Munition Ignition Monitoring via Deflagration Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing munitions systems face reliability issues when a subdetonative reaction fails, potentially leading to unintended stronger power delivery or collateral damage due to uncontrolled detonation, especially if the deflagrator ignition circuit fails.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors at the output of the subdetonative ignition device to monitor and control the ignition system, using pressure, temperature, light, or mechanical state sensors to ensure the detonator is only triggered after a confirmed deflagration event, and employing redundant high-voltage ignition circuits and spatial separation to prevent premature or excessive detonation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a compact ignition system combines two ignition circuits (deflagrator and detonator) for flexible power delivery control, then operational versatility and power delivery flexibility are improved, but the risk of unintended stronger power delivery increases if the deflagrator ignition circuit fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors monitor the deflagration process and provide signals to the control device. The control device evaluates these sensor signals to determine whether the deflagrator successfully initiated the explosive charge before enabling the detonator ignition circuit. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the detonator only activates when the deflagration has properly commenced, preventing unintended detonation if the deflagrator fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of deflagration initiation before allowing detonator activation. Sensors detect early signs of successful deflagration (such as pressure changes, light emission, or temperature rise) and only then enable the detonator circuit. This preliminary action ensures that the deflagrator is functioning correctly before the more powerful detonator is activated, maintaining safety while enabling flexible power delivery modes.
2Reliability
If sensors are added to monitor the deflagration process and control detonator activation, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs multiple functions: it evaluates sensor signals from the deflagration monitoring process, determines whether successful initiation has occurred, and controls the detonator ignition circuit. By consolidating these control functions into a single integrated device rather than separate components, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high functional reliability through comprehensive monitoring and control.
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
Enhances the functional reliability of the ignition system by preventing unintended high power delivery and reducing the risk of collateral damage by ensuring the detonator is only activated after a successful deflagration event, thereby maintaining the intended power mode.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor being designed for sensing pressure, temperature, light, electrical current or the changing of mechanical states
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor being designed for sensing pressure, temperature, light, electrical current or the changing of mechanical states
Implementation Method 3
at least one sensor being designed for sensing pressure, temperature, light, electrical current or the changing of mechanical states
Implementation Method 4
the initiation of a deflagration of the explosive charge
Implementation Method 5
subdetonative reaction, such as for example a deflagration
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring device and system are provided for monitoring normal sequence of an initiation. The device includes at least one sensor in a region of an explosive charge and/or in a region of at least one ignition device for the explosive charge of the munitions system, and also a control device for evaluating output signals of the sensor with the control device connected to at least one ignition device in a controlling manner on a basis of the evaluation. At least one sensor is arranged at an output of a first ignition device for subdetonative initiation of the explosive charge. The control device is connected to a further ignition device and enables or inhibits it on a basis of a signal supplied by the sensor and assessed in the control device, and at least one sensor is designed for sensing pressure, temperature, light, electrical current or changing of mechanical states.