Programmable Microprocessor Ignition Delay Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ignition and delay circuits for ammunition units are inflexible, lack accuracy, and inefficient in terms of electricity consumption, as they rely on preset timing and hardware-based countdowns, failing to adapt to different ammunition types and environments effectively.
Innovation Solution
A programmable microprocessor connected to an energy storing device, comprising capacitors and diodes, which allows for flexible control of the ignition and delay based on ammunition type, external sensors, and signal processing, ensuring accurate and adaptable timing while protecting the microprocessor from overvoltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a programmable microprocessor is used instead of preset hardware timing, then flexibility and adaptability to different ammunition types are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/hardware-based preset timing circuits with a programmable microprocessor system. The microprocessor executes software-based timing and control logic, eliminating the need for complex hardware timing circuits and enabling flexible adaptation to different ammunition types through software programming rather than hardware reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor serves multiple functions: it acts as a timing device, a control unit for signal processing, a sensor interface, and a decision-making unit. This single component replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized hardware circuits, reducing overall system complexity while improving versatility.
2Reliability
If voltage limiting diodes are added to protect the microprocessor, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates voltage-limiting diodes (including Zener diodes) in parallel with the microprocessor before excessive voltage can reach the sensitive component. These protective elements are pre-installed and automatically activate when voltage exceeds safe levels, preventing damage without requiring complex control circuits or active protection mechanisms.
3Duration of action of moving object
If energy is stored in capacitors for microprocessor operation, then autonomy is improved, but energy loss increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a periodic charging mechanism where the piezoelectric device periodically recharges the capacitors during the delay period. This periodic energy input compensates for natural capacitor leakage, maintaining sufficient voltage levels throughout the delayed period without requiring excessively large capacitor values that would increase initial energy storage requirements.
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 solution provides a highly flexible and accurate ignition and delay circuit capable of making logical decisions based on various signals, reducing electricity consumption and offering programmable performance, while ensuring the microprocessor's safety and efficient energy utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo electric device configured for generating electrical energy when hitting a target
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an ignition and delay circuit of an ammunition unit for time controlled delay of the initiation of an electric blasting cap (8). The ignition and delay circuit comprises a piezo electric device (1) generating electrical energy when hitting a target, an energy storing device (4, 5) storing the energy generated by the piezo electric device (1) and a delay device (6) supplied by the energy storing device (4, 5) and controlling the initiation of the electric blasting cap (8). The object of the invention is to obtain a more flexible ignition and delay circuit easy to adapt to different ammunition types, different kinds of operation, different kinds of environments and so on. According to the invention a programmable micro processor (6) is provided supplied by the energy storing device and arranged to control the delay of the initiation in dependence of at least the type of ammunition in question.