Projectile Fuze Axial Locking Mechanism for Compact Arming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projectile fuzes are not compact enough for small-caliber projectiles and lack efficient safety mechanisms to prevent over-ignition and unintended detonation.

Innovation Solution

A fuze design with an interrupter that snaps into an armed position via axial movement, utilizing a locking mechanism and escapement system driven by centrifugal force, ensuring digital transitions and maintaining safety through a double bolt system and anti-torsion spring for reliable arming and prevention of unintentional ignition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional fuse designs are used, then reliability and safety mechanisms are provided, but the fuze size is too large for small-caliber projectiles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuze volumeVSAvoidsafety mechanism reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking means is stored within a recess in the interrupter when not in use, and the interrupter itself is nested within the fuze housing. This nesting arrangement allows the safety mechanisms to be compact and integrated, enabling small-caliber projectile application while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking means engages with the interrupter through axial movement rather than radial movement, utilizing the axial dimension for locking/unlocking operations. This dimensional change allows for a more compact radial profile, reducing overall fuze volume while maintaining safety functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If the interrupter moves rapidly from safe to armed position, then arming speed is improved, but unintended detonation may occur due to transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterrupter arming speedVSAvoiddetonation control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The escapement mechanism replaces simple mechanical coupling with a controlled release system that uses centrifugal force and mechanical engagement to regulate the interrupter's movement, preventing unintended detonation while maintaining rapid arming capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The escapement acts as an intermediary between the centrifugal force system and the interrupter, mediating the energy transfer to ensure controlled, reliable arming without direct mechanical coupling that could cause unintended detonation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the locking means protrudes beyond the interrupter, then engagement is simplified, but radial space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking engagement simplicityVSAvoidradial space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking means is nested within a recess in the interrupter when in the safe position, eliminating the need for radial protrusion. This allows compact radial packaging while maintaining simple engagement through axial movement into the recess

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Volume of moving object

If ignition charges are placed close together, then fuze compactness is improved, but over-ignition risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuze compactnessVSAvoidover-ignition risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The interrupter extracts or removes one ignition charge from the direct sequential arrangement in the safe position, physically separating it from the others to prevent over-ignition while allowing compact packaging when armed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design achieves a compact fuze suitable for small-caliber projectiles with enhanced safety by preventing over-ignition and ensuring reliable arming, even under rapid movement conditions, while maintaining a high degree of safety against duds.

Implementation Method 1

Due to the centrifugal force, the rotor can then pivot into its focus position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

an anti-torsion spring for pulling the interrupter in the direction of its safety

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2342531B1Fuze for a projectile

Publication Date: 2015.02.25 JUNGHANS MICROTEC

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Figure 2
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AI summary

The invention relates to a fuze (2) for a projectile, having a fuze train, having an interruptor (18) for interrupting the fuze train, the interruptor being designed to snap from a safety position into a live position when unlocked, and having a locking means (28) to lock the interruptor (18) in the safety position and to unlock the interruptor by means of an unlocking movement. In order to create a compact and reliable fuze (2), it is suggested that the unlocking movement of the locking means (28) is an axial movement.