Off-axis Annular Precision Initiation Charge for Laser Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing precision explosive tools face challenges in maintaining accurate aim after removal of alignment devices, such as lasers, due to interference from opaque detonators that can cause nonuniform and asymmetric detonation waves, disrupting the operation of the main explosive charge.
Innovation Solution
An off-axis annular precision initiation charge (APIC) assembly is introduced, featuring a substrate body with a clear sight bore aperture and a configuration of trunk line, helical tracks, and terminations to facilitate a uniform ring light to the main explosive charge, allowing for off-center detonator placement while maintaining alignment through a continuous bore aperture for laser light passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a detonator is placed at the center of the main explosive charge, then the detonation wave is uniform and symmetrical, but the alignment device (laser) cannot pass through the center for accurate aiming
Solution Approach 1:
The initiation charge is segmented into multiple discrete explosive elements arranged in a circular pattern around the central axis, rather than a single central detonator. Each segment is positioned at a specific radial distance from the center, creating a distributed initiation system that produces uniform detonation wave while leaving the center clear for laser alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent or translucent initiator material is used that allows laser light to pass through it during alignment, but still initiates detonation when activated. This intermediary material bridges the conflict between needing a clear center for alignment and requiring an initiation mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the detonator is positioned off-center to allow laser passage, then alignment is possible, but the detonation wave becomes nonuniform and asymmetric
Solution Approach 1:
The initiation system deliberately uses asymmetric positioning of individual explosive segments around the center, but the overall circular arrangement and equal spacing create symmetric detonation propagation. The asymmetry in individual element positions is compensated by the rotational symmetry of the complete array.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by transitioning from a one-dimensional central initiation point to a two-dimensional circular array of initiation points. This dimensional change allows the laser to pass through the center while multiple initiation points around the periphery create uniform detonation wave propagation.
3Ease of operation
If a clear bore aperture is created for laser passage, then alignment is maintained, but the structural integrity and containment of explosive material are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate material has different properties in different locations: it is transparent or translucent in the central bore region to allow laser passage, while maintaining full structural integrity and containment capability in the surrounding regions that hold the explosive segments and initiate detonation.
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 off-axis APIC assembly ensures a uniform, symmetrical detonation wave in the main explosive charge, enabling accurate aiming and detonation without disturbing the alignment, even after the laser source is removed, thus enhancing the operational reliability of precision explosive systems.
Implementation Method 1
a clear sight bore aperture centered at a longitudinal axis of the substrate body
Implementation Method 2
The trunk line, the plurality of helical tracks and the plurality of terminations are configured to contain an explosive material
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides an apparatus. The apparatus includes a substrate body that includes a top end, an opposing bottom end and a curved outer surface positioned there between, and a clear sight bore aperture centered at a longitudinal axis of the substrate body. The apparatus further includes a trunk line aperture defined in the outer surface of the substrate body. The trunk line aperture has a first end positioned at a top end of the substrate body, off-center from the longitudinal axis. The first end of the trunk line aperture is configured to couple to a detonator. The apparatus further includes a plurality of helical track apertures defined in the outer surface of the substrate body. A respective first end of each helical track aperture is coupled to the trunk line aperture. The apparatus further includes a plurality of termination apertures defined in the outer surface of the substrate body adjacent the bottom end of the substrate body. One termination aperture is coupled to the trunk line aperture at a second end of the trunk line aperture. The second end is opposing the first end and each remaining termination aperture is coupled to a respective helical track aperture. The trunk line aperture, the plurality of helical track apertures and the plurality of termination apertures are configured to contain an explosive material.