Propellant Charge Temperature Measurement via Cavity Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the temperature of propellant charges in weapon systems are either complex, energy-intensive, or provide inaccurate temperature measurements, affecting hit accuracy due to external influences and susceptibility to faults in temperature sensing and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A temperature determination device that introduces a sensor head into a cavity within the propellant charge to measure the inner surface temperature, using contactless methods like electromagnetic waves, allowing for precise and quick temperature measurement without prolonging the weapon's loading process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors and transmission electronics are integrated into the propellant charge to measure core temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to faults increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor head is extracted from the propellant charge after measurement, rather than being permanently integrated. The sensor head is introduced through the cavity, performs measurement, and is then removed, eliminating the need for permanent transmission electronics within the propellant charge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity in the propellant charge serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates sensor access. The cavity allows the sensor head to reach the core temperature zone without requiring permanent integration or complex transmission systems within the propellant charge itself.
2Device complexity
If surface temperature measurement methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement is extracted from the surface level and performed at the core location through the cavity. This allows obtaining true core temperature data without the complexity of permanent internal sensors, combining the simplicity of external measurement with the accuracy of core temperature detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic transmission systems with a mechanical approach - introducing a sensor head through a physical cavity to directly measure core temperature, then removing the sensor. This substitutes complex electronics with a simpler mechanical measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If pre-tempering methods are used to control propellant charge temperature, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The propellant charge maintains its temperature through natural thermal properties rather than active control systems. The cavity structure allows passive temperature monitoring without requiring energy-intensive heating or cooling mechanisms, letting the system serve itself thermally.
4Reliability
If contactless temperature determination methods are used, then reliability is improved by avoiding sensor contact with propellant, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor head is extracted through the cavity to reach the core temperature zone, allowing contactless measurement of the inner surface temperature that represents core temperature. This combines the reliability of contactless measurement with the precision of core temperature detection.
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 precise and rapid temperature determination of propellant charges, improving fire control solutions and hit accuracy by minimizing external influence and ensuring accurate temperature measurement within one second or less, thus not negatively impacting the weapon's firing rate.
Implementation Method 1
using contactless methods like electromagnetic waves, allowing for precise and quick temperature measurement
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for ascertaining the temperature of a propellant charge (22) and to a method and a device for carrying out a joining movement in order to join propellant charge modules (2) so as to form a propellant charge (22), comprising a method or a device for ascertaining the temperature of a propellant charge (22), wherein a sensor head (4) which is designed to be movable relative to the propellant charge (22) is at least temporarily arranged in a cavity (7) of the propellant charge (22); and the temperature of the propellant charge (22) is ascertained at least while the sensor head (4) is arranged in the cavity (7) of the propellant charge (22).