Weapon Fuze Flange Vibration Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuze systems in ground-penetrating weapons face challenges in accurately detecting penetration depth and timing due to vibrations and shocks, leading to potential false readings and incorrect detonation, as existing sensors may be damaged or generate false signals during target penetration.
Innovation Solution
The fuze system incorporates a flange secured to the weapon with multiple fasteners for reduced vibrations, a fuze well with vents for vapor release, and a control system with a sensor mounted on a flange to minimize mechanical joints and enhance accuracy, using a pyrotechnic detonating element and booster for precise detonation based on detected conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are mounted directly to the weapon structure, then mechanical integrity is maintained, but vibrations and shocks cause false readings and sensor damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flange as an intermediary component between the sensor and the weapon structure. This flange serves as a mediator that decouples the sensor from direct mechanical coupling with the vibrating weapon body, thereby reducing vibration transmission while maintaining structural integrity and sensor mounting capability.
2Strength
If multiple mechanical joints are used to secure the fuze system, then mechanical integrity is improved, but vibration and noise transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple mechanical joint functions into a single integrated flange structure. Instead of using multiple separate mounting points and fasteners that would each generate vibrations, the flange consolidates these functions into one piece, reducing the number of mechanical joints and thereby minimizing vibration and noise generation while maintaining overall mechanical integrity.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are exposed to the weapon environment, then penetration depth detection is enabled, but false readings occur due to shock and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The flange acts as an intermediary mounting structure that allows the sensor to be positioned for accurate penetration depth detection while simultaneously isolating it from harmful shock and vibration. This mediator enables the sensor to fulfill its measurement function without being directly exposed to the full brunt of the weapon's mechanical stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the flange structure to preemptively counteract the harmful effects of vibration and shock before they can reach the sensor. The flange's mechanical design inherently resists and dampens these disturbances, preventing false readings before they occur rather than attempting to correct them afterward.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for a weapon according to various aspects of the present invention comprise and/or operate in conjunction with a warhead case and a fuze system. The fuze system may comprise a fuze housing including a flange configured to be secured to the weapon. In one embodiment, the methods and apparatus operate in conjunction with a fuze well rigidly attached to the warhead case. In addition, the methods and apparatus may include a sensor mounted on the flange, and a booster attached to the fuze well adjacent the fuze housing.