Mechanical Firing Pin Switch Assembly for Thermal Battery Initiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch assemblies for initiating thermal batteries in defense vehicles often fail due to operational failures between mechanical and electrical components, temperature, climate, and dynamic environments, leading to unreliable energy initiation for on-board devices and payloads.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical switch assembly that initiates thermal batteries solely through mechanical mechanisms, utilizing a firing pin mechanism that operates without electrical assistance, ensuring reliable energy initiation in challenging environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a combination of mechanical and electrical mechanisms is used to initiate thermal batteries, then the device can perform initiation functions, but the reliability decreases due to operational failures between components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the electrical mechanisms from the switch assembly, retaining only the mechanical firing pin mechanism. This eliminates the operational failures between mechanical and electrical components while maintaining the initiation function through a purely mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical mechanisms with a purely mechanical firing pin system. The firing pin mechanism uses mechanical energy storage and release to strike the percussion cap, substituting electrical actuation with a reliable mechanical alternative that operates independently of electrical systems.
2Reliability
If mechanical and electrical mechanisms are used together, then initiation capability is achieved, but the device fails in harsh environments due to component vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes electrical components from the switch assembly, eliminating their vulnerability to temperature, climate, and dynamic environmental factors. The remaining mechanical firing pin mechanism is inherently more robust in harsh defense vehicle environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, rugged mechanical firing pin mechanism that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than complex electrical systems that are sensitive to environmental degradation. The mechanical components are designed for durability and simplicity in harsh conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical mechanisms are included in the switch assembly, then initiation function is enhanced, but the system becomes dependent on electrical power which may not be available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical actuation mechanisms with a purely mechanical firing pin system that uses spring-loaded energy storage and release. This mechanical substitution eliminates dependency on electrical power sources, allowing the switch assembly to operate independently in any environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical firing pin mechanism is self-contained and self-actuating, using stored mechanical energy (springs) to perform the initiation function without requiring external electrical power. The system serves itself through its own internal mechanical energy sources.
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 mechanical switch assembly provides reliable initiation of thermal batteries, independent of electrical components, thereby ensuring consistent energy supply to defense vehicle systems, even in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
a firing pin mechanism operably engaged with the support, the slide, and the cover and moveable in a second direction relative to the slide and the support
Data Source
AI summary
A switch assembly and a method of effecting a battery to initiate. The switch assembly includes a support that is adapted to operably engage with a battery. The switch assembly also include a slide operably engaged with the support and moveable in a first direction relative to the support between a primed position and a released position. The switch assembly also includes a cover operably engaged with the support and enclosing the slide. The switch assembly also includes a firing pin mechanism operably engaged with the support, the slide, and the cover and moveable in a second direction relative to the slide and the support. In the switch assembly, the second direction of the firing pin mechanism is different than the first direction of the slide.