Intermediate Voltage Arming System for Ordnance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing arming systems for ordinance, rockets, and missiles are complex and costly due to their reliance on high voltage connectors and wiring, as well as multiple fuzes, which increase size, weight, and cost.

Innovation Solution

The system employs an intermediate voltage generator and detector, using voltages less than 500 volts, and a sequence of events logic to control arm switches, reducing complexity and cost by utilizing low voltage connectors and wiring, and a single arm controller to manage multiple warheads or rockets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high voltage connectors and wiring are used in arming systems, then the system can reliably control multiple warheads or rockets, but the system size, weight, and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of controlling multiple warheadsVSAvoidsystem weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter from high voltage (over 500 volts) to low voltage (less than 500 volts) in the arming system. This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliable control of multiple warheads or rockets while reducing the weight, size, and cost associated with high voltage connectors and wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple fuzes are used in arming systems, then the system can safely arm multiple warheads or rockets, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of arming multiple warheadsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single arm controller that performs the functions previously requiring multiple separate fuzes. This universal controller safely arms multiple warheads or rockets through a single device, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining the safety and reliability of controlling multiple targets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If high voltage connectors and wiring are used, then the system can reliably transmit control signals, but the cost and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of signal transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter from high voltage to low voltage, which simplifies the manufacturing process by using standard, readily available connectors and wiring. This parameter change maintains reliable signal transmission for controlling multiple warheads or rockets while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution simplifies the arming process, reduces system size and weight, and lowers costs by using low voltage components and a single arm controller to manage multiple ignition devices, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

an inductive device connected in series with the first arm switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2867609B1Intermediate voltage arming
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 RAYTHEON CO
  • EP2867609B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2867609B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2867609B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system includes a first arm switch, a voltage multiplier device connected in series with the first arm switch, and a first intermediate voltage detector portion communicatively connected to the sequence of events logic portion, the first intermediate voltage detector portion operative to determine whether a first voltage signal is greater than a first threshold voltage value and responsive to determining that the first voltage signal is greater than the first threshold voltage value affect an actuation of the first arm switch and output a first arm signal.