Modular Pyrotechnic Igniter with Grooved Pins

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high costs and limited modularity of existing pyrotechnic components, such as igniters, detonators, and gas generators, make them expensive to produce and difficult to adapt for various applications, due to the need for specific manufacturing processes and materials.

Innovation Solution

A compact electric igniter with a pyrotechnic composition and electrical initiation means connected to conductive pins with grooves for secure attachment to a connector, housed in a flexible plastic cell, providing protection against electrostatic discharges and electromagnetic radiation, serving as a modular basic brick for various pyrotechnic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional pyrotechnic components are manufactured with specific processes and materials for each component type, then the pyrotechnic performance is optimized, but the manufacturing cost increases and modularity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemodularityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal basic igniter design that can serve multiple pyrotechnic applications. The igniter comprises a cell with pyrotechnic composition and electrical initiation means that can be adapted to create igniters, detonators, and gas generators by changing only the output stage, not the core igniter structure. This universal design enables modularity while maintaining optimized manufacturing processes for the common igniter components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The pyrotechnic component is divided into modular segments: a standardized basic igniter unit and interchangeable output stages. The basic igniter contains the cell with pyrotechnic composition and electrical initiation means, while the output stage can be varied to produce different pyrotechnic effects. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module's manufacturing while enabling versatile final products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional pyrotechnic components are manufactured with specific processes and materials for each component type, then the pyrotechnic performance is optimized, but the production volume for each component decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent varietyVSAvoidproduction volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The universal basic igniter design allows a single production line to manufacture igniters for multiple applications (igniters, detonators, gas generators) by simply changing the output stage. This increases production volume for the common igniter components while still providing variety in final products through modular assembly of different output stages.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The basic igniter is manufactured in advance as a standardized component that can be stored and later assembled with different output stages. This preliminary production of the common igniter body allows high-volume manufacturing of the standardized portion, while the specific pyrotechnic function is added later through modular assembly of the appropriate output stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the igniter is designed with protection against electrostatic discharges and electromagnetic radiation, then the safety and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidprotection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible plastic cell to house the pyrotechnic composition and electrical initiation means. This flexible shell provides protection against electrostatic discharges and electromagnetic radiation through its material properties and structural design, while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. The cell's flexibility also allows for compact packaging and integration with the electrical connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enables the rapid and cost-effective production of a range of pyrotechnic components with standardized safety features, meeting stringent regulatory standards and facilitating modular design and assembly, while ensuring reliable operation and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a cell (2) containing at least one pyrotechnic composition (3) and an initiation means (4) thereof, implementing electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

each pin (5a, 5b) comprising at least one groove (10) which is intended to cooperate with a deformable sleeve (11) integral with an electrical connector (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

The free ends of the pins (5a, 5b) have a spherical tip (14a, 14b) which, when the pin is put in place in the socket (11), pushes the deformable front part of the latter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

providing protection against electrostatic discharges and electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic Discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 5

providing protection against electrostatic discharges and electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2508838B1Squib, pyrotechnical component and method for manufacturing such a pyrotechnical component
Publication Date: 2014.05.14 NEXTER MUNITIONS SA
  • EP2508838B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2508838B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The squib (1) has a cell (2) containing a pyrotechnic composition (3) and a resistive wire (4) for initiation by electrical energy, where the wire is connected to two conductor pins (5a, 5b) projecting out of the cell. Each pin includes a groove (10) intended to cooperate with a deformable sleeve integral with an electrical connector, where the cell is closed by a sealing foil (9) of flexible plastic material. A cutting (14) is arranged opposite to a metal bottom (2b) of the cell so as to form a zone to facilitate flow of electrostatic discharge. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a pyrotechnical component (2) a method for manufacturing a pyrotechnical component.