Reusable High Pressure Ignition System with Ceramic Isolators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Energetic systems face challenges in reusing ignition sources and energetic materials due to their nature, leading to frequent replacements and increased costs in testing and operating applications like rocket motors and thrusters.
Innovation Solution
A reusable energetic ignition arrangement is developed, featuring an electric match with a heating element and ceramic isolators, where the seal and ignitor housing can be reused after an ignition event, allowing for multiple uses and cost-effective testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ignition systems are used, then ignition function is achieved, but the system must be replaced after each use due to degradation from high pressure and high temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition system is divided into replaceable segments: the electric match assembly can be replaced independently while the ignitor housing, seal, and ceramic isolators remain reusable. This segmentation allows partial replacement rather than complete system replacement after each ignition event.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal is introduced as an intermediary component between the pressure vessel and ignitor housing that can be replaced without replacing the entire ignition system. The seal protects the reusable ceramic isolators and housing from degradation while allowing the electric match to be exchanged.
2Reliability
If ignition components are replaced after each use, then reliable ignition is maintained, but testing costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into consumable (electric match, seal) and reusable (ignitor housing, ceramic isolators) components, allowing selective replacement of only the necessary parts after each ignition event, thereby reducing overall system replacement frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric match and seal are designed as disposable components that are discarded after use, while the expensive ceramic isolators and ignitor housing are recovered and reused for subsequent ignition events, reducing operational complexity and costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the seal and ceramic isolators are designed for reuse, then cost-effective testing is achieved, but the components must withstand extreme pressure and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly combines a polymeric seal material with ceramic isolators to create a composite structure that leverages the thermal and pressure resistance of ceramics while maintaining the sealing effectiveness of polymers, enabling reuse under extreme conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceramic isolators act as intermediary protective barriers between the reusable ignitor housing and the extreme ignition environment, shielding the housing from thermal and pressure damage while allowing the seal to perform its sealing function.
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 a low-cost, quick, and repeatable testing system by allowing the seal and ignitor components to withstand multiple ignition events, reducing replacement frequencies and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The electric match may comprise a heating element, an energetic compound coupled to the heating element
Implementation Method 2
the first ceramic isolator and the second ceramic isolator may comprise a ceramic material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An energetic ignition arrangement may comprise a pressure vessel arrangement (102), comprising a pressure vessel (120), and an ignition system arrangement (101). The ignition system arrangement may comprise an ignitor housing (130) coupled to the pressure vessel and defining a sealing aperture (138), a seal (142) disposed in the sealing aperture, and an electric match (110) extending through the ignitor housing, wherein at least the ignitor housing and the pressure vessel are reusable after the energetic ignition arrangement has been employed in an ignition event.