Reusable Electronics Module for Safe Arm Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronic safe/arm devices (ESADs) face issues with single housing designs that lead to destruction upon use, making them difficult to transport, dispose of, or test safely due to the intrinsic connection between power electronics and detonators, increasing the risk of inadvertent initiations.
Innovation Solution
A reusable firing system comprising a separate electronics module with a blast-resistant ordnance module, connected via multi-pin connectors compliant with US military standards, allowing for detachable and safe operation without damaging the electronics module during detonation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electronics module and ordnance module are enclosed in a single housing, then the device structure is simple, but the entire device is destroyed upon detonation and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate modules: an electronics module and an ordnance module. The electronics module contains the firing electronics and connector, while the ordnance module contains the detonator and blast-resistant housing. This segmentation allows the electronics module to survive detonation and be reused with different ordnance modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronics module is extracted from the ordnance module and placed in a separate housing. The connector extends from the electronics module housing to enable detachable connection to the ordnance module. This extraction protects the electronics from blast effects and enables reuse.
2Ease of manufacture
If the electronics module and ordnance module are in a single housing, then manufacturing is simpler, but safe transport and testing are compromised due to inadvertent initiation risk
Solution Approach 1:
Separating the electronics module from the ordnance module eliminates the risk of inadvertent initiation during transport and testing. The detachable connector allows the electronics module to be handled independently without detonators present, while still enabling assembly when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the electronics module is connected to the ordnance module via a detachable connector, then transport and testing are safer, but the connection must withstand blast effects to enable reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The blast-resistant housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the detonator and the electronics module connector. It absorbs and contains the blast effects, protecting the connector from damage while still allowing the connector to function for attaching and detaching ordnance modules.
Data Source
AI summary
An ordnance firing system is disclosed that includes a reusable electronics module and an ordnance module, each enclosed in a separate, sealed housing. The electronics module housing encloses firing electronics for electrically triggering initiation of a detonator in the ordnance module. The electronics module detachably connects to the ordnance modules via a connector which extends away from the electronics module housing. The housing of the ordnance module is constructed to be blast-resistant to prevent detonation of the detonator from rendering the electronics module inoperable.