MEM Safe Arm Device Interrupter Aperture Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MEM safing and arming devices for energetic components with pyrotechnic and explosive materials lack effective mechanisms to prevent unintentional operation while ensuring intentional operation, leading to potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
Microelectromechanical (MEM) safing and arming devices utilizing movable interrupters with apertures and actuated by multiple drive signals, including solenoids and linear variable reluctance motors, to block or complete an explosive train, ensuring safe and intentional energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable interrupter with aperture is used to block or complete the explosive train, then the reliability of preventing unintentional operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple actuators and latches
Solution Approach 1:
The safe arm device is divided into functionally independent segments: multiple actuators (solenoid, LVRM) for different control modes, separate latch mechanisms for securing interrupter positions, and distinct aperture structures for energy transfer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high reliability through distributed control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupter is designed as a movable component that can dynamically change its position between blocked and aligned states with respect to the explosive train. The aperture in the interrupter can be positioned to block energy transfer or align with the explosive train for intentional operation, providing dynamic control over the explosive train's activation state.
2Ease of operation
If multiple actuators (solenoid and LVRM) are used to control the interrupter, then the ease of operation for intentional activation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable interrupter with aperture serves multiple functions: it acts as a blockage for unintentional operation, provides a controlled aperture for intentional energy transfer, and can be positioned by multiple actuators for different control scenarios. This multi-functionality consolidates several control needs into a single component, reducing overall system complexity despite having multiple actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupter with aperture serves as an intermediary component between the control actuators and the explosive train. It mediates the control signals from multiple actuators, translating them into mechanical positioning changes that control energy transfer to the explosive train, thereby simplifying the interface between control systems and the energetic component.
3Stability of the object's composition
If latches are used to secure the interrupter position, then the stability of the safe state is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional latch mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Latches are incorporated to prevent unintentional changes in the interrupter's position, particularly to counteract any unintended displacement that could compromise the safe blocked state. The latches provide preliminary protection against accidental activation by mechanically securing the interrupter in its safe position until intentionally overridden by proper actuator activation.
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 MEM devices effectively prevent unintentional ignition by blocking energy transfer in a safe state and allow intentional ignition by aligning apertures, providing multiple levels of protection against accidental activation and ensuring reliable operation of energetic components.
Implementation Method 1
actuated by multiple drive signals, including solenoids and linear variable reluctance motors
Implementation Method 2
actuated by multiple drive signals, including solenoids and linear variable reluctance motors
Data Source
AI summary
Microelectromechanical (MEM) apparatus and methods for operating, for preventing unintentional detonation of energetic components comprising pyrotechnic and explosive materials, such as air bag deployment systems, munitions and pyrotechnics. The MEM apparatus comprises an interrupting member that can be moved to block (interrupt) or complete (uninterrupt) an explosive train that is part of an energetic component. One or more latching members are provided that engage and prevent the movement of the interrupting member, until the one or more latching members are disengaged from the interrupting member. The MEM apparatus can be utilized as a safe and arm device (SAD) and electronic safe and arm device (ESAD) in preventing unintentional detonations. Methods for operating the MEM apparatus include independently applying drive signals to the actuators coupled to the latching members, and an actuator coupled to the interrupting member.