Repeatable Plasma Generator for Propellant Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plasma torches for initiating propellant charges in weapon systems are either single-use, requiring frequent replacement, or involve complex liquid dosage and supply systems, and are not adaptable to varying ignition energies and lengths, leading to logistical and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A repeatable plasma generator that uses a combustion chamber with ionizing electrodes and a filler gas, where electrical discharge between a rear and front electrode ionizes the gas, creating a plasma-like state for consistent ignition, with adjustable ignition energy and length, eliminating the need for sensitive primers and complex liquid systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plasma torches are used for initiating propellant charges, then ignition function is achieved, but the torch is consumed and must be replaced before each firing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers and reuses the combustion chamber combustion element after each firing. Instead of discarding the element after single use, it is recovered, inspected, and reused for subsequent firings, eliminating the need for frequent replacement while maintaining ignition reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic loading and removal mechanisms for the combustion chamber combustion element. The mechanical system mounted on the cannon automatically handles the element through the firing sequence, reducing manual intervention and improving operational efficiency
2Reliability
If priming cartridges are used to initiate propellant charges, then ignition function is achieved, but the cartridges jam in the cartridge position upon firing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical priming cartridge system with a plasma-based ignition system. The plasma torch eliminates the need for mechanical priming cartridges that jam, using electrical discharge through filler gas to create plasma for ignition instead of mechanical insertion and firing of cartridges
3Reliability
If the quantity of priming agent is increased to ignite low-vulnerability propellant, then ignition capability is improved, but the vulnerability of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the ignition mechanism from chemical priming agents to plasma generation. By controlling electrical parameters (voltage, current, pulse duration) of the plasma torch, it achieves reliable ignition of low-vulnerability propellant without increasing the quantity of vulnerable priming agents, thus maintaining low system vulnerability while improving ignition capability
4Reliability
If repeatable plasma torches using liquid are used, then ignition function is achieved, but complicated devices for dosage and supply are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses gas (filler gas) instead of liquid in the combustion chamber combustion element. The gas is supplied through simpler pneumatic systems rather than complex liquid dosage and supply systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining repeatable ignition reliability through controlled gas flow and plasma generation
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
Enables reliable and efficient initiation of propellant charges with reduced vulnerability, adaptable to different propellant types and energies, avoiding fire interruptions and simplifying logistics by using a non-consumable combustion element and variable ignition energy, enhancing the control over ignition parameters.
Implementation Method 1
the filler gas in the combustion chamber channel is ionized via a high-voltage potential from at least one ionizing electrode, which ionization increases the electrical conductivity of the filler gas
Implementation Method 2
an electrical flashover, through electrical discharge via a high-voltage generator between the rear electrode and the front electrode, is generated... which results in hot ignition gas with plasma-like state being expelled
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the repeatable initiation of propellent charges in a weapon system, for example in the firing of projectiles from a barrel weapon, through electrical discharge between a rear electrode (22) and a front electrode (21) in a combustion chamber channel (3) filled with filler gas and comprising a combustion chamber combustion element (30), in which the filler gas in the combustion chamber channel (3) is ionized via a high-voltage potential from at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103), which ionization increases the electrical conductivity in the combustion chamber channel (3) so that an electrical flashover, through electrical discharge via a high-voltage generator (5) between the rear electrode (22) and the front electrode (21), is generated from the rear electrode (22) via at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103) onward to the front electrode (21), which results in hot ignition gas with plasma- like state being expelled from the combustion chamber channel (3). The invention also relates to a plasma generator for the said method, and to an ammunition unit comprising the said plasma generator.