Pinless Grenade Igniter Ring Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing igniter caps for grenades, which rely on safety pins for initiation, face issues of accidental removal and modification, leading to increased risks of accidental operation, and existing security solutions are complex and do not provide complete satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
An igniter cap design without a pin, featuring a ring with a window that moves between locking and activation positions, requiring at least two distinct operations to align and release the spoon, thereby enhancing safety and security while maintaining ergonomic handling and implementation simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety pin is used to lock the spoon, then the igniter cap can be secured against accidental operation, but the pin can be accidentally removed or modified by users, increasing the risk of accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the safety pin from the system entirely and replaces it with a ring that rotates into locking and unlocking positions. This extraction eliminates the harmful factor of pin removal or modification while maintaining the security function through the ring's engagement with the spoon in specific positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring is designed to be movable between a locked position (preventing spoon rotation) and an unlocked position (allowing spoon rotation). This dynamic mechanism provides continuous security rather than relying on a static pin that can be removed, allowing the system to transition between safe and operational states.
2Reliability
If a complex security mechanism is implemented to prevent pin removal, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring serves multiple functions: it locks the spoon in the safe position, provides a visible indicator of the locking state through its alignment with the spoon, and can be manually rotated to unlock. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking and indicating mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high security.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring's position relative to the spoon provides visual feedback about the locking state. When aligned, it indicates a locked state; when misaligned, it indicates an unlocked state. This visual indication eliminates the need for additional indicators or complex signaling mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the ring requires alignment with the spoon for activation, then accidental operation is prevented, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ring can be rotated in discrete angular positions to achieve alignment with the spoon. This periodic motion provides clear, distinct steps for activation, making it easy to understand when the device is ready to fire while still requiring intentional action to prevent accidents.
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 design provides a double safety mechanism that prevents accidental operation, ensuring the igniter cap can be handled safely and securely, while maintaining intuitive and efficient use, reducing the risk of accidental activation.
Implementation Method 1
a striker 20 associated with a spring 22
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pinless igniter comprising a lever (40), a pyrotechnic chain (10) and a striker (20) designed to initiate the pyrotechnic chain (10) after the lever (40) has been released, characterized in that the igniter further comprises a ring (120) comprising an opening (125) and able to move between a locking position in which the opening (125) is misaligned in relation to the lever (40) so that the latter cannot be released, and an activation position in which the opening (125) is aligned with the lever to allow same to be released. The invention relates to pinless grenades so equipped.