Canister Ejection Control with Pre-Launch Avionics Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air vehicle assembly ejection systems fail to power up onboard electronic systems prior to ejection, limiting the ability to perform functions like telemetry and guidance during launch due to delayed initialization and battery power conservation.
Innovation Solution
A dual signal path system is implemented, where a first control signal powers up the onboard electronic system before ejection and a second signal path detonates the squib, using existing hardware with minimal modifications by emulating squib firing commands in software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the onboard electronic system is powered up only after ejection, then battery power is conserved during storage, but the electronic system cannot perform telemetry and guidance functions during launch
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies a first control signal through a first signal path to power up the onboard electronic system before ejection occurs. This preliminary action allows the electronic system to initialize and become operational prior to launch, enabling telemetry and guidance functions during the ejection event while still conserving battery power during storage by only activating power when needed
2Reliability
If a separate power-up signal path is added, then electronic systems can be initialized before ejection, but hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing squib firing signal paths and hardware interface to serve dual purposes: the first signal path emulates a power-up command to initialize the electronic system, while the second signal path detonates the squib for ejection. This multi-functional use of existing hardware avoids adding extensive new circuitry while enabling pre-ejection initialization
3Device complexity
If the electronic system boots up after ejection, then hardware simplicity is maintained, but timing for control functions is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is programmed to send the first control signal through the first signal path at a predetermined time before the second control signal is sent to detonate the squib. This timing arrangement allows the electronic system to complete its boot-up sequence and initialize control functions before the ejection event occurs, eliminating delays in control availability
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 pre-ejection initialization of electronic systems, allowing timely boot-up and operation of IMUs for attitude/orientation tracking, enhancing control and functionality during launch without affecting safety or requiring hardware changes.
Implementation Method 1
The dispensing platform can detonate an explosive charge, referred to as a squib, such that the mechanical force of the detonation ejects the air vehicle assembly from the dispensing platform
Data Source
AI summary
An air vehicle assembly initialization and ejection system includes a canister configured to contain an air vehicle assembly, where the air vehicle assembly includes an onboard electronic system and at least one squib for ejecting the air vehicle assembly from the canister. The system further includes a magazine having a canister position configured to contain the canister. The system further includes a first signal path providing electrical communication of a first control signal between the canister position and the canister, the first control signal for causing the onboard electronic system to power up, and a second signal path providing electrical communication of a second control signal between the canister position and the canister, the second control signal for causing the at least one squib to detonate.