Flame Guide for Multipoint Ignition in Thermal Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing explosive devices require excessive primary energetic material to achieve ignition of secondary charges, leading to increased costs, size, and safety concerns due to the handling of sensitive materials.
Innovation Solution
A flame guide device that directs the flame from a primary energetic material through channels to multiple secondary energetic locations, reducing the amount of primary material needed and improving ignition control by using 3D printing techniques to create complex flame paths that can change direction and split the flame for multipoint ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If excessive primary energetic material is used to achieve ignition of secondary charges, then reliable ignition is achieved, but device size, cost, and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flame propagation path into multiple controlled channels within a flame guide structure. The flame guide divides the single primary charge output into multiple separate flame paths, each directed at specific secondary charges. This segmentation allows a smaller primary charge to effectively ignite multiple secondary charges simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame guide acts as an intermediary device between the primary energetic material and the secondary charges. It receives flame from the primary charge, directs it through controlled channels, and distributes it to multiple secondary charges. This intermediary structure enables efficient flame distribution without requiring excessive primary material, thus reducing device size while maintaining ignition reliability.
2Reliability
If excessive primary energetic material is used, then ignition coverage is improved, but handling safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flame distribution function into a dedicated flame guide structure, the system reduces the amount of primary energetic material needed. This segmentation allows the same ignition coverage to be achieved with less sensitive material, thereby improving safety while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame guide serves as a safe intermediary that eliminates the need to handle large amounts of primary energetic material. The flame guide can be pre-assembled and handled safely, then activated to provide comprehensive ignition coverage, reducing safety risks associated with handling excessive primary material.
3Ease of operation
If complex flame paths are used to direct flame to multiple secondary charges, then ignition control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple flame paths and directing functions into a single integrated flame guide structure. Instead of using separate components for each flame path, the flame guide combines all channels and directing surfaces into one piece, simplifying the overall device while maintaining precise ignition control.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame guide performs multiple functions simultaneously: it directs flame to multiple secondary charges, controls flame path geometry, and synchronizes ignition timing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional control components, thereby improving ignition control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 flame guide enables efficient ignition of multiple secondary charges with a smaller primary charge, enhances safety by minimizing primary energetic material handling, and allows for reconfigurable burn properties and synchronization of secondary burn events.
Implementation Method 1
a first energetic produces a flame that is guided toward each of a plurality of secondary energetics via respective paths within the device
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to systems, apparatus and methods for guiding flame within a device such as a thermal battery, wherein a first energetic produces a flame that is guided toward each of a plurality of secondary energetics via respective paths within the device.