Mechanical Interrupter for EOD Robot Shock Tube Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robots equipped with radio-controlled firing circuits are unsafe for most operations due to the risk of accidental ignition, and non-electric ignition methods require manual handling of shock tubes, which can be damaged and limit robot maneuverability, posing risks to technicians and robots.

Innovation Solution

The Explosive Initiation Safety and Handling System provides a remotely operated mechanical interrupter for EOD robots, enabling safe use of electric firing circuits with all countercharges, featuring a mechanical safety interlock, adjustable charge carrier, and automatic shock tube splicing, allowing for remote detonation and improved robot flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If non-electric ignition with manual shock tube handling is used, then safety against accidental ignition is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to shock tube damage and robot crippling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition reliabilityVSAvoidshock tube damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical shock tube handling system with an automated electronic system. The mechanical interrupter is actuated by an electric motor through a gear train, converting electrical control signals into precise mechanical positioning of the interrupter blades to control shock tube ignition timing without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical interrupter device between the shock tube and the ignition source. This interrupter with movable blades can selectively block or permit ignition signals, acting as a controlled mediator that prevents accidental ignition while maintaining reliable intentional detonation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If countercharge is placed in manipulator, then charge handling capability is improved, but robot maneuverability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge handling capabilityVSAvoidrobot maneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the charge handling function from the manipulator by introducing a separate, dedicated countercharge handling mechanism. This allows the manipulator to focus on navigation and positioning tasks while the specialized mechanism handles charge placement, improving overall system versatility without compromising manipulator maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary countercharge mechanism that acts as a mediator between the robot body and the manipulator. This intermediate system provides dedicated charge handling capability while allowing the manipulator to maintain its full range of motion and maneuverability for other tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If radio-controlled firing circuits are used, then remote detonation capability is improved, but safety deteriorates due to accidental ignition risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote detonation capabilityVSAvoidaccidental ignition risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mechanical interrupter as an intermediary safety device between the radio control system and the firing circuit. This interrupter requires both radio control signal and mechanical positioning to complete the ignition circuit, creating a dual-control safety mechanism that prevents accidental ignition while maintaining remote detonation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the mechanical interrupter to be in a default safe position that blocks ignition. The system must actively move the interrupter blades to an open position before ignition can occur, providing a safety buffer that prevents accidental firing from radio interference or electrical faults.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10247526B2Explosive initiation safety and handling system for explosive ordnance disposal robots

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

A system with a spool base frame having an initiator, an interrupter, control electronics, and a proximity sensor connected thereto, wherein the spool base frame is configured to hold a shock tube spooling mechanism, the interrupter is configured to allow installation and spooling of a spool of shock tube disposed on the shock tube spooling mechanism, the interrupter is configured to cut spooled shock tube from the spool of shock tube, the control electronics are configured to send a signal directing the interrupter to cut the spooled shock tube from the spool, the interrupter is configured to physically redirect and splice the cut shock tube to a second shock tube connected to the initiator, and the interrupter is configured to discharge the cut shock tube after the shock tube is fired and spent.