Micro ARM-FIRE Device Using LIGA Actuator for Miniature Munitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ARM-FIRE devices are too bulky, heavy, or costly for use in miniature munitions and fail to meet the size requirements for micro-sized pyrotechnic systems, necessitating a more compact and efficient solution for preventing inadvertent ignition.
Innovation Solution
A micro-sized ARM-FIRE device utilizing a pyrotechnic system with a passage and an actuator/blocking device, fabricated using LIGA technology, that moves between SAFE and FIRE arrangements, ensuring the pyrotechnics are isolated in the SAFE mode and aligned for ignition in the FIRE mode, occupying a volume of approximately 49 cubic cm or less.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional AFDs are used to ensure safety and reliability, then the device provides absolute no-fire in SAFE arrangement and extreme all-fire in FIRE arrangement, but the device becomes too bulky, heavy, and costly for miniature munitions
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two separate pyrotechnics (first pyrotechnic for safe state, second pyrotechnic for fire state) with distinct functions, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific role while reducing overall device complexity and size
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical components (switches, motors, physical barriers) are extracted and replaced with a simplified pyrotechnic-based mechanism using interrupters and aligned passages, eliminating bulky mechanical parts while maintaining safety functionality
2Reliability
If conventional AFDs with mechanical components are used, then the device provides reliable safe and arm functionality, but the device requires too much power and space
Solution Approach 1:
Mechanical components (switches, motors, physical barriers) are replaced with a pyrotechnic-based system using chemical energy storage and release, eliminating the need for electrical power consumption while maintaining reliable safe and arm functionality through interrupter mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from electrical/mechanical energy parameters to chemical energy parameters by using pyrotechnic compositions with different sensitivity levels, changing the fundamental energy storage and release mechanism to reduce power requirements
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 solution provides a compact, high-strength, and reliable mechanism for preventing inadvertent ignition, compliant with safety regulations like MIL-STD-1901A, suitable for miniature munitions and capable of withstanding environmental stresses such as shock and temperature extremes.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator is configured to move the body between the first and second positions
Data Source
AI summary
An ARM-FIRE device for a pyrotechnic system includes a first pyrotechnic, a second pyrotechnic, a passage extending between the first and second pyrotechnics, and an actuator/blocking device positioned between the first and second pyrotechnics. The first pyrotechnic is configured to be ignited by a heat source, and the second pyrotechnic is configured to be ignited by the first pyrotechnic in the FIRE arrangement. The actuator/blocking device includes a body configured to move between a first position in the SAFE arrangement and a second position in the FIRE arrangement, an aperture extending through the body, and an actuator. The aperture is offset from the passage in the first position of the body and is aligned with the passage in the second position of the body. The actuator is configured to move the body between the first and second positions. The first pyrotechnic, the second pyrotechnic, and the actuator/blocking device occupy a volume of approximately 49 cubic cm (3.0 cubic inches)or less.