Low Energy Explosive Transfer Adapter Shear Pin Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern aircraft egress systems face inconsistent input signals from low energy explosive transfer lines, affecting the performance of downstream components due to variability in deflagrating input energies.

Innovation Solution

A low energy explosive transfer adapter is designed to generate a consistent output signal by using a shear pin mechanism within a firing pin chamber, where the shear pin mechanically fails at a threshold force, ensuring reliable ignition and transfer of the explosive signal to high energy components without modifying existing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a low energy explosive transfer line is used to directly ignite energetic materials in downstream components, then the system can be simple and easy to operate, but the input signal becomes inconsistent affecting component performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsignal consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a firing pin as an intermediary component between the low energy explosive transfer line and the primer. The firing pin mechanically converts inconsistent deflagration pressure into a consistent impact force on the primer through a shear pin mechanism, thereby mediating the energy transfer and ensuring reliable ignition despite variations in input signal energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of energy transfer by introducing a shear pin with a specific shear strength threshold. The inconsistent deflagration pressure must overcome this threshold to shear the pin and release the firing pin, thereby converting variable pressure input into a consistent impact event that reliably ignites the primer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the shear pin is designed to mechanically fail at a threshold force, then consistent output signal is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput signal consistencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the firing mechanism into distinct functional components: the shear pin, the firing pin, and the primer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the shear pin acting as a threshold-gating mechanism that simplifies the overall control logic while ensuring consistent output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shear pin is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that mechanically fails at a predetermined threshold force. By using a simple, inexpensive shear pin instead of a complex controlled release mechanism, the patent achieves reliable signal consistency without significantly increasing device complexity or cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the adapter is configured to be directly inserted into an existing explosive signal transfer system, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter housing is designed with universal threading and interface features that allow it to be directly inserted into existing explosive signal transfer systems. This universal design enables the adapter to function as a drop-in replacement or addition to various configurations, improving adaptability while maintaining standard manufacturing tolerances through the use of conventional threaded connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 adapter ensures consistent transfer of explosive signals from low energy to high energy components, enhancing the reliability and performance of aircraft egress systems by stabilizing the input energy variability.

Implementation Method 1

The shear pin is configured to mechanically fail at a threshold force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShear failure: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 2

igniting the low energy explosive transfer line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeflagration: Deflagration

Implementation Method 3

The open volume chamber is configured to contain expanding gases resulting from the low energy explosive transfer line igniting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas expansion: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 4

The firing pin is configured to impact a primer in the primer chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP3527930B1Low energy explosive transfer adapter
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 GOODRICH CORP
  • EP3527930B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3527930B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3527930B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a low energy explosive transfer adapter (200). The low energy explosive transfer adapter (200) may comprise an adapter housing (202) comprising a firing pin chamber (204) situated within the adapter housing (202) comprising an inlet (206) and a stopping surface (208) opposite the inlet (206). The low energy explosive transfer adapter (200) may further comprise a primer chamber (210) connected to the firing pin chamber (204) and an output tube (212) connected to the primer chamber (210).