Optical Primer Circuit With Reverse-Parallel Laser Diodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical ignition primers in ammunition cartridges are susceptible to electromagnetic phenomena such as electro-static discharge (ESD) and hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordinance (HERO), which can cause premature explosion, reducing the reliability and safety of the ammunition.
Innovation Solution
An optical based ammunition primer is introduced, utilizing a pair of laser diodes electrically coupled in a reverse parallel direction to provide energy for igniting the gun powder, thus eliminating the reliance on electrical ignition and reducing susceptibility to electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an electrical ignition primer is used, then the firing mechanism weight is reduced and firing rate is improved, but the primer becomes susceptible to electromagnetic interference causing premature explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical ignition system with an optical ignition system using laser diodes. The laser diodes emit optical energy that directly ignites the primer compound without requiring electrical current, thereby eliminating susceptibility to electromagnetic interference while maintaining the lightweight and fast-firing advantages of electrical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (laser diode) between the power source and the primer compound. The laser diode converts electrical energy to optical energy, which then ignites the primer. This intermediary layer isolates the primer from direct electrical contact, protecting it from electromagnetic interference while still allowing controlled ignition.
2Device complexity
If an electrical ignition primer is used, then the mechanism complexity is reduced, but the primer becomes vulnerable to electro-static discharge and electromagnetic radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the electrical ignition mechanism with an optical ignition mechanism. The laser diode system maintains simplicity while replacing the vulnerable electrical-to-chemical energy conversion with an optical-to-chemical conversion, eliminating vulnerability to electro-static discharge and electromagnetic radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of electromagnetic fields into a beneficial optical signal. By using laser diodes that are driven by electrical current but emit optical energy, the system transforms the potential harm of electrical interference into a controlled optical ignition source that is immune to electromagnetic interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reverse parallel laser diodes are used, then voltage polarity immunity is achieved, but the device complexity increases slightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric configuration of laser diodes in reverse parallel connection. One diode is oriented to conduct on positive voltage while the other conducts on negative voltage, creating an asymmetric electrical configuration that achieves symmetric voltage polarity immunity. This allows the primer to be ignited regardless of the polarity of the applied voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse parallel laser diode configuration provides universal ignition capability across different voltage polarities. The system can be ignited by either positive or negative voltage applied to the same terminals, making the primer adaptable to different power source configurations without requiring polarity-specific wiring or additional components.
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 optical primer enhances the reliability and safety of ammunition cartridges by reducing the risk of premature explosion due to electromagnetic interference, while also simplifying the ignition mechanism and potentially improving firing rate and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a pair of laser diodes electrically coupled in a reverse parallel direction to provide energy for igniting the gun powder
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An optical primer for igniting an ignition material in an ammunition cartridge. The primer includes a conductive cylindrical cup electrically coupled to a cartridge case and a circular conductive button including a top button portion positioned in the cup and a bottom button portion extending through an opening in the cup, where the button and the cup are electrically isolated. The primer further includes a first bracket electrically coupled to the button, a second bracket electrically coupled to the cup, and a pair of laser diodes electrically coupled in a reverse parallel direction and being electrically coupled to the first and second brackets, where one of the laser diodes generate a laser beam that ignites the ignition material in response to a current flow in either direction through the case, the cup and the button.