Piezoelectric Time Delay Module With Segmented Capacitors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing piezoelectric-triggered time delay modules are inefficient in transducing electricity, limited by size constraints, leading to unreliable low-energy initiators prone to interference and requiring elaborate packaging and testing, with a need for improved energy transfer efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of separate firing and logic capacitors matched with impedance-matched piezoelectric transducers, along with high-voltage rated capacitors and multi-wafer piezoelectric transducers, enhances energy transfer efficiency and maintains voltage above the initiator's all-fire voltage, allowing for precise timing and robust initiator performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate firing and logic capacitors are used, then voltage retention above initiator's all-fire voltage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage retentionVSAvoidcapacitor configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the capacitor system into separate firing and logic capacitors, with each capacitor dedicated to a specific function. This segmentation prevents voltage bleeding between functions and ensures the firing capacitor maintains voltage above the initiator's all-fire voltage throughout the delay period, resolving the reliability issue while the modular design manages the complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If impedance-matched piezoelectric transducers are used with corresponding capacitors, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidtransducer-capacitor matching

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies impedance matching locally at each transducer-capacitor interface, where the piezoelectric transducer's electrical characteristics are matched to its corresponding capacitor. This local optimization maximizes energy transfer efficiency from each transducer to its dedicated capacitor, while the overall system complexity is managed through this modular local matching approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If low-value, high-voltage rated capacitors are employed, then energy transfer efficiency from piezoelectric transducer is improved, but capacitor selection constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcapacitor selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the capacitors: low values (e.g., 10-100 nF) combined with high voltage ratings (>250V). This parameter optimization enables efficient energy transfer from the piezoelectric transducers while maintaining voltage levels sufficient for initiator firing. The specific parameter selection balances electrical performance with manufacturing availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If piezoelectric transducers with high charge output are selected, then all-fire energy is increased, but transducer size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveall-fire energyVSAvoidtransducer size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs piezoelectric transducers constructed from composite or high-performance piezoelectric materials that deliver high charge output within a compact form factor. These advanced materials enable increased all-fire energy and improved reliability without proportionally increasing transducer size, maintaining compatibility with size-constrained time delay module applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This solution results in a more efficient energy transfer, enabling higher energy delivery to the initiator with improved reliability and precision, reducing the impact of electrical and rf interference, and allowing for longer delay times and increased all-fire energy.

Implementation Method 1

piezoelectric-triggered time delay module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7804223B1Efficient piezoeletric-triggered time delay module

Publication Date: 2010.09.28 ENSIGN BICKFORD AEROSPACE & DEFENSE CO

AI summary

An efficient piezoelectric-triggered time delay module may be provided with separate firing and logic capacitors, and may also have corresponding separate piezoelectric transducers. Further, separate firing and logic capacitors may be impedance-matched to corresponding separate piezoelectric transducers. Optionally, the capacitors may be made of the same materials as the corresponding piezoelectric transducers. Further alternately or additionally, low-value, high-voltage rated capacitor(s) may be employed. Further alternately or additionally, the piezoelectric transducer(s) may be selected to offer high charge output within the intended operating temperature range. Further alternately or additionally, the piezoelectric transducer(s) may be constructed with multiple wafers.