RF Antenna for Breech Multipoint Propellant Ignition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artillery systems experience inconsistent and unpredictable ignition of propellant charges due to single-point rear ignition, leading to rarefaction waves and potential catastrophic failures, especially in larger and heavier charges.
Innovation Solution
A munition cartridge system utilizing radio frequency (RF) energy for multipoint ignition of propelling charges, where RF energy is transmitted through an antenna within the charge case to strategically located RF ignitors, allowing for simultaneous or sequential ignition at multiple points along the charge body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-point rear ignition is used to initiate propellant charges, then device complexity is reduced, but ignition reliability deteriorates due to inconsistent and unpredictable ignition propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition system is segmented into multiple independent ignition sources distributed throughout the propellant charge rather than using a single ignition point. Each ignition source can independently initiate combustion, ensuring reliable ignition propagation even if one source fails or the propagation path is blocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition approach transitions from one-dimensional (single point at rear) to three-dimensional distribution (multiple points throughout the charge volume). This spatial distribution allows ignition to occur simultaneously at multiple locations, eliminating the unpredictable progression issues of single-point ignition.
2Power
If larger propellant charges are used to increase range and power, then projectile performance is improved, but ignition consistency deteriorates due to increased charge length and volume
Solution Approach 1:
Large propellant charges are divided into multiple ignition zones with distributed ignition sources. This segmentation ensures that even in large-volume charges, each local zone can be reliably ignited, and the combustion wave propagates predictably from multiple starting points throughout the extended charge.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the propellant charge are equipped with locally adapted ignition sources positioned optimally within each zone. This ensures that each local region has appropriate ignition characteristics tailored to its specific geometry and propellant density, maintaining consistency across the entire large charge.
3Reliability
If multipoint ignition is implemented to improve ignition reliability, then ignition predictability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional ignition components
Solution Approach 1:
A single radio frequency transmission system serves multiple functions: it simultaneously energizes multiple ignition sources distributed throughout the charge. This multi-functional approach achieves multipoint ignition reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity, as one RF generator controls all ignition points.
Solution Approach 2:
Radio frequency energy acts as an intermediary that bridges the control system and multiple distributed ignition sources. The RF field efficiently transfers energy to multiple ignition points simultaneously through the propellant charge, eliminating the need for complex individual wiring to each ignition source.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrical or mechanical ignition is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of premature detonation and rarefaction waves
Solution Approach 1:
Conventional mechanical or electrical ignition systems are replaced with a radio frequency-based ignition system. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and electrical wiring within the propellant charge, reducing the risk of premature detonation during handling and assembly while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Radio frequency energy serves as a non-contact intermediary for igniting the propellant charge. This eliminates the need for physical ignition components embedded in or near the propellant, reducing safety hazards during manufacturing, storage, and handling while still enabling reliable ignition when needed.
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 predictable and reliable ignition, reducing the risk of premature detonation and enhancing the performance and range of artillery systems by enabling the use of larger propelling charges while ensuring safety and flexibility in ignition sequencing.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitting antenna is located within the interior volume of the case. The transmitting antenna is in communication with the radio frequency interface and transmits the received radio frequency energy throughout the interior volume.
Implementation Method 2
The radio frequency ignitor utilizes the transmitted radio frequency energy to ignite the propelling charge.
Data Source
AI summary
A weapon system effectively, efficiently and safely transmits high energy radio frequency energy into the confines of the breech environment to initiate propelling charges. Legacy components are leveraged, along with advanced manufacturing techniques, to create antenna structures which transmit the radio frequency energy throughout the breech to initiate radio frequency-based primers.