Compact Ignition Device with Nested Shock Tube

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ignition devices for military and police use, comprising a mechanical trigger, thermal or shock tube, and detonator, are cumbersome and difficult to transport and deploy due to the need to unwind and handle the shock tube, which poses safety risks and inefficiencies in operation.

Innovation Solution

The integration of the trigger within a protective tube, along with an inner tube to secure the windings and a heat-shrinkable cover, allows for a compact and safe storage and deployment system, enabling easy unwinding and use of the shock tube without unnecessary loops or kinking, and includes a splinter protection sleeve for enhanced safety during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the shock tube is transported as a reel and unwound at the deployment site, then the detonator can be activated, but the handling becomes complex and safety risks increase due to buckling and misfires

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetonation reliabilityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shock tube is wound around an inner tube that is nested inside the protective tube. The detonator is nested within the protective tube at the end of the shock tube. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage while maintaining the ability to deploy the shock tube in a straight configuration for reliable detonation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The shock tube is pre-wound around the inner tube in a controlled manner during manufacturing, eliminating the need for现场 unwinding and handling of loose reels. The trigger mechanism is also pre-assembled and secured to the protective tube, ready for immediate use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the trigger mechanism rests against the outside of the protective tube, then the structure is simple, but the unit is not easily transportable and requires considerable care for insertion and removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidinsertion and removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger mechanism is merged with the protective tube by securing it to the outer surface of the protective tube. This integration ensures that the trigger and protective tube move together as a single unit during transport and deployment, eliminating the need for separate handling of these components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If the shock tube is stored in loops around the detonator, then it can be contained in a compact form, but inserting or removing the tube requires considerable care and effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage compactnessVSAvoidtube insertion and removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shock tube is wound around the inner tube in a neat, organized manner rather than forming loose loops. The inner tube acts as a mandrel that guides the shock tube into a compact spiral configuration, making it easy to insert and remove without tangling or requiring careful handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the shock tube is handled as a loose reel, then it can be transported flexibly, but safety risks increase and special handling efforts are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport flexibilityVSAvoidoperational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shock tube is pre-configured in a controlled winding around the inner tube during manufacturing, eliminating the need for现场 handling of loose reels. This preliminary preparation ensures that the shock tube maintains its integrity and reduces safety risks during transport and deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This design enhances the compactness and safety of the ignition device, facilitating quick and secure deployment by eliminating the risk of tube kinking and misfires, while allowing for easy transport and storage without special safety requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a heat-shrinkable cover (23) which is designed and positioned so that it does not interfere with the tube's removal when the trigger is activated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat shrinkage: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP3610220B1Ignition device with a compact design
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 FR SOBBE
  • EP3610220B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3610220B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3610220B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an ignition device (1) for military or police use, having a mechanical trigger (2) and a shock tube (3) with a variable length. A detonator capsule (4) comprising the trigger (2) and the shock tube (3) is accommodated in a protective tube (8) which is closed on both sides via closure discs (13) or end plates (10). The shock tube (3) loops the trigger (2) and the detonator capsule (4) and can thus be easily pulled out of the protective tube (8) after releasing the lock (16, 52). The protective tube (8) as well as the shock tube (3) are surrounded by a heat-shrink tubing (34) such that the system is also suitable for underwater use.