Resonant Circuit Munitions Component Separation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the relative positions of components in munitions systems, such as electrical continuity and acceleration profiling, are unreliable and can be tampered with or limited in effectiveness, particularly when stores are deployed under gravity or with simultaneous events.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a resonant circuit that monitors changes in resonant frequency due to changes in inductance, allowing for accurate determination of component separation and orientation by using a signal generator to match oscillation frequencies with the resonant circuit, and employing multiple resonant circuits for enhanced safety and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical continuity methods are used to determine separation, then separation detection is possible, but the method is unreliable and can be tampered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical continuity methods (mechanical/electrical system) with resonant frequency detection (electromagnetic field-based system). The resonant circuit detects changes in resonant frequency caused by relative position changes between components, eliminating the need for physical wire breaks and making the system tamper-proof since electromagnetic field interactions cannot be easily manipulated without detectable consequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic field-based resonant circuit that mediates the detection process. Instead of directly monitoring electrical continuity or physical separation, the resonant circuit senses changes in the electromagnetic field caused by relative position changes, providing an indirect but reliable measurement that is inherently resistant to tampering.
2Reliability
If acceleration profiling methods are used to determine separation, then separation can be detected, but the method is limited when stores are deployed under gravity or with simultaneous events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acceleration profiling (mechanical sensing) with resonant frequency detection (electromagnetic field-based sensing). This substitution allows the system to detect separation through changes in electromagnetic field interaction caused by relative position changes, making it effective regardless of deployment mechanics such as gravity-induced separation or simultaneous multi-event deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from acceleration (mechanical motion) to resonant frequency (electromagnetic field characteristic). This parameter change enables the system to detect separation in diverse deployment scenarios including gravity-induced separation, where acceleration methods fail, and simultaneous events, where acceleration signals may be obscured.
3Reliability
If multiple methods are used in parallel to meet safety requirements, then detection reliability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function into a single resonant circuit system that inherently provides reliable and tamper-proof separation detection. By combining the sensing, processing, and detection functions into one integrated resonant circuit system, the patent eliminates the need for multiple parallel methods while maintaining high reliability through the fundamental physics of resonant frequency changes.
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
This approach provides a reliable and tamper-proof method for determining the separation and orientation of components, ensuring safe deployment and accurate tracking of positions, even in complex scenarios like gravity-induced deployment.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring the output of a resonant circuit provided on the first component, the resonant circuit having a resonant frequency, detecting a change in the output due to a change in the resonant frequency caused by a change in the relative positions of the first component and the at least one second component
Implementation Method 2
The change in the resonant frequency may be caused by a change in the inductance of the resonant circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of determining the relative positions of components of a munitions system, the munitions system comprising a first component (331) and at least one second component (333). The method comprises monitoring the output of a resonant circuit (305) provided on a first component (331), the resonant circuit (305) having a resonant frequency, detecting a change in the output due to a change in the resonant frequency caused by a change in the relative positions of the first component (331) and the at least one second component (333), and using the detected change to determine that the at least one second component (333) has moved relative to the first component (331).