Exploding Foil Initiator Assembly With Interposed Support Plate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Exploding foil initiators in modern initiator assemblies are susceptible to high G-force impacts, despite their robustness, and require enhancement for improved performance.
Innovation Solution
The initiator assembly incorporates a support plate interposed in the path of the flyer between the exploding foil initiator and the input charge, which absorbs and transmits the impact force directly to the input charge, enhancing the assembly's resistance to high G-force impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support plate is added to improve G-force resistance, then reliability under high G-force conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A support plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the input charge and the exploding foil initiator. The support plate has a recess that receives the input charge, providing mechanical support and stabilizing the assembly during high G-force events. This intermediary structure protects the input charge from excessive acceleration forces while maintaining the functional relationship between the initiator components.
2Reliability
If the support plate recess is designed to receive the input charge, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is designed with a recess whose dimensional parameters (depth, diameter, shape) are specifically optimized to accommodate the input charge. By carefully selecting and controlling these geometric parameters, the design achieves reliable retention of the input charge during high G-force conditions while maintaining feasibility for manufacturing. The recess parameters are tuned to provide adequate support without requiring excessively tight tolerances.
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 configuration attenuates energy transmission to the input charge while providing additional support, allowing the initiator assembly to function effectively under high G-force conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The support plate is interposed in a path of travel of the flyer between the exploding foil initiator and the input charge such that the support plate is located in a path of travel of the flyer. The support plate abuts an axial end of the input charge and is configured to be impacted by the flyer when the initiator assembly is activated and to transmit force received from the flyer directly to the input charge.
Implementation Method 2
The exploding foil initiator is disposed in the housing and includes a base, a bridge mounted to the base, a flyer overlying the bridge, and a barrel. The barrel forms a channel through which the flyer traverses when the exploding foil initiator is activated.
Data Source
AI summary
An initiator assembly with a housing, an exploding foil initiator, an input charge, which is formed of an energetic material, and a support plate. The exploding foil initiator has a base coupled to the housing, a bridge mounted to the base, a flyer overlying the bridge, and a barrel. The barrel is coupled to the base and defines a channel through which the flyer traverses when the exploding foil initiator is activated. The support plate supports an axial end of the input charge and is interposed in a path of travel of the flyer between the bridge and the input charge. A related method is also provided.