Reversible Safety Arming System with Mechanical Chronometric Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety and arming devices for manually placed anti-tank explosive devices lack sufficient security measures, as they may inadvertently arm due to failures beyond unstable positions, making it difficult to neutralize the device without manual intervention and failing to guarantee a safe return state in case of electronic control or energy source failures.
Innovation Solution
A reversible safety and arming device that incorporates a pyrotechnic chain interruption flap coupled with a mechanical chronometric module, allowing automatic return to a safe position through a timed mechanism, independent of control electronics or energy sources, using a pinion system to wind the chronometric module and disengage motor means, ensuring the device can be safely reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bistable arming flap driven by a stepper motor is used, then the device can transition between safe and armed states, but the device offers insufficient security as a malfunction beyond the unstable position causes it to switch to the armed position despite the fault
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical chronometric module is introduced as an intermediary between the motor and the shutter mechanism. This module includes a mechanical disengagement means that automatically disconnects the motor from the shutter when the shutter passes beyond the unstable position, preventing uncontrolled arming while maintaining the bistable mechanism's functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The arming mechanism is segmented into independent functional components: the motor, the chronometric module with disengagement means, and the shutter mechanism. This segmentation allows the disengagement means to independently monitor and control the arming process, providing safety without requiring complete system redesign
2Reliability
If the shutter is locked in the armed position, then the explosive device is activated, but it is no longer possible to neutralize the explosive device without manually pressing the arming button
Solution Approach 1:
The disengagement means is designed to dynamically respond to the shutter's position. When the shutter is rotated beyond the unstable position, the disengagement means automatically engages, locking the motor from driving the shutter further. This dynamic response ensures that even if the motor malfunctions, the shutter cannot be inadvertently armed, yet remains controllable through proper disengagement procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical disengagement means provides immediate feedback about the shutter's position and state. The chronometric module mechanically detects when the shutter passes the unstable position and automatically disengages the motor connection, preventing further arming. This feedback mechanism ensures safe operation while maintaining the ability to disarm through controlled motor reversal
3Measurement precision
If electronic control means are used to manage the shutter position, then precise control is achieved, but the device fails to guarantee a safe return state in the event of failure of the electronic control means or energy sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control with a purely mechanical chronometric module for the critical safety function of disengagement. The mechanical module uses the shutter's own rotation to wind a spring and trigger automatic disengagement, eliminating dependency on electronic sensors, processors, or power sources for the fail-safe mechanism while maintaining precise control capability through the mechanical timing mechanism
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 device ensures complete safety by automatically returning to a safe state after a designated time interval, regardless of control electronics or energy failures, preventing unintended arming and allowing for safe reuse and deactivation without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the winding of the latter by the tensioning of a spring of this timing module
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~6
Figure 7a~9c
AI summary
The invention relates to a reversible safety and arming system (8) for an explosive device (1), said system comprising a flap (7) for interrupting a pyrotechnic chain which is mounted rotatably relative to an axis and which can be rotated by a motor means (11) between a safety position and at least one armed position. Said system is characterised in that the flap (7) is coupled by at least one pinion (13) to a mechanical chronometric module (14), the transition of the flap (7) from the safety position thereof to the armed position thereof thus causing the winding of the chronometric module (14) by the loading of a spring of said chronometric module, a means for releasing (17) the motor means (11) being provided and allowing the flap (7), once it has entered the armed position, to return to the safety position in a timed manner by the action of the chronometric module (14).