Inert Time Delay Device Using Spring Damper Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energetic time delay systems face manufacturing inefficiencies, high costs due to trial and error verification, obsolescence, and the need for frequent replacements, especially in applications like aircraft, where they are sensitive to temperature and prone to accidental activation.
Innovation Solution
An inert time delay device utilizing a spring damper system with a moveable housing, fixed piston, and compression springs, which generates a mechanical delay without pyrotechnic components, allowing for a more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process and extended lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If energetic time delay systems are used, then time delay function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energetic time delay mechanisms with a purely mechanical spring-damper system. The inertial mass and spring combination creates a mechanical oscillation that provides the time delay function without requiring energetic materials, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the energetic components from the time delay system, retaining only the essential mechanical timing function. By taking out the pyrotechnic or energetic elements that cause manufacturing issues, the system achieves easier manufacture while preserving the core time delay functionality
2Duration of action of stationary object
If energetic time delay systems are used, then time delay function is achieved, but device lifespan is limited and replacement cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mechanical spring-damper system that can be designed as a disposable or replaceable module. The simple mechanical components are inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily replaced, extending the overall system lifespan while reducing obsolescence issues compared to complex energetic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from energetic reactions to mechanical oscillation. This parameter change enables the system to achieve the same time delay function with components that have longer operational life and are not subject to the same degradation mechanisms as energetic materials
3Object-affected harmful factors
If energetic time delay systems are used, then time delay is achieved, but temperature sensitivity and accidental activation risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an inert mechanical environment that is insensitive to external thermal conditions. The spring-damper mechanism operates purely on mechanical principles and is not affected by temperature variations or external energy inputs, thereby eliminating temperature sensitivity and accidental activation risks associated with energetic systems
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 inert time delay device provides a reliable, cost-effective, and less sensitive alternative to energetic time delays, reducing manufacturing complexities and extending the life of the device by using a mechanical delay mechanism that is less prone to temperature variations and accidental activation.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring and a second spring each being disposed axially between the moveable housing and the firing pin
Implementation Method 2
The chamber may be a hydraulic chamber configured to receive a working fluid
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A damper system (110) for a time delay comprising: a firing pin (150); a moveable housing (160) defining a chamber (170) therein; a fixed piston (180) comprising a piston head (182) disposed in the chamber, a first rod (184) extending from the piston head axially outward of the moveable housing (160), and a second rod (186) configured to fixedly couple the first rod to an external housing (120); springs (111, 112) extending axially from the moveable housing (160) to the firing pin (150). An input such as a pressure front event may act on the moveable housing, causing it to move towards the firing pin while compressing the springs. A release mechanism may cause the firing pin to be released when the moveable housing has travelled a certain distance.