Micro-initiator with integrated mobile screen and gas generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pyrotechnic primers and initiators are highly sensitive to shocks, temperature changes, and static electricity, requiring complex and bulky safety and arming devices that consume significant energy and are difficult to miniaturize while ensuring safety and reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A micro-initiator with pyrotechnic initiation means integrated on a substrate, featuring a mobile screen that moves between safety and armed positions using gases generated by a pyrotechnic gas generator, reducing the need for additional safety devices and minimizing electrical energy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional safety and arming devices are used to ensure security of pyrotechnic components, then safety is improved, but device complexity and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pyrotechnic initiation means, gas generator, mobile screen, and locking means into a single integrated micro-initiator device. The initiation means and gas generator are formed on the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate external safety devices while maintaining safety functionality through the integrated mobile screen and lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-initiator employs a nested structure where the pyrotechnic initiation means is placed on a first layer of substrate, the mobile screen on a second layer, and the gas generator on the first layer. The locking means is positioned in a hole through the substrate, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall device volume while maintaining all safety functions.
2Reliability
If conventional safety devices with movable flaps are used, then safety function is achieved, but volume increases to the order of 2 to 5 cm³
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional layers: a first layer with pyrotechnic initiation means and gas generator, a second layer with the mobile screen, and a third layer with electronic means. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for minimal volume while maintaining its function, achieving compact integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional three-dimensional mechanical safety devices to a planar micro-scale implementation using substrate layers. The mobile screen moves in a plane parallel to the substrate layers, and the locking means operates within holes through the substrate, effectively utilizing two-dimensional space to reduce overall volume.
3Reliability
If external safety devices are integrated separately, then safety is ensured, but the pyrotechnic mass mobility is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The safety function is merged directly with the pyrotechnic initiation means by integrating the mobile screen and locking means into the same substrate structure. The screen moves in direct response to gas pressure from the generator without requiring separate mechanical linkages, preserving the mobility and responsiveness of the pyrotechnic mass.
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 micro-initiator achieves reduced size and increased safety with minimal energy consumption, eliminating the need for external safety devices and enhancing reliability by using differential thermal expansion and inertial locks for secure operation.
Implementation Method 1
the screen being able to be moved from a safety position to an armed position by the action of the gases generated by a first pyrotechnic generator
Implementation Method 2
it may include a lock erased by inertia when the ammunition is fired
Implementation Method 3
The electromechanical lock may be supported by two conductive beams of different dimensions and will pivot by the effect of differential thermal expansion of the two beams
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The subject of the invention is a micro-initiator 1 comprising a pyrotechnic initiation means 3 that can be initiated by a first ignition means 13 and is itself intended for igniting a charge 5. This micro-initiator is characterized in that the pyrotechnic means 3 is formed by an energetic composition placed on a first layer 2 of a substrate and able to be connected to the charge 5 via an ignition channel 6 which is closed off by a movable screen 8, which is located on a second substrate layer 7 incorporated in the initiator, which screen 8 can be moved from a safe position to an armed position through the action of the gases generated by a first pyrotechnic generator 9 which is itself incorporated into the micro-initiator 1 and initiated by a second ignition means 14.