Projectile Fuse Data Transfer via Conductive Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for programming and data transfer to detonating fuses in munitions face challenges due to noisy electromagnetic environments, which hinder reliable data communication and programming before the projectile is ejected.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing electrically conductive elements on the fuse and a front capsule creates an electric conductive path from a central electronic unit in the firearm to the electronic processing unit in the fuse, enabling electronic data transfer and programming through a series of electrical contacts and a connection board.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromagnetic programming is used in the firearm, then data transfer to the fuse is enabled, but the noisy electromagnetic environment causes communication difficulties and reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic field-based programming with a mechanical electrical contact system. Conductive elements on the front capsule make physical contact with corresponding contacts on the fuse during loading, establishing an electrical connection that is immune to electromagnetic noise. This substitution of the programming mechanism from electromagnetic to mechanical-electrical resolves the reliability issue caused by electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If mechanical programming with moving flanges or sleeves is used, then programming parameters can be set before insertion, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming capabilityVSAvoidmechanical programming mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the programming function from complex mechanical mechanisms (flanges, sleeves) and simplifies it to basic electrical contacts. The conductive elements on the front capsule and corresponding contacts on the fuse provide a straightforward electrical connection for data transfer, eliminating the need for complicated mechanical programming components while maintaining the ability to set programming parameters before insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical programming mechanisms with a simplified electrical contact system. Instead of using moving flanges or sleeves for programming, the system uses conductive elements that make direct electrical contact during loading, reducing mechanical complexity while preserving programming functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If electromagnetic programming is used, then data transfer can occur inside the firearm, but the noisy environment influences electromagnetic waves and hinders reliable communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electromagnetic wave-based data transfer with direct electrical contact through conductive elements. The physical connection between contacts on the front capsule and fuse provides a stable electrical pathway for data transfer, completely eliminating susceptibility to electromagnetic interference and ensuring accurate data transmission without information loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution ensures reliable and efficient data transfer and programming of the fuse before insertion into the barrel, overcoming the limitations of noisy electromagnetic environments and mechanical complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the system comprises electrically conductive elements, realized on the fuse, on the front capsule, and for a mutual communication, in order to create an electrically conductive path from a central electronic unit, which controls the firearm, to such processing unit on the fuse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2386820B1System for communicating data to a detonating fuse of a projectile

Publication Date: 2015.04.22 OTO MELARA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5

AI summary

System for communicating data to a detonating fuse (3) of a projectile (P) of a firearm, for sending such data to a processing unit, inserted in such fuse. Said projectile is of the sub-calibre type with respect to the size of the barrel for which, in order to correctly insert the projectile in the same, an adaptor is used, formed by a cap (2) fitting on the projectile itself, having an outer diameter which substantially corresponds to that of the barrel.