Projectile Priming Device Segmentation for Standardization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of pyrotechnic components into projectiles is complex and poses safety risks, particularly in medium caliber projectiles where space is limited, due to the interlinking of safety and arming devices with electronic modules, making modifications difficult.

Innovation Solution

A priming device design where the safety and arming device is separate from the electronic module, incorporating a second detonator activated by a mobile firing pin, which is fixed to a spacer plate with an embrittlement groove, allowing for a standard safety and arming device to be used across various projectile calibers with different electronic structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pyrotechnic components are integrated into a projectile with electronic modules, then the priming device can achieve multiple operating modes (timer, impact, delayed impact), but the integration becomes complex and presents pyrotechnic risks, especially in medium caliber projectiles with limited space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating modesVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the priming device into separate functional modules: a safety and arming device with a rotor carrying a second detonator, and an electronic firing module with a first detonator. This segmentation allows independent design and modification of each module while maintaining overall functionality, reducing integration complexity in medium caliber projectiles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a firing pin as an intermediary mechanical element that connects the electronic firing module to the safety and arming device. The firing pin is projected by gases from the first detonator to activate the second detonator on the rotor, providing a reliable mechanical coupling between electronic and pyrotechnic systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the safety and arming device is closely interlinked with the electronic module, then the device can function as a complete fuse, but modifications become impossible without also modifying the other component

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidmodification ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the safety and arming device from the electronic firing module, allowing each to be designed, manufactured, and modified independently. The safety and arming device with its rotor and second detonator can be standardized across different projectile calibers while the electronic module can be customized for specific operating modes without affecting the other component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If components are reduced in size for medium caliber projectiles, then the projectile dimensions are maintained, but the available space for integration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojectile dimensionsVSAvoidavailable space

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a compact nested arrangement where the rotor carrying the second detonator is positioned within the safety and arming device housing, and the electronic firing module is integrated into the same space. The firing pin travels through a defined path within this compact volume, maximizing space utilization in medium caliber projectiles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 design simplifies the integration process, reduces development costs, and enables standardization of safety and arming devices across different projectile families, enhancing reliability and operational modes such as timed or impact initiation.

Implementation Method 1

the mobile firing pin being arranged opposite a first detonator so as to be projected by the gases resulting from the ignition of the latter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8631743B2Priming device initiated electrically for a projectile

Publication Date: 2014.01.21 KNDS AMMO FRANCE

AI summary

A priming device for a projectile incorporating a safety and arming device as well as an electrically initiated detonator that is activated by an electronic firing module, wherein the priming device incorporates a second detonator integral with a rotor or flap of the safety and arming device, the second detonator being activated by a mobile firing pin, such firing pin being arranged opposite a first detonator so as to be projected by the gases resulting from the ignition of the latter.