Repeatable Plasma Generator for Barrel Weapon Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plasma igniters for propellant charges in barrel weapons are single-use and require complex liquid handling, leading to logistical issues and increased vulnerability due to the need for frequent replacement and handling of ignition cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A repeatable plasma generator that ionizes a neutral filling gas in the combustion chamber duct using high-voltage potentials, generating a conductive plasma that increases pressure and energy for efficient ignition, eliminating the need for liquid dosing and reducing vulnerability by using a solid, sacrificial combustion chamber substance that can be easily replaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plasma igniters are used, then ignition of propellant charges is achieved, but the igniters are single-use and require frequent replacement and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generator is designed to be self-contained and repeatable, with all necessary components (electrodes, filling gas, combustion chamber substance) integrated into a single unit that can be reused multiple times without external intervention for component replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma generator serves multiple functions: it generates plasma through electrical discharge, ignites the propellant charge, and can be reused for multiple firings, replacing the need for separate ignition cartridges for each firing
2Reliability
If ignition cartridges are used, then propellant charges can be ignited, but complex liquid handling systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical liquid handling system with an electrical system that generates plasma through electrical discharge between electrodes, eliminating the need for pumps, valves, and liquid dosing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the state of matter from liquid (ignition substance) to plasma (ionized gas), transforming the ignition mechanism from chemical combustion of liquid to electrical plasma generation, thereby simplifying the system
3Ease of operation
If vulnerable ignition substances are used, then easy ignition is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to unintentional ignition
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion chamber is filled with inert gas (such as nitrogen or helium) that does not support combustion, creating a safe environment where the propellant charge cannot ignite unintentionally unless the plasma generator is activated
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma generated by the electrical discharge acts as an intermediary that transfers energy from the electrical system to the propellant charge, providing controlled ignition without requiring vulnerable chemical ignition substances
4Object-affected harmful factors
If low-vulnerability propellant substances are used, then safety against unintentional ignition is improved, but increased energy and pressure are required for ignition
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generator uses dynamic electrical discharge with controllable voltage and current parameters that can be adjusted to provide the necessary energy for igniting low-vulnerability propellants, allowing the system to adapt to different propellant types
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 enables safe, adaptive, and repeatable ignition of low-vulnerability propellant charges with controlled energy pulses, reducing misfires and logistical complexities, while allowing for efficient use of low-vulnerability propellant substances and improved weapon system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a neutral filling gas in a combustion chamber duct is ionized by means of a high-voltage generator, thereby increasing the conduction capacity
Implementation Method 2
By means of current generated by a second high-voltage generator between a rear electrode and a front electrode in the combustion chamber duct, the filling gas is ionized further, the subsequent effect increases gas pressure in the combustion chamber, and energy is released via recombination among free electrons and ions
Implementation Method 3
generating a conductive plasma that increases pressure and energy for efficient ignition
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for repeatable ignition of propellant charges in a weapon system, e.g. for firing shells from a barrel weapon, through electrical discharge in a combustion chamber duct (3) containing a combustion chamber substance (30), wherein the filling gas in the combustion chamber duct (3) is ionized by the high-voltage potential applied to the ionizing electrode (7), which is connected to a first high-voltage generator (2), thus increasing the electrical conduction capacity in the combustion chamber duct (3) such that an electrical sparkover through electrical discharge via a second high-voltage generator (5) between a rear electrode (22) and a front electrode (21) is generated and produces an effect, with subsequent ionization of the surface of the combustion chamber substance (30), which causes hot gas in a plasma-like state to be expelled from the combustion chamber duct (3). The invention also concerns a plasma generator therefor, and an ammunition unit containing said plasma generator.