Eddy Current Muzzle Velocity Sensor for Airburst Munitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring muzzle velocity are prone to errors due to magnetic interactions between bullets and require high power consumption, making it difficult to accurately control the explosion of airburst munitions at target locations.
Innovation Solution
The use of eddy current sensors installed in a barrel, comprising U-shaped Mn—Zn ferrite cores and probe wound coils, generates signals to calculate the actual flight speed of a fired bullet, which is then transmitted to correct the preset explosion time, ensuring accurate targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a general muzzle velocity measuring sensor (induction loop) is installed in a barrel, then muzzle velocity can be measured, but power consumption increases and sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional induction loop sensor with eddy current sensors that utilize electromagnetic induction principles. The eddy current sensors include probe wound coils and Mn-Zn ferrite cores that generate eddy currents when the bullet passes through, enabling muzzle velocity measurement without the high power consumption and low sensitivity issues of induction loops
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the sensor core from conventional materials to Mn-Zn ferrite, which has superior magnetic properties. This material substitution improves the sensor's sensitivity and measurement accuracy while reducing power consumption requirements compared to traditional induction loop sensors
2Measurement precision
If bullets are made of magnets for general muzzle velocity measurement, then measurement can be performed, but bullets cling to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic-based measurement methods with eddy current-based electromagnetic sensing. The eddy current sensors detect the bullet's passage through the barrel by measuring changes in eddy current signals, eliminating the need for magnetic bullets and preventing bullet clumping while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces eddy current signals as an intermediary mechanism between the bullet and the measurement system. The probe wound coils and Mn-Zn ferrite cores generate eddy currents that interact with the conductive bullet material, enabling non-contact measurement without requiring the bullet to be magnetic, thus avoiding attraction between bullets
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 approach minimizes magnetic interference and reduces power consumption, enabling precise calculation and transmission of bullet flight speed for accurate explosion control at target locations, thereby improving the accuracy of airburst munitions.
Implementation Method 1
output a muzzle velocity signal based on eddy current signals which are generated by the probe wound coils when a bullet fired from a bullet chamber passes through the adapter
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring a muzzle velocity of a fired bullet so that the bullet may explode at an accurate location. The muzzle velocity measuring apparatus includes a detector configured to comprise a pair of cores encircled by probe wound coils and installed in two separate positions in an adapter, and to output a muzzle velocity signal based on eddy current signals which are generated by the probe wound coils when a bullet fired from a bullet chamber passes through the adapter, a muzzle velocity calculator configured to calculate a flight speed of the fired bullet based on the muzzle velocity signal; and a transmitter configured to transmit the calculated flight speed to the bullet.