Coreless Shock Tube Coil Packaging Without a Spool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shock tube systems for explosives are bulky and heavy due to the use of spools, making them unsuitable for covert operations or applications where compactness and lightweight design are essential.

Innovation Solution

A coreless bundle of shock tubing is used, supported by end plates and wrapped with a self-adhesive tape covering, eliminating the need for a spool and allowing for a compact, lightweight package that can be easily carried.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional coil assemblies with support structures and lead wires are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and susceptibility to damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesusceptibility to damageVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes traditional support structures, lead wires, and electrical connection elements from the coil assembly. The core idea is to extract all non-essential components that contribute to complexity and vulnerability, leaving only the functional coil structure that can be directly implanted or positioned in the target location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The coil structure itself is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides both the electromagnetic field generation capability and the structural integrity previously requiring separate support elements. The coil becomes a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for dedicated support structures and lead wires.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional packaging methods are used, then protection is provided, but shock tube performance is degraded due to external pressures and temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock tube performanceVSAvoidpackaging structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging structure is merged with the shock tube assembly such that the shock tube becomes an integral part of the packaging system. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective packaging layers that would otherwise degrade performance by introducing external pressures and temperature gradients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specialized packaging material or structure that acts as an intermediary between the shock tube and the external environment. This intermediary layer provides protection while maintaining the performance characteristics of the shock tube by minimizing interference from external pressures and temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If coreless coil technology is used, then device complexity is reduced, but protection during shipping and handling becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil structureVSAvoidprotection during shipping
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coil assembly is pre-positioned and pre-configured within a protective packaging structure before shipping. This preliminary action ensures that the delicate coreless coil is already secured and protected against mechanical damage during transportation, eliminating the need for complex protective measures during handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coreless coil assembly is nested within multiple layers of protective packaging, with each layer providing specific protection against different types of damage. The compact nested structure allows the delicate coil to be protected without adding significant complexity to the overall device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 coreless-coil shock tube package system provides a compact and lightweight design, enabling easy transport and deployment without the need for a bulky spool, suitable for covert operations and other applications where space and weight are critical.

Implementation Method 1

Coreless-coil shock tube package system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock wave: Shock Wave

Data Source

PatentEP3947195B1Coreless-coil shock tube package system
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 ENSIGN BICKFORD AEROSPACE & DEFENSE CO
  • EP3947195B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3947195B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3947195B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A coreless-coil shock tube package system includes a "coreless" bundle of shock tubing, meaning that the tubing is not wrapped around a spool. The bundle may be a generally cylindrical coil of shock tubing. Optionally, two washer-like end plates abut the ends of the tubing coil for axial support. A self-adhesive tape covering partially covers the coil and end plates. A detonator is attached to one end of the tubing and lies tucked into the coil, through an end plate, for storage and transport. An igniter is attached to the tubing's other end. In use, the detonator is removed from the coil and attached to an explosive device. Then, the package is pulled away from the detonator and explosive, thereby uncoiling the tubing through the end plate for deployment. The igniter is actuated for igniting the shock tubing and activating the detonator and explosive.