Electronic Controller for Pyrotechnic Projectile Burst Altitude
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fireworks systems face challenges in achieving precise burst altitude and time due to chemical reaction variability, leading to inconsistent trajectories and increased risks of ground explosions, low explosions, and delayed explosions, which can be dangerous and difficult to control.
Innovation Solution
A pyrotechnic projectile system equipped with an electronic controller that includes a microcontroller, altitude sensor, and power source, allowing for precise control of lift and burst charges through electronic matches, enabling independent activation and deactivation, and incorporating testing procedures to ensure safety and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chemical reactions are used to control burst time and burst altitude, then the fireworks can be ignited and executed, but the precision and consistency of burst time and burst altitude deteriorate due to variations in chemical composition, packing, and fuse length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical control system (fuses and chemical reactions) with an electronic control system. The electronic controller receives a launch signal, activates the lift charge electronically, monitors altitude via sensor, and triggers the burst charge at the precise predetermined altitude, eliminating variability from chemical composition and packing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where an altitude sensor continuously monitors the firework's ascent and provides real-time altitude data to the electronic controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine when the predetermined burst altitude is reached and triggers the burst charge accordingly, ensuring precise and consistent burst altitude control.
2Ease of operation
If chemical chain reactions are used in fireworks, then the fireworks can function, but the risk of dangerous scenarios (ground explosion, low explosion, delayed explosion) increases and safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the electronic controller to receive confirmation that the lift charge has been successfully activated and the firework has ascended to the predetermined burst altitude before triggering the burst charge. This preliminary verification prevents ground explosions and low explosions by ensuring proper sequence execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the uncontrollable chemical chain reaction system with an electronic control system that can be independently activated and deactivated. The electronic controller provides precise control over when each charge is ignited, preventing premature or delayed explosions by eliminating the uncontrollable nature of chemical chain reactions.
3Measurement precision
If electronic control components (controller, sensor, power source) are added to the pyrotechnic projectile, then precision and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller performs multiple functions: receiving the launch signal, activating the lift charge electronically, monitoring altitude through sensor integration, determining when burst altitude is reached, and triggering the burst charge. This multi-functionality consolidates control operations into a single component, managing complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control system components (electronic controller, power source, altitude sensor) into an integrated unit within the pyrotechnic projectile. The controller is electrically coupled to both the lift charge and burst charge, and the sensor is integrated with the controller, creating a unified control system that manages complexity through consolidation.
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 system achieves improved accuracy in burst altitude and reduced risk of hazardous explosions by ensuring the lift charge is properly activated before the burst charge, allowing for complex coordination and enhanced safety through self-testing and precise control.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic match 105 converts an electrical impulse, e.g. from a control system, into heat, and thus ignition of the main fuse 110
Implementation Method 2
The lift charge 115 comprises black powder, which when ignited, provides a combustion reaction which propulses (lifts) the firework 100 into the air
Implementation Method 3
The burst charge 125 provides a combustion reaction which ignites and projects a plurality of display charges 130
Data Source
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AI summary
A pyrotechnic projectile, an electronic controller for a pyrotechnic projectile, and a method of controlling a pyrotechnic projectile are provided. The pyrotechnic projectile comprises: a burst charge, configured to provide an a visual and/or audible effect upon activation thereof; an electronic match configured to activate the burst charge; and an electronic controller, coupled to the electronic match. The electronic controller is configured to determine an altitude of the pyrotechnic projectile and cause the electronic match to activate the burst charge at least in part according to the altitude of the pyrotechnic projectile.