Rocket Ignition Arming Confirmation Using Hall Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for confirming the arming status or safe status in electromechanical ignition safety systems are prone to inaccuracies due to the wing of the detonator blocking light from the photodiode, leading to incorrect detection of the arming status even when the torque motor rotates only about 20 degrees, and may result in premature generation of the arming signal before proper alignment of the electric detonator and through bulkhead initiator.

Innovation Solution

The use of permanent magnets and Hall sensors to detect the magnetic flux from these magnets as the detonator holder rotates, allowing for more accurate determination of the arming and safe statuses by employing a pair of symmetrical magnets and Hall sensors to monitor the alignment between the detonator and through bulkhead initiator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a photo sensor and wings are used to detect arming status, then the system can detect alignment between detonator and initiator, but the wing may block light from the photodiode causing incorrect detection of arming status

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of arming statusVSAvoidreliability of arming status detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical detection system (photo sensor and light-blocking wings) with a magnetic detection system (Hall sensor and permanent magnet). The Hall sensor detects the magnetic field signal from the permanent magnet attached to the detonator holder, eliminating the problem of light blocking by wings while maintaining the ability to detect alignment status between detonator and initiator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the torque motor rotates only about 20 degrees, then the system can confirm safe status, but the wing blocks light and generates false arming signals before proper alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of status confirmationVSAvoidreliability of arming signal generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical detection system with a magnetic detection system using a Hall sensor and permanent magnet. The permanent magnet is attached to the detonator holder, and the Hall sensor detects its magnetic field signal. This substitution eliminates the false arming signal problem that occurred with the optical system when the torque motor rotated only about 20 degrees, ensuring reliable arming signal generation only when proper alignment is achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Shape

If wings are attached to the detonator holder assembly, then the structure provides mechanical features for alignment, but the wings block light from the photodiode causing detection errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural features for alignmentVSAvoidprecision of alignment detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical detection method with a magnetic detection method. Instead of using wings that block light, a permanent magnet is attached to the detonator holder assembly. The Hall sensor detects the magnetic field signal from this permanent magnet, providing accurate alignment detection without the light-blocking issue caused by the wings' structural presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances the accuracy of detecting the arming and safe statuses, improving the reliability of the ignition safety system by ensuring proper alignment and preventing premature arming signals, thereby enhancing the overall safety and functionality of the rocket ignition system.

Implementation Method 1

a Hall sensor formed by extending to one side of the torque motor, disposed between the pair of wing parts of the detonator holder, and detecting a magnetic flux from the permanent magnet as the detonator holder rotates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260063092A1Ignition Safety System Loading Confirmation Device and Loading Monitoring System Including the Same

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEV

AI summary

Provided is an ignition safety system arming confirmation device and an arming monitoring system including the same, and more particularly, an electro-mechanical ignition safety system arming confirmation device for ignition of a rocket motor and an arming monitoring system including the same, which provides greater accuracy in detecting an arming status and a safe status by using a permanent magnet and a Hall sensor.