Hand Grenade Electronic Time Fuze with Microprocessor Delay Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic time warhead (EOT) fuzes in hand grenades suffer from inaccuracy in delay time due to variations in chemical mixture burning times, which are affected by storage conditions and production processes, leading to potential safety issues and activation failures.
Innovation Solution
An electronic circuit with a microprocessor system and a conductive filament impregnated with a sensitive chemical mixture, activated by a microprocessor-generated electrical signal, to precisely control the delay time and trigger the grenade with microsecond accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical mixture burning time is used for delay, then the delay function is achieved, but the accuracy deteriorates due to variations in burning time affected by storage conditions and production processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical burning mechanism with an electronic timing system. Instead of relying on chemical reactions that vary due to manufacturing and storage conditions, the invention uses a microprocessor-based electronic circuit to generate precise delay times. The electronic system counts down from a programmed time value, providing accurate and repeatable delay performance unaffected by environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of time measurement from chemical burning duration to electronic counting. By using a microprocessor to generate and count time intervals, the system achieves precise control over delay parameters. The electronic system can program specific time values and maintain them with high accuracy, eliminating the variability inherent in chemical-based approaches.
2Reliability
If chemical mixture is used for delay, then the delay function is achieved, but the complexity of electrical circuit is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex chemical delay mechanisms with a simplified electronic timing circuit. The microprocessor-based system uses standard electronic components and programming to achieve the delay function, eliminating the need for complex chemical mixtures and their associated control systems. This substitution reduces overall system complexity while improving reliability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If chemical mixture burning time is used for delay, then the delay function is achieved, but the inaccuracy increases due to variations in raw material and production processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical time measurement with electronic time counting. The microprocessor system programs specific delay durations and counts down precise time intervals using electronic oscillators and counters. This approach eliminates the measurement inaccuracies caused by variations in chemical raw materials and production processes, achieving consistent and accurate delay times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from chemical burning time to electronic time counting. By using a microprocessor to generate and count time intervals based on stable electronic oscillators, the system achieves high precision in delay time measurement. The electronic system can program and execute precise time values without being affected by material variations.
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 provides precise delay times ranging from fractions of a second to minutes with high flexibility, using common components and low voltage, ensuring reliable and accurate grenade activation.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive filament impregnated with a chemical mixture generating a flame from the electrical signal applied by the electronic circuit
Implementation Method 2
a conductive filament impregnated with a chemical mixture generating a flame
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic time warhead (EOT) fuze for a hand grenade comprises a body housing a clamp with two terminals maintaining a spring and a handle in the armed position. The handle holds the spring in the armed position while the user wields the grenade. The spring is housed in a spring pin and this initializes the EOT. When throwing the grenade, the spring seeks a resting position, expelling the handle and activating a switch that energizes an electronic circuit. A battery is electrically connected to the electronic circuit. In addition, an initiator element is mounted on the body and the initiator element consists of a conductive filament impregnated with a chemical mixture generating a flame from the electrical signal applied by the electronic circuit. The initiating element can be an electrical or electronic component. The electronic circuit accounts for a delay time until the grenade's initiating flame is effectively activated. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit is a microprocessor circuit that applies the electrical signal to the conductive filament at the end of the delay time, activating the grenade.