Aeronautical Cartridge Release Device with Presence Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing aeronautical conveying and release devices using pyrotechnic cartridges pose risks to ground personnel during mission preparation and return due to the need for manual verification of unfired cartridges, which is dangerous and time-consuming, requiring restrictive procedures and equipment.

Innovation Solution

A pyrotechnic assembly with a cartridge adapter that includes a movable indicator allowing safe verification of cartridge presence without opening the chamber, ensuring the cartridge is confined and reducing the need for protective equipment and restrictive procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual verification of cartridge presence is performed by opening the chamber, then the operator can check the cartridge condition, but the operator is exposed to burn risks and must follow restrictive procedures with protective equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidverification procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the indicator linked to the breech position) that mediates between the operator and the dangerous cartridge verification process. Instead of directly opening the chamber, the operator interacts with the indicator, which safely transmits information about cartridge presence without exposing the operator to burn risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of opening the chamber and visually inspecting the cartridge with a mechanical indicator system that automatically indicates cartridge presence based on breech position. This substitution eliminates the need for direct manual inspection while maintaining verification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the operator opens the chamber to check the cartridge, then the cartridge condition can be verified, but the verification process is time-consuming and increases ground downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge presence detection accuracyVSAvoidground downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the indicator already linked to the breech position mechanism. The indicator is prepared in advance to automatically indicate cartridge presence when the breech is in the correct position, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual inspection during verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service verification where the indicator automatically indicates cartridge presence based on the breech position without requiring operator intervention to open the chamber. The system verifies itself, reducing ground downtime while maintaining accurate detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the chamber remains closed during verification, then operator safety is enhanced, but the operator cannot directly see the cartridge condition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator protection against accidental ignitionVSAvoidcartridge presence information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator acts as an intermediary that conveys information about cartridge presence without requiring the operator to see the cartridge directly. The indicator translates the physical state of the breech (which reflects cartridge presence) into a visible indication, maintaining information flow while preserving safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct visual inspection of the cartridge with a mechanical indicator system that substitutes the visual information pathway. The indicator provides the necessary information about cartridge presence through its position rather than requiring direct viewing of the cartridge through an open chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If restrictive procedures and protective equipment are used during cartridge verification, then operator safety is improved, but the verification process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidverification procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for protective equipment and restrictive procedures. By providing safe distance verification through the indicator mechanism, the system removes the complexity of safety protocols while maintaining operator protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service verification that inherently protects the operator without requiring external protective measures. The closed-chamber design with indicator provides automatic protection, eliminating the need for additional protective equipment and simplifying the verification procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4214121B1Transport and release device with a cartridge presence indicator
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 ARESIA-VALENTON
  • EP4214121B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4214121B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4214121B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed is an aeronautical conveying and release device, actuated by a cartridge, comprising a housing provided in a body 60 comprising a recess having an open end and a bottom, a cartridge adapter 62 capable of closing the recess and forming a chamber capable of housing the cartridge, an indicator 12 movably mounted between a first position and a second position, the cartridge adapter 62 comprising a bolt 622 capable of being screwed into the housing so that in the presence of the cartridge, the bolt 622 can be screwed to a first depth where the bolt 622 abuts against the cartridge, the cartridge being in abutment against the bottom of the recess, and in the absence of a cartridge, the bolt 622 can be screwed to a second depth, greater than the first depth, and the bolt 622 at the first depth prohibits the first position for the indicator 12, while the bolt 622 at the second depth leaves the indicator 12 free to move.