Fuse Safety Arming Unit Independent Securing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety and arming units for fuses lack compactness and reliability in preventing inadvertent activation of main charges, as they often require significant space and complex mechanisms to ensure safety and arming operations.
Innovation Solution
A safety and arming unit with a firing chain and a barrier locked by two independent securing devices, where the barrier is moved into an armed position using physically independent arming parameters such as acceleration, spin, or back pressure, allowing for compact design and reliable prevention of unintended ignition energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single securing device is used to lock the barrier, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing inadvertent activation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is segmented into two independent securing devices (first securing device and second securing device) that operate separately. Each device independently monitors and responds to its specific arming parameter, ensuring that both conditions must be satisfied to unlock the barrier and enable firing. This segmentation provides redundancy and enhances safety without requiring a single complex multi-parameter system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex electronic controls are used to manage the barrier and firing sequence, then the adaptability and control precision improve, but the device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a mechanically-based arming and unlocking system. The barrier is locked by mechanical securing devices that respond to physical arming parameters (acceleration, spin, back pressure) through mechanical sensing and actuation. This mechanical substitution reduces electronic complexity, minimizes potential electronic failure points, and maintains high adaptability through physical parameter sensing.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact barrier mechanism is used to save space, then the volume of the safety and arming unit is reduced, but the reliability of the barrier function may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier and securing devices are nested within a compact housing structure that accommodates all components in a space-efficient arrangement. The barrier can be positioned in an intermediate space between firing devices, and the securing devices are integrated into the barrier assembly or housing. This nesting approach minimizes the overall volume while maintaining the reliability of the barrier blocking function through proper mechanical design and positioning.
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 a compact and reliable safety and arming unit that prevents unintended firing by using independent arming parameters to control the barrier's movement, ensuring high safety and flexibility in various applications, including projectiles, without the need for extensive space or complex electronic controls.
Implementation Method 1
a barrier (16) blocking the intermediate space in a safe position
Implementation Method 2
acceleration, spin, back pressure, time after launch, or impact pressure
Implementation Method 3
acceleration, spin, back pressure, time after launch, or impact pressure
Implementation Method 4
The barrier is brought into an armed or setting position by a releasing movement vacating the intermediate space
Implementation Method 5
Energy of the explosion of the first firing device is transferred to the second firing device
Data Source
AI summary
A safety and arming unit for a fuse includes a firing chain having first and second firing devices defining an intermediate space therebetween and a barrier blocking the intermediate space in a safe position. The firing chain is brought into an armed position by a releasing movement vacating the intermediate space. First and second mutually independent securing devices lock the barrier in the safe position and execute an unlocking action based on two mutually independent physical arming parameters. A compact and very reliable safety and arming unit can be achieved in this way.