Cluster Laser Ignition for Simultaneous Modular Propellant Charges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser ignition methods for hollow propelling charges in artillery face issues such as misfires due to detonator defects, instability in triggering devices, and limitations in automating artillery operations, with hollow charges experiencing long ignition delays when irradiated by single spot laser beams, and challenges in simultaneous ignition of multiple charges.
Innovation Solution
A cluster laser system is employed to ignite multiple hollow propelling charges simultaneously by configuring a plurality of lasers in a cluster form, adjusting the laser beam path to maximize intensity per unit area, and using black gunpowder coating on the charge inner diameter to ensure synchronized ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single spot laser beam is used to irradiate a hollow propelling charge, then the device complexity is low, but the ignition delay time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The laser ignition system is segmented into multiple independent laser oscillators (at least three) arranged to irradiate different portions of the hollow propelling charge simultaneously. Each laser oscillator targets a specific region (e.g., first, second, and third portions), enabling parallel ignition processes that reduce overall ignition delay time while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic oscillation of laser beams to enhance energy delivery to the propellant coating. The laser oscillators are configured to oscillate their beams in a periodic manner, creating rhythmic heating patterns that accelerate the ignition process and reduce delay time compared to static single-spot irradiation
2Area of stationary object
If an annular or linear laser is used to expand laser beam radiation area, then the area of laser radiation is increased, but simultaneous ignition of all unit charges is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single expanded beam (annular or linear), the system segments the radiation area into multiple discrete laser spots from separate oscillators. Each oscillator targets a specific portion of the hollow charge, ensuring that all unit charges receive focused irradiation simultaneously, thereby achieving reliable simultaneous ignition across the entire charge assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-dimension beam expansion (annular or linear) to multi-dimensional spatial distribution of multiple laser oscillators. By arranging oscillators in three-dimensional space with specific angular relationships, the system achieves comprehensive coverage of all unit charges from multiple angles, ensuring simultaneous ignition that cannot be achieved with planar expansion methods
3Productivity
If multiple laser oscillators are used to ignite multiple unit charges, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser oscillators are configured with dynamic oscillation capabilities, allowing them to adjust their beam patterns and positions to optimize ignition of different portions of the hollow propelling charge. This dynamic behavior enables a single oscillator to effectively cover multiple target zones through controlled motion, reducing the total number of oscillators needed and thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Each laser oscillator in the cluster is designed with multi-functionality, capable of targeting and igniting multiple different portions of the charge through oscillation and positioning. This universal capability means each oscillator can perform the function of multiple fixed-position oscillators, reducing the overall component count and system complexity while maintaining the ability to ignite all unit charges simultaneously
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
The cluster laser system enables simultaneous ignition of all unit charges, minimizing ignition delays and enhancing the reliability and automation of artillery operations.
Implementation Method 1
a laser cluster configured to ignite a gunpowder coating part of the charge inner diameter by radiating a laser
Implementation Method 2
the laser cluster maximizes an intensity of a laser beam radiated per unit area as it goes away from an inlet of the charge inner diameter
Implementation Method 3
igniting a gunpowder coating part positioned at the inlet side of the charge inner diameter, which is black powder, coated on a surface of a propellant
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A simultaneous ignition method for a modular propellant charge having a central through-going hole, using a cluster laser to maximize an intensity of a laser beam per unit area radiated onto a gunpowder coating part (39) on the inner surface of the through-going hole by deflecting a path of the laser beam from first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth laser oscillators (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) igniting the gunpowder coating parts (39) on unit charges Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) arranged in a row through one-to-one matching of said laser beams with said unit charges as the laser beams enter the hole, thereby simultaneously igniting the plurality of unit charges.