Pyrotechnic Ignition Device Piston Closure Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for igniting pyrotechnic active substances face challenges in preventing premature ignition due to complex structures with spring-loaded slides, which can lead to incomplete sealing and increased risk of ignition, either through flame blow-through or delayed ignition.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing a piston-like slide mechanism driven by gas pressure from burning ignition and propellant charges, eliminating the need for springs and ensuring a sealed path for the ignition flame, with a stop to maintain high pressure and a design that closes the first opening to enhance ignition reliability and reduce delay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a spring-loaded slide mechanism is used to close the second opening, then the slide can be opened quickly to reduce ignition delay, but the slide cannot be completely sealed due to required play, increasing the risk of flame blow-through and premature ignition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition delayVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-loaded mechanical slide mechanism with a piston-like closure driven by gas pressure from the burning ignition compound. This substitution eliminates the need for springs and guides, allows complete sealing without play, and the closure is driven by the same combustion process it protects, achieving both quick response and reliable sealing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses gas pressure generated by the burning ignition compound to drive the piston-like closure. The combustion gases themselves provide the force to move the closure from closed to open position, enabling complete sealing while maintaining rapid response as the pressure differential drives the motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Loss of time

If the slide is positioned close to the second opening to minimize travel distance, then ignition delay is reduced, but flame can blow past the slide through the opening, causing premature ignition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition delayVSAvoidflame blow-through
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The piston-like closure driven by gas pressure provides complete sealing capability without the play required by mechanical spring-loaded slides. The closure can be positioned optimally to minimize travel distance while maintaining complete sealing, as the pneumatic drive allows tight fit without jamming concerns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a complex spring-loaded slide mechanism with guides is used, then the slide can be opened easily and quickly, but the device structure becomes complex with many parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslide opening easeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex spring-loaded mechanism with a simple piston-like closure driven by gas pressure. The closure moves freely in the combustion chamber under pressure differential, eliminating springs, guides, and associated components while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The combustion gases from the ignition compound itself provide the driving force for the closure mechanism. The system uses its own operational byproducts (combustion pressure) to perform the mechanical work of opening the closure, eliminating the need for separate spring mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enhanced safety against premature ignition, significantly reducing the likelihood of unintended ignition and achieving a shorter ignition delay with improved sealing and increased reliability, even at high altitudes.

Implementation Method 1

when the ignition compound burns off gas pressure is generated which serves to drive the slide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

gas pressure is generated which serves to drive the slide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2645049B1Device for igniting a pyrotechnic material
Publication Date: 2016.06.08 DIEHL DEFENCE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2645049B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2645049B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2645049B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has an ignition mass (12) held in a housing (10), an opening (14) in the housing on one side (13) of the housing for igniting the ignition mass by a burning away propellant, another opening (18) in the housing on another side (17) of the housing for igniting the explosive mass by burning-off of the ignition mass and a slider (20) guided in the housing. The slider forms a piston-shaped lock of a compartment (28), which is driven into open position by an excess pressure in the compartment, where the excess pressure is generated during the ignition of the ignition mass.