Electronic Ignition Safety Device Rejecting Low Voltage Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic ignition safety devices for applications like rocket motors require safety mechanisms relying on moving parts to meet military standards, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
An electronic ignition safety device using an exploding foil initiator with a secondary explosive donor and acceptor charge configuration, separated by an integral barrier, that rejects signals below a predetermined 'all-fire' voltage, eliminating the need for moving parts by ensuring high-order detonation only above 500V.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety mechanism relying on moving parts is used, then the device can meet military standards for safety, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to mechanical failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical safety mechanisms with an electrochemical detection system. The device uses an electrochemical sensor to detect chemical species indicative of unauthorized access, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while maintaining safety functionality. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by removing mechanical complexity while preserving or improving reliability through solid-state sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical state changes to electrochemical signal detection. By monitoring electrochemical parameters (voltage, current, impedance) instead of mechanical parameters (position, velocity), the system achieves safety detection without mechanical components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Device complexity
If the device uses a simple electrical signal detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the device cannot reliably distinguish between authorized and unauthorized ignition signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrochemical sensor as an intermediary between the electrical signal source and the ignition system. This intermediary component analyzes the electrochemical characteristics of the signal, providing reliable authentication while keeping the overall device structure simple. The sensor acts as a mediator that adds verification capability without requiring complex signal processing electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic electrochemical measurement cycles to authenticate signals. By performing repeated measurements and analyzing temporal patterns in the electrochemical response, the system reliably distinguishes between authorized and unauthorized signals while maintaining simple hardware architecture. The periodic action enables pattern recognition without complex real-time processing.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device operates at low voltage, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device cannot achieve high-order detonation required for safe operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter threshold for ignition, establishing a minimum voltage requirement that ensures high-order detonation. By setting this parameter appropriately, the device achieves reliable detonation while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation. The parameter change optimizes the balance between energy efficiency and safety performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary voltage verification before triggering ignition, ensuring that only signals meeting the minimum voltage threshold can initiate detonation. This preliminary check prevents low-voltage accidental ignition while maintaining energy efficiency by blocking insufficient signals before they can consume energy in failed ignition attempts.
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 effectively prevents inadvertent ignition below the 'all-fire' voltage without relying on moving parts, ensuring safe operation while meeting military standards for applications like rocket motors.
Implementation Method 1
an exploding foil initiator (having an electrical input and an output end)
Implementation Method 2
a secondary explosive donor charge adjacent to the exploding foil initiator's output end
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic ignition safety device configured to reject signals below a predetermined ‘all-fire’ voltage comprising an exploding foil initiator having an electrical input and an output end, a pickup comprising a secondary explosive donor charge adjacent to the exploding foil initiator's output end and separated from a secondary explosive acceptor charge by an integral barrier, and an output charge adjacent to the acceptor charge.