Self-Destruct Fuze Delay Mechanism Using Corrosive Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-destruct fuze mechanisms for submunitions have a high failure rate, leading to hazardous duds that pose risks to friendly troops and civilians, and existing solutions are either costly or complex to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A self-destruct fuze delay device with a detonator mounted on a movable slide, featuring a delay mechanism and activation mechanism that includes a compression spring, restraining link, and self-destruct firing pin, where the activation mechanism separates the restraining link from its attachment to the fuze slide after a predetermined delay, using a corrosive fluid to corrode the link and initiate the detonator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing self-destruct fuze mechanisms are implemented, then hazardous duds are reduced, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuze is divided into separate functional modules: a primary fuze assembly and a self-destruct assembly. The self-destruct assembly includes a corrosive fluid container, wick, and firing pin mechanism that operates independently from the primary fuze. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized separately and simplifies manufacturing while ensuring reliable self-destruct functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The corrosive fluid is pre-loaded into a sealed container, and the wick is pre-positioned to contact the restraining link. Upon activation, the fluid is automatically released to corrode the link, initiating the self-destruct sequence without requiring additional components or complex timing mechanisms. This preliminary preparation reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If existing self-destruct fuze mechanisms are implemented, then hazardous duds are reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-destruct mechanism uses inexpensive, easily manufactured components: a simple corrosive fluid (such as acid or base), a disposable wick, and a basic firing pin assembly. These components are designed for single-use and can be manufactured at low cost, eliminating the need for expensive electronics, batteries, or complex mechanical timers while ensuring reliable self-destruct functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical timing mechanisms or electronic control systems with a chemical corrosion process. The corrosive fluid gradually eats away at the restraining link over a predetermined time period, providing a simple, reliable, and low-cost timing mechanism that eliminates the need for expensive mechanical or electronic delay devices.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a delayed self-destruct mechanism is implemented, then hazardous duds are minimized, but the delay mechanism adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The delay period is controlled by changing physical parameters of the corrosion process: the concentration and type of corrosive fluid, the surface area of the restraining link exposed to the fluid, and the initial strength of the link. By adjusting these parameters, different delay periods can be achieved without requiring different mechanical or electronic timing mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity while effectively minimizing hazardous duds.
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
Ensures reliable self-destruction of submunitions after a preset delay if they fail to explode upon impact, minimizing residual hazards and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The activation mechanism includes a container holding a corrosive fluid and a wick adjacent a predetermined area of the restraining link. The wick absorbs the corrosive fluid and directs it to a predetermined area of the restraining link to facilitate the separation of the restraining link from its attachment to the fuze slide.
Implementation Method 2
The activation mechanism includes a container holding a corrosive fluid and a wick adjacent a predetermined area of the restraining link. The wick absorbs the corrosive fluid and directs it to a predetermined area of the restraining link.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary self-destruct fuze delay for a submunition includes a container filled with an activation fluid, a spring-loaded ampoule breaker to break the container upon deployment of the munition, a spring-loaded self-destruct firing pin to initiate a secondary detonator in close proximity to a primary detonator, and an interlock ball supported by the ampoule breaker that locks the self-destruct firing pin away from the secondary detonator. The ampoule breaker includes a piston and a timing ball, which accesses the activation liquid. The action of the activation liquid on the timing ball over time causes the timing ball to erode until it is forced into the container by the spring-loaded piston. The movement of the piston frees the interlock ball, allowing the spring-loaded self-destruct firing pin to move under force and impact or initiate the secondary detonator. Initiation of the secondary detonator destroys the primary detonator and, depending upon slide location, either sterilizes the submunition, or destroys the entire submunition.