity sensing is achieved, but the sensor becomes non-interchangeable with other munitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemunitions interchangeabilityVSAvoidsensor integration effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The proximity sensor is extracted from the guidance kit or tail unit and integrated into the fuze initiator instead. This extraction allows the sensor to be separated from configuration-specific components, enabling the fuze initiator to be a universal, interchangeable component that can be applied to various munition types without being tied to a specific guidance kit or bomb configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a separate proximity sensor is added to the bomb, then proximity sensing function is achieved, but additional hardware and complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity sensing capabilityVSAvoidhardware quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proximity sensor is merged with the fuze initiator, combining two previously separate functions (proximity sensing and fuze initiation) into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor hardware and reduces overall system complexity by integrating the sensor directly into the existing fuze system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables adaptable and cost-effective proximity sensing for bombs, protecting the sensor until release and ensuring compatibility with various munition configurations without additional hardware.

Implementation Method 1

a transceiver of electromagnetic waves comprising an HF antenna and an HF circuit or comprising an IR source and a photodetector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Implementation Method 2

comprising an IR source and a photodetector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12460912B2Bomb fuze initiator

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 JUNGHANS T2M

AI summary

A bomb fuze initiator equipped with a cap configured to open after bomb release, a device for detecting bomb release, a device for determining bomb speed, an integrated proximity sensor and a fuze connector intended to connect the fuze initiator to a bomb fuze, the integrated proximity sensor comprising: a transceiver of electromagnetic waves comprising an HF antenna and an HF circuit or comprising an IR source and a photodetector, and a transmission link configured to transmit the signal delivered by the transceiver of electromagnetic waves.