Flare Apparatus Multi-Effect Pyrotechnic Composition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signaling flares lack the capability to produce both visual and auditory effects simultaneously and efficiently downrange, especially in military applications where directional signaling is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A flare apparatus comprising a flare case with a propellant charge that ignites to expel a flare cup containing a pyrotechnic flare composition and a flash charge, producing visual and auditory effects upon ignition, adaptable to various weapon calibers and military specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing signaling flares are used, then visual signaling is achieved, but auditory effect capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pyrotechnic compositions (flare composition for visual effect, flash charge for auditory effect, and smoke composition for obscuration) into a single integrated flare cup assembly. This merging allows the device to simultaneously provide visual signaling, auditory effect, and smoke generation capabilities that were previously lacking in existing flares.
Solution Approach 2:
The flare apparatus is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple signaling functions (visual, auditory, smoke) from a single unit. The flare cup contains separate but integrated compositions that enable the device to adapt to various signaling requirements, making it a universal signaling solution for different military applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If visual and auditory effects are added to enhance signaling, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flare cup is segmented into distinct functional zones containing different pyrotechnic compositions. The flare composition, flash charge, and smoke composition are separated into different sections within the cup, each with its own ignition sequence. This segmentation allows complex multi-effect functionality while maintaining manageable structural organization and simplifying the ignition control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pyrotechnic compositions are pre-arranged in a specific sequence within the flare cup, with ignition paths predetermined. The flash charge is positioned to be ignited after the flare composition, and the smoke composition is pre-positioned to ignite subsequently. This preliminary arrangement of actions eliminates the need for complex real-time control mechanisms during firing.
3Length of moving object
If propellant charge is used to propel flare cup downrange, then flight distance is extended, but ignition timing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The primer serves as an intermediary device that bridges the propellant charge ignition and the pyrotechnic composition ignition. When the primer is activated, it simultaneously ignites the propellant charge to propel the flare cup and ignites the flare composition through a controlled transfer path. This intermediary mechanism ensures synchronized ignition timing between propulsion and visual effect generation, eliminating timing precision issues.
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 apparatus effectively propels a flare cup downrange, producing a visual artifact during flight and a significant auditory and visual effect at the end of its trajectory, enhancing directional signaling and communication on a battlefield.
Implementation Method 1
Upon primer activation the propellant charge is ignited. Flame and hot gasses from the propellant charge forcefully expell the flare cup out of the flare case and downrange
Implementation Method 2
The flare starter composition ignites the flare composition, which produces a visual artifact
Implementation Method 3
subsequently ignites the flash charge which produces a visual and audible effect at or near the end of its flight
Data Source
AI summary
A flare apparatus constructed of a flare case with a primer functionally coupled to a propellant charge. Loaded within the flare case is a flare cup, having within, a starter composition, a flare composition, and a flash charge. The flare composition is functionally coupled to the flare starter composition, and the flash charge is functionally coupled to the flare composition. Upon primer activation the propellant charge is ignited. Flame and hot gasses from the propellant charge propel the flare cup out of the flare case and downrange while also igniting the flare starter composition within the flare cup. The flare starter composition ignites the flare composition, which produces a visual artifact and subsequently ignites the flash charge which produces a visual and audible artifact at or near the end of its flight.