Fireworks Launch Tube Venting for Smokeless Propellant Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fireworks launching systems using black powder generate excessive smoke and struggle to ignite smokeless powders due to low pressures, while alternative techniques like compressed air are costly to install and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A combustion chamber with venting holes is used to maintain consistent pressure, allowing for reliable ignition and propulsion of fireworks projectiles, utilizing a propellant charge with a perforatable confinement to generate high pressure and ensure complete combustion of smokeless powders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If black powder is used as propellant charge, then the projectile can be launched with simple equipment, but excessive smoke is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the propellant from traditional black powder to smokeless powder formulations (nitrocellulose-based, double-base, or triple-base propellants). This parameter change reduces smoke production by approximately 50-90% while maintaining propellant functionality through optimized grain structures and burn rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful smoke by-product into a beneficial reduced-emission propellant system. By using smokeless powders, the combustion products are primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor, which dissipate quickly and create minimal visible smoke, thereby converting a harmful environmental factor into an environmentally friendly solution.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If smokeless powder is used to reduce smoke, then smoke production is reduced, but the propellant fails to ignite and burn properly due to low pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an igniter assembly that provides preliminary high-temperature ignition before the main propellant charge burns. The igniter uses a pyrotechnic composition or electric heating element to pre-heat and reliably ignite the smokeless powder, ensuring proper combustion initiation even at the relatively low pressures (5-50 psi) characteristic of fireworks launchers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a primer or intermediate propellant layer between the igniter and the main smokeless powder charge. This intermediary layer has properties that bridge the gap between the low-energy igniter source and the high-energy smokeless powder, ensuring reliable energy transfer and consistent ignition of the main propellant charge.
3Reliability
If high pressure is generated to ignite smokeless powder, then reliable ignition is achieved, but the thin-walled launch tube cannot withstand the pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the propellant system into distinct functional components: a low-pressure ignition system (igniter assembly producing 5-20 psi) followed by a controlled main propellant charge (producing 20-50 psi). This segmentation allows each component to operate within safe pressure limits for thin-walled launch tubes while collectively achieving reliable ignition and projectile launch through staged pressure generation.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If compressed air system is used to launch projectiles, then smokeless operation is achieved, but installation and maintenance costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-contained propellant system where the smokeless powder and igniter assembly form an integrated, disposable unit that requires no external infrastructure. The propellant charge self-ignites through the integrated igniter mechanism, eliminating the need for external compressed air tanks, regulators, hoses, and control systems, thereby achieving smokeless operation with minimal system complexity and maintenance requirements.
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 solution enables reliable and reproducible launch and ignition of fireworks, achieving sufficient heat to ignite pyrotechnic compositions and propel projectiles to normal altitudes with reduced smoke production.
Implementation Method 1
When the black powder is ignited it burns very rapidly, so-called explosive burning or deflagration. During the explosive burning hot gasses are produced that enable the projectile to be launched from the launch tube.
Implementation Method 2
A combustion chamber with venting holes is used to maintain consistent pressure, allowing for reliable ignition and propulsion of fireworks projectiles
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a propellant charge with a perforatable confinement to generate high pressure and ensure complete combustion of smokeless powders
Implementation Method 4
The solution enables reliable and reproducible launch and ignition of fireworks, achieving sufficient heat to ignite pyrotechnic compositions and propel projectiles to normal altitudes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a combustion chamber (3) for launching a fireworks projectile which comprises a container (4) having top wall, bottom and side walls, wherein the top wall which comprises venting holes (1). The invention further provides a launching system', a method for launching a fireworks projectile, and a kit of parts comprising the combustion chamber (3) or launching system in accordance with the present invention and a propellant charge (7) for use in the combustion chamber (3).