Inductive Fuze Programming via Magazine Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for inductively programming projectiles are time-consuming and not suitable for rapid fire operations, leading to low fire capability and increased counterfire risks, as they require late-stage programming and manual operation, which delays the firing process.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for inductively programming a fuze using a fuze setter with a setter coil and a target coil, where the coils are brought into an inductive coupling position using actuating means, allowing for the quick and reliable transfer of fuzing data, with optional confirmation of correct programming, and subsequent retraction, enabling efficient programming within a magazine or before loading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual programming operation is used for each projectile, then programming can be performed portably, but the programming process becomes time-consuming and rapid fire capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability of fuze setterVSAvoidrapid fire capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by programming fuzes in advance during magazine handling operations, rather than programming each projectile manually at the weapon station. The magazine system automatically positions projectiles and performs inductive programming before loading, enabling rapid fire capability while maintaining portability of the fuze setter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical programming operations with an automated inductive coupling system. The magazine incorporates a fuze setter with coils that automatically couple with target coils in projectiles during handling, eliminating the need for manual programming operations and significantly increasing programming speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If programming is performed at late stage just prior to firing, then programming can be done with portable equipment, but fire capability is reduced due to delaying programming stage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportable programming capabilityVSAvoidtime delay in firing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs fuze programming as a preliminary action during magazine preparation and handling operations, well before the firing sequence begins. This advance programming eliminates time delays at the weapon station while maintaining the benefits of portable programming equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The magazine system integrates fuze programming into the continuous flow of ammunition handling operations. Projectiles are programmed continuously during loading and handling sequences, eliminating idle time and ensuring that programming occurs as part of the normal operational flow rather than as a separate delaying step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If inductive programming is performed manually for each projectile, then programming can be completed with simple equipment, but the coupling efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of programming equipmentVSAvoidinductive coupling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magazine system serves as an intermediary that automatically positions and aligns the fuze setter coils with the target coils in projectiles. This mechanical intermediary ensures consistent, optimal coupling positions are achieved automatically, maintaining high coupling efficiency without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enhances rapid fire capability by allowing safe and correct programming of projectiles prior to firing, reducing counterfire risks and improving operational efficiency through efficient data transfer and energy coupling.

Implementation Method 1

inductively programming a fuze comprising at least one target coil arranged in a projectile by means of a fuze setter comprising at least one setter coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

said actuating means is powered by means of a hydraulic system H

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11656065B2Method and system for inductive programming of a fuze

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 BAE SYSTEM BOFORS AB

AI summary

A method and a system for inductively programming a fuze including at least one target coil arranged in a projectile by a fuze setter including at least one setter coil, the method includingi) conveying at least one of a projectile or a fuze setter by an actuator to bring the at least one target coil and the at least one setter coil in an inductive coupling position,ii) programming the fuze by transferring predetermined fuzing data from the at least one setter coil to the at least one target coil,iii) optionally transferring fuzing data from the at least one target coil to the at least one setter coil to confirm correct programming of the fuze has been performed, andiv) retracting at least one of the fuze setter or projectile from the inductive coupling position when the transfer of fuzing data has been completed.