Pyrotechnic Device Addressing and Diagnostics in Electronic Ordnance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networked electronic ordnance systems face challenges in accurately identifying and addressing pyrotechnic devices within the system, leading to potential safety issues due to the risk of inadvertently routing signals to unintended devices, and require labor-intensive diagnostic testing processes.
Innovation Solution
The system configures pyrotechnic devices with unique addresses that can be programmed in situ, using a mode pin to enable address assignment, and incorporates a diagnostics block for automated diagnostic tests, along with an energy-reserve capacitor for additional safety mechanisms, all in compliance with the safe-by-wire plus standard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pyrotechnic devices are pre-programmed with unique addresses before installation, then command routing accuracy is improved, but system adaptability and ease of installation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a programming device that can assign unique addresses to pyrotechnic devices during the assembly process, before final installation. This allows the system to benefit from pre-programming accuracy while maintaining adaptability, as addresses can be assigned in the desired sequence or pattern during assembly rather than being fixed beforehand
Solution Approach 2:
The programming device serves as an intermediary between the pyrotechnic devices and the networked electronic ordnance system. It enables address assignment during assembly without requiring permanent pre-programming, thus resolving the contradiction between needing accurate command routing and maintaining system adaptability
2Measurement precision
If manual diagnostic testing is performed on pyrotechnic devices, then diagnostic thoroughness is improved, but time consumption and labor requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having pyrotechnic devices automatically perform diagnostic tests and report results back to the programming device or system controller. This automated feedback mechanism provides thorough diagnostic information without requiring manual testing, thus resolving the contradiction between diagnostic thoroughness and time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The pyrotechnic devices perform self-diagnostics automatically, testing their own functionality and reporting status without external intervention. This self-service capability maintains diagnostic thoroughness while eliminating the time and labor requirements of manual testing
3Device complexity
If pyrotechnic devices lack in-situ address programming capability, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and system safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The programming device serves multiple functions: it assigns unique addresses to pyrotechnic devices, performs diagnostic testing, and validates system configuration. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single external device rather than requiring each pyrotechnic device to have built-in programming capabilities, thus maintaining ease of operation while managing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The programming device acts as an intermediary that handles the complexity of address assignment and diagnostics externally, allowing simple pyrotechnic devices to be easily installed and configured without built-in programming complexity, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and ease of operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
In networked electronic ordnance systems as disclosed herein, a plurality of pyrotechnic devices communicate with a controller along a common bus. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, at least some of the pyrotechnic devices in the ordnance system are configured such that the address for those devices can be defined during or subsequent to installation of the pyrotechnic devices in an end system. In some instances, a logic device in the pyrotechnic device includes a diagnostics block that initiates a suite of diagnostic tests within the pyrotechnic device in response to a diagnostics command received by the pyrotechnic device. Additionally, in some instances, an additional safety mechanism is added to an energy- reserve capacitor in the pyrotechnic device in compliance with a safe-by-wire standard.