Munition Fuze Inductance Generator Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand grenades with pyrotechnic fuzes contain hazardous materials and are sensitive to impact stimuli, posing environmental and safety concerns, and lack reliable and resilient power sources for electronic alternatives.
Innovation Solution
A fuze system utilizing a laser igniter, inductance generator assembly, and striker assembly, which generates electric power from a primer charge detonation to provide a consistent and programmable delay for detonating a main energetic charge, incorporating a physical and electric safety mechanism to prevent inadvertent activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If pyrotechnic based fuzes are used, then the fuze can initiate the energetic chain, but hazardous chemical compounds such as perchlorates and heavy metals are present which have adverse effects on the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pyrotechnic chemical initiation system with an electronic initiation system using a laser igniter. The laser igniter is activated by an inductance generator that converts mechanical energy from a spring-driven mechanism into electrical energy to fire the laser, thereby eliminating the need for hazardous pyrotechnic compounds while maintaining reliable initiation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of initiation from chemical combustion to optical energy delivery. By using a laser beam to ignite the energetic material, the system achieves reliable initiation without requiring perchlorates, heavy metals, or other hazardous chemical compounds associated with traditional pyrotechnic fuzes
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pyrotechnic based fuzes are used, then the fuze can function, but the fuzes contain energetic trains that are sensitive to impact stimuli such as bullet, fragmentation and shape charge effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sensitive pyrotechnic train with an electronic system that uses a laser igniter activated by an inductance generator. This electronic initiation system is inherently less sensitive to impact stimuli such as bullets, fragmentation, and shape charge effects, while the spring-driven mechanical energy storage provides reliable activation without requiring sensitive energetic trains
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary energy conversion system between the mechanical trigger and the ignition event. The spring-driven mechanism stores mechanical energy, which is converted to electrical energy by the inductance generator, which then powers the laser igniter. This multi-stage intermediary process isolates the system from direct impact sensitivity while ensuring reliable functionality
3Reliability
If electronic fuzes are integrated, then greater reliability and reduced functional variability are achieved, but inadequate power supplies with shelf life longevity and functionality in extreme operational conditions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spring-driven mechanism that periodically stores mechanical energy and releases it on demand to activate the inductance generator. This periodic energy storage and conversion system provides the necessary power for the electronic fuze and laser igniter without requiring complex battery systems, achieving both reliability and extended shelf life
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-driven mechanism serves as a self-contained power source that does not require external power supplies or batteries. The mechanical energy stored in the spring is converted to electrical energy by the inductance generator when needed, providing self-service power for the electronic components and eliminating the complexity of maintaining power supplies in extreme conditions
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 reduces the use of hazardous materials, enhances safety by being less susceptible to impact stimuli, provides reliable and consistent delay times, and operates effectively in extreme conditions with a cost-effective power source, improving compliance with environmental and insensitive munition standards.
Implementation Method 1
a generator core, a generator coil and a primer charge and generates electric power from a detonation of the primer charge
Implementation Method 2
generates electric power from a detonation of the primer charge
Implementation Method 3
a piston actuator having an input end exposed to the interior of the blast chamber... The piston actuator transfers energy from a detonation of primer charge to propel the generator core
Data Source
AI summary
The munition employs an energetically initiated electromagnetic pulse through a coil which induces a voltage intended to be used for the operation of an electronic time delay circuit and subsequent ignition of a detonation device. Explosive energy from a primer is employed to move a generator core through a generator coil to induce the voltage. The voltage is supplied to a delay circuit. After a set time, the delay circuit supplies power to a laser igniter which detonates the munition. A striker assembly, in addition to initiating the primer, functions as an out of line safety as well as an electric safety.