Diversionary Device Asymmetric Venting and Segmented Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diversionary devices are costly, complex to manufacture, and often require specialized training or equipment for reloading, with a high risk of being propelled during detonation, which can cause physical injury.
Innovation Solution
A diversionary device with a housing that includes a replaceable pyrotechnic cartridge and a firing arrangement with a fluid path to ensure reliable ignition, featuring vent openings that deflect explosive forces circumferentially to prevent propulsion, and a simple reloading mechanism that does not require specialized tools or training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ports are provided in the base region of the housing to allow explosive energy to escape, then the housing can avoid fracturing, but the device may be violently lifted off the floor or caused to roll or slide, causing physical injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing ports only in the longitudinal end regions of the housing rather than symmetrically in the base region. This asymmetric port placement allows explosive energy to escape in controlled directions away from the base, preventing the device from being violently lifted or rolled while maintaining housing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional port placement (in the base region) to three-dimensional strategic placement (in longitudinal end regions). This dimensional change in port location allows the explosive force to be directed along the longitudinal axis rather than radially outward from the base, eliminating the propulsion hazard while preserving housing strength.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ports are provided only in longitudinal ends of the housing to prevent propulsion, then the risk of device being propelled is reduced, but the device may end up in a position where ports are adjacent to a wall and the device could be propelled by force reacting against the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing ports specifically in the longitudinal end regions rather than uniformly distributed ports. This localized port placement in specific regions creates zones of force dissipation that are effective regardless of the device's orientation relative to walls, ensuring consistent performance and preventing wall-reacted propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the housing into distinct functional regions: longitudinal end regions with ports for controlled energy release, and base regions without ports for stable placement. This segmentation allows the device to safely dissipate explosive force from any orientation while maintaining predictable behavior near walls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded collar and engagement arrangement is used to allow reloading of the charge, then the device can be reloaded on site, but the complexity of the reloading mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the housing into a removable end closure and a main body, allowing the charge to be accessed and replaced by simply removing the end closure. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex threaded collars or engagement mechanisms while maintaining easy on-site reloadability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the reloading complexity by using a simple removable end closure design rather than integrated threaded engagement mechanisms. The charge can be taken out and replaced by removing the end closure, significantly simplifying the reloading process while maintaining adaptability.
4Device complexity
If the fuse is contained within a closed cavity in the housing, then the housing structure is simplified, but the oxygen available to the fuse may not be sufficient to ensure reliable burning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized vented region at the fuse end where oxygen can be supplied, while the rest of the housing remains structurally simple and closed. This localized modification ensures reliable fuse burning without requiring complex overall housing redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vent opening as an intermediary element that connects the closed housing cavity to the external environment, allowing oxygen to reach the fuse. This simple intermediary structure resolves the oxygen supply issue while maintaining housing structural simplicity.
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 device is more cost-effective, simpler to manufacture, and safer to use, as it reliably ignites the fuse with sufficient oxygen and dissipates explosive forces to prevent physical injury from being propelled during detonation.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid path through which a proportion of a flash of heat and pressure given off by a primer charge in the ignition cap when it is fired is can flow to ignite the fuse
Implementation Method 2
vent openings that deflect explosive forces circumferentially to prevent propulsion
Implementation Method 3
a cartridge having a first end containing an ignitable fuse
Data Source
AI summary
A diversionary device has a housing containing a pyrotechnic cartridge (24) with an ignitable fuse (52). A firing arrangement includes an ignition cap (60) containing a primer charge (54). Passageways (74, 82) in the housing and ignition cap define a first flow path from the primer charge to a region of the housing in which the fuse (52) is located through which flash from the primer charge can flow to ignite the fuse (52). A further flow path connects said region of the housing with the exterior of the housing to supply the fuse with oxygen for reliable burning. The device may be a multi-burst device containing a plurality of cartridges (24) and the first flow path may include a flash divider (86) for directing a proportion of the flash from a primer charge on to the fuse (52) of each cartridge. The housing may be separable to allow replacement of the cartridges (24).