Distributed ordnance system wireless firing unit integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ordnance systems for launch vehicles are complex and heavy due to extensive electrical cabling, making integration time-consuming and expensive, and lack built-in testing for operational system checks, relying on statistical methods for reliability assessment.
Innovation Solution
A distributed ordnance system with multiple ordnance controllers and firing units, utilizing a common communication bus to send control signals and a common power bus to initiate energetic materials, allowing for reduced cabling complexity and distributed integration, enabling plug-and-play modules and improved safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ordnance systems use extensive electrical cabling to connect firing units, then reliable power and signal transmission is achieved, but system weight increases and wiring complexity becomes unmanageable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces extensive mechanical electrical cabling with a wireless communication system. Each firing unit is equipped with a wireless transceiver that communicates with the control system via wireless signals, eliminating the need for heavy electrical cables while maintaining reliable power and signal transmission through alternative means (wireless power transfer and communication protocols).
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission medium parameter from wired electrical connection to wireless electromagnetic field transmission. This parameter change reduces physical cable weight while maintaining transmission reliability through error correction protocols and redundant communication channels embedded in the wireless system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional ordnance systems use extensive electrical cabling for connecting firing units, then power delivery to firing units is ensured, but device complexity and integration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex mechanical wiring system with an electronic wireless communication system. Power delivery is achieved through wireless power transfer technology, and control signals are transmitted via wireless communication protocols, dramatically reducing wiring complexity while ensuring adequate power delivery to all firing units.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits power, carries control signals, provides status monitoring, and enables diagnostic capabilities. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate wired systems into a single integrated wireless platform, reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional ordnance systems rely on statistical methods for reliability assessment, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but system safety and operational confidence decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where each firing unit transmits its operational status, health metrics, and diagnostic information back to the control system in real-time. This feedback enables proactive monitoring and prediction of potential failures, allowing the system to maintain high safety standards through data-driven decision-making rather than relying solely on statistical probability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary diagnostics and health assessments continuously during operation, identifying potential issues before they lead to failures. This preliminary detection and reporting capability allows for preventive maintenance and system adjustments, enhancing safety by addressing problems before they compromise operational reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A distributed ordnance system comprises a plurality of ordnance controllers and a plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller of the plurality of ordnance controllers may be operably coupled with at least one firing unit of the plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller may be configured to provide power signals to the at least one firing unit coupled therewith, and communicate with the at least one firing unit for initiation of an ordnance event. A multiple stage ordnance system may comprise a first stage and a second stage that each include an ordnance controller configured to control operation of an ordnance event, and at least one firing unit to initiate the ordnance event. Related methods for constructing a multiple stage ordnance control system and controlling initiation of an energetic material are also disclosed.