Pyrotechnic Launch Units With Laser Ignition And Regulated Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pyrotechnic systems produce smoke and debris, are imprecise, and struggle to launch multiple elements in rapid succession due to limitations from priming elements and lifting charges, posing environmental and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A pyrotechnic launch unit utilizing laser ignition and regulated air supply to precisely launch multiple elements, minimizing smoke and debris, with a modular design allowing for rapid succession and adjustable launch parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional priming elements and lifting charges are used, then pyrotechnic elements can be launched, but smoke and debris are produced which are distracting and physically irritating to spectators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical ignition system (priming elements and lifting charges) with a laser-based ignition system. The laser ignition module uses focused laser beams to ignite pyrotechnic elements directly, eliminating the need for black powder priming and traditional lifting charges, thereby eliminating smoke and debris while maintaining launch capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the ignition method from chemical combustion-based (black powder) to optical energy-based (laser). This parameter change in the ignition mechanism fundamentally alters the system, replacing harmful chemical reactions with a clean optical ignition process that produces no smoke or debris
2Productivity
If conventional priming elements and lifting charges are used, then pyrotechnic elements can be launched, but the launch and detonation are subject to significant limitations making it difficult to launch successive elements in short precise periods of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ignition system with a laser-based system that can be precisely controlled and triggered at any time. The laser ignition module allows for precise timing control, enabling successive pyrotechnic elements to be ignited in rapid succession with accurate timing, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities through the laser ignition system, allowing the timing and duration of ignition to be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic control enables precise timing for each launch event, facilitating rapid successive launches with consistent precision that conventional static ignition systems cannot achieve
3Productivity
If black powder priming elements and lifting charges are used, then pyrotechnic elements can be launched, but special care is required to avoid injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hazardous black powder-based ignition system with a laser-based system that eliminates explosive priming. This substitution removes the primary safety hazard associated with black powder handling and ignition, significantly reducing the risk of injury while maintaining pyrotechnic launch capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful chemical energy storage and transfer mechanism of black powder into a safe optical ignition process. The laser provides precise, controlled ignition without the uncontrolled chemical reactions and explosive hazards of black powder, turning a harmful system into a safe one
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional pyrotechnic systems are used, then pyrotechnic elements can be launched, but the trajectories and distances are imprecise and not generally reproducible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ignition system with a laser-based system that provides more precise and reproducible ignition timing and positioning. The laser can be precisely controlled in terms of timing, position, and duration, resulting in more consistent pyrotechnic element trajectories and distances that are easily reproducible across multiple launches
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 repeatable launches of pyrotechnic elements with minimal environmental impact, achieving synchronized displays by eliminating the need for black powder and reducing launch times to under 100 milliseconds.
Implementation Method 1
The first laser ignition module is configured to project a first laser through the first laser opening
Implementation Method 2
A regulated air supply provides a controlled blast of air to propel the ignited pyrotechnic element through the launch barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A modular pyrotechnic launch unit includes a launch module, a first module, and a second module. The launch module includes a launch barrel. The first module is coupled in series to the launch module. The first module includes a first ignition state in which the first module ignites a pyrotechnic element that will then pass through the launch barrel. The first module also includes a first pass-through state in which the first module allows a pyrotechnic element ignited by another module to pass through the first module. The second module is coupled in series to the first module. The second module includes a second ignition state in which the second module ignites a pyrotechnic element that will then pass through the first module and through the launch barrel.