Energetic Material Initiation Device Switch Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energetic material initiation devices lack efficient mechanisms to limit high current discharge and rapidly close switches following detonation events, leading to potential electrical overloads and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a housing assembly with an input charge, terminals, and a switch that is maintained in an open state, closing within 5 microseconds of the initiator assembly's operation to limit current discharge to less than 100 amps when initiated by an electrical pulse, utilizing energy from the detonation to close the switch and manage electrical energy release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high current electrical pulse is employed to operate the initiator assembly, then the initiator assembly can reliably initiate detonation in the input charge, but excessive current discharge to the housing assembly occurs causing electrical overload and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
A switch is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrical pulse source and the initiator assembly. The switch remains open during normal operation and closes rapidly (within 5 microseconds) after detonation occurs, intercepting excess current before it can discharge to the housing assembly. This mediator protects the system from electrical overload while maintaining reliable initiation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by detecting the detonation event and using this information to control the switch state. When detonation is detected (within 5 microseconds of the initiator operation), the switch closes to limit current discharge. This feedback mechanism ensures the protective action occurs at the optimal moment to prevent electrical overload while allowing reliable initiation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the switch closes rapidly within 5 microseconds of initiator operation, then current discharge is limited to safe levels, but the timing and synchronization of the switch closure becomes critical and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is designed to be self-actuating based on the detonation event itself. The rapid closure (within 5 microseconds) is triggered automatically by the detonation conditions, eliminating the need for external timing circuits or complex synchronization mechanisms. The system uses the detonation event to service its own protective function, reducing overall device complexity despite the stringent timing requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic timing mechanisms with a direct response to the detonation event. Rather than using timers, counters, or synchronized control systems to achieve the 5-microsecond closure, the switch responds directly to the physical conditions of detonation, simplifying the control system while maintaining precise timing.
3Loss of energy
If energy from the detonation is used to close the switch, then electrical energy management is improved and residual energy discharge is reduced, but the coupling between detonation energy and switch actuation must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potentially harmful residual electrical energy and detonation energy into a beneficial protective action. The detonation energy and residual electrical energy are harnessed to close the switch, which then intercepts and redirects this energy away from the housing assembly. What could be harmful (residual energy discharge) is transformed into the mechanism that prevents harm, reducing energy loss to the housing while maintaining simple design.
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 configuration effectively limits high current pulses to safe levels, ensuring reliable and efficient energy management post-detonation, reducing residual energy discharge to the housing assembly and enhancing the device's operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
when the initiator assembly includes an exploding foil initiator having a bridge and a flyer that is expelled through a barrel in response to vaporization of the bridge
Implementation Method 2
The initiator assembly is electrically coupled to the first terminal and is configured to initiate a detonation event in the input charge
Implementation Method 3
The switch is maintained in an open state and closes within 5 micoseconds of the operation of the initiator assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A device for initiating an energetic material through an electrical pulse. The device includes an input charge, an initiator assembly and a switch. The input charge is formed of a secondary explosive. The initiator assembly is configured to initiate a detonation event in the input charge in response to receipt of the electrical pulse to a terminal that is electrically coupled to the initiator assembly. The switch is maintained in a normally open condition but is closed to transmit electrical energy from the pulse that remains on the first terminal after operation of the initiator assembly has been initiated.