Fuze Power Conversion Circuit Dynamic Current Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power delivery systems for explosive projectiles' fuzes are inefficient, as they limit current to storage capacitors, resulting in only 50% energy capture efficiency due to constant current charging and inability to redirect energy as fuze load changes, leading to suboptimal power utilization.
Innovation Solution
A fuze power conversion circuit that includes a voltage monitor, current monitor, combiner, and DC-DC converter to dynamically adjust current levels based on sensed voltage and current, maintaining power near a predefined level and redirecting excess energy to storage capacitors as fuze load changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If constant current is used to charge the storage capacitor, then the inductive setter average power limit is not exceeded, but the energy capture efficiency is limited to 50%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic current adjustment during capacitor charging. The charging current varies over time based on the capacitor voltage level, transitioning from higher current when voltage is low to lower current when voltage approaches the maximum threshold. This dynamic approach allows the system to capture more energy while maintaining average power within limits, achieving over 50% energy capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the current parameter during the charging process rather than maintaining a constant value. By adjusting the current magnitude based on real-time capacitor voltage measurements, the system optimizes energy transfer efficiency. The current is modulated to match the charging requirements at different voltage levels, maximizing energy capture while respecting power constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current is limited to a preset constant value, then power delivery is controlled, but excess energy cannot be redirected when fuze loads change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where voltage monitors continuously measure capacitor voltage and provide this information to the control logic. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the charging current. When fuze loads change and excess energy becomes available, the feedback loop detects the changed conditions and redirects energy accordingly, enabling adaptability without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it charges the storage capacitor, monitors voltage levels, adjusts current dynamically, and redirects excess energy based on fuze load conditions. This multi-functional approach allows a single circuit to adapt to varying operational requirements, reducing the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.
3Reliability
If the constant current value is set conservatively to account for maximum fuze power draw, then power limits are maintained, but energy capture efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a conservative constant current value set for maximum fuze power draw, the patent dynamically adjusts the charging current based on real-time conditions. The current is higher when fuze power consumption is low and lower when fuze power consumption is high, maintaining power limit compliance while maximizing energy capture efficiency under varying load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the charging current parameter based on fuze load conditions rather than maintaining a fixed conservative value. By monitoring fuze power consumption and adjusting the current accordingly, the system achieves better energy capture efficiency while still ensuring power limits are not exceeded, eliminating the need for overly conservative current settings.
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 enhances energy capture efficiency by dynamically throttling charging current, allowing for near-maximum power capture from inductive setters and maintaining power levels, thereby improving overall energy storage and utilization for fuze electronics.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive setter that provides an AC power signal to a fuze in a projectile
Implementation Method 2
A rectifier 20 including a full-wave diode bridge rectifier for converting the AC signal to a DC signal 25
Implementation Method 3
A capacitor 30 may be used to filter the rectified voltage to create a more stable DC signal
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for power conversion in fuzes for projectiles. Fuze electronics in the projectile control detonation of the projectile. A rectifier converts pulses from a setter signal to a DC power source signal. A voltage monitor coupled to the power source signal generates a source voltage indicator and a current monitor coupled to the power source signal generates a source current indicator. A combiner generates a supplied power level indicator in response to a combination of the source voltage indicator and the source current indicator. A DC-DC converter uses the supplied power level indicator when converting the power source signal to a power output signal to adjust a current level of the power output for efficient charging of a charge storage device and delivery of power to the fuze electronics.