Autonomous Pyrotechnic Igniter Simulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for validating the functioning of electro-pyrotechnic devices and their firing chains are either too complex or insufficiently representative, lacking an efficient and autonomous simulation method for pyrotechnic igniters.
Innovation Solution
A pyrotechnic igniter simulator that includes a detection element, a microcontroller capable of determining pulse characteristics and controlling an impedance block, and a charging element for energy recovery, allowing for remote configuration and simulation of high or low impedance states to mimic igniter activation or lack thereof, integrated with a smart tag for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing pyrotechnic igniter simulators are used, then validation of electro-pyrotechnic devices can be performed, but the solutions are too complex or insufficiently representative
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an electronic copy of the pyrotechnic igniter's electrical characteristics using an impedance block that can be configured to simulate different ignition states (activated or not activated). This digital representation replaces complex physical simulators while maintaining validation accuracy through precise electrical parameter matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator uses an impedance block whose electrical impedance parameter can be dynamically changed between two states (high impedance for activated, low impedance for not activated). This parameter switching enables the simulator to represent different ignition conditions without requiring complex mechanical or chemical components.
2Measurement precision
If traditional validation methods are used, then pyrotechnic igniter functionality can be tested, but the methods are insufficiently representative of simulated elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or chemical simulation approaches with an electronic system that uses impedance block switching. This substitution provides more precise electrical parameter control and better represents the actual electrical behavior of pyrotechnic igniters during validation testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator automatically detects the firing pulse characteristics and autonomously switches the impedance block to the appropriate state without requiring external control. The system self-regulates based on the detected pulse parameters, simplifying operation while improving measurement precision.
3Use of energy by moving object
If autonomous simulation is implemented, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection element automatically detects firing pulse characteristics and triggers the impedance block switching without external intervention. This autonomous operation eliminates the need for continuous external power supply and control mechanisms, reducing overall energy consumption while keeping the control logic simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator operates in periodic cycles: detecting the firing pulse, determining characteristics, and switching the impedance block. This periodic operation pattern allows the system to use energy only when needed (during pulse detection and switching events) rather than continuously, reducing average power consumption.
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 simulator provides an efficient, autonomous, and reversible simulation of pyrotechnic igniter behavior, capable of recording and transmitting results, and configuring parameters, applicable to various systems, including weapon systems, with minimal energy consumption and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a detection element (5) capable of detecting at least one received firing pulse
Implementation Method 2
a charging element (17) capable of recovering energy from a received firing pulse and of charging a first energy reserve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
- The pyrotechnic igniter simulator (1) comprises a detection element (5) capable of detecting at least one ignition pulse, a microcontroller (6) capable of determining characteristics of the ignition pulse detected by the detection element (5) and of driving an impedance block (7) according to these characteristics, the microcontroller (6) being capable of being configured remotely, and the impedance block (7) which is capable of being simulated according to one of two different impedance values according to said characteristics, one of said impedance values, called high, simulating an activation of the igniter in response to the detected ignition pulse and the other impedance value, called low, simulating an absence of activation of the igniter in response to the detected ignition pulse, the simulator (1) thus produced being autonomous and particularly efficient.