Solid-State Sensor Fuze Arming Circuit for Pre-Power Setback Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuze arming systems for munitions struggle to detect setback events before the power source is activated, limiting their ability to arm the fuze effectively and restricting design flexibility across various munition types.

Innovation Solution

A fuze arming system utilizing a solid-state sensor, such as a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive sensor, that generates a charge in response to setback events, allowing for arming before the power source is activated, combined with an arming circuit that includes a capacitor, comparator, rectifier, and bleeder resistor to verify and manage the arming signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electronic sensors are used to detect setback events, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor cannot operate before the power source is activated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetback detection capabilityVSAvoidpower source activation timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic sensors with a solid-state sensor that operates passively without requiring external power. This mechanical/physical substitution allows the sensor to detect setback events during the critical pre-power-activation period when electronic systems are unavailable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The solid-state sensor is self-powered through its inherent piezoelectric or magnetostrictive properties, converting mechanical strain directly into electrical charge without needing an external power source. This self-service capability enables operation during the critical early phase of munition launch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a separate power supply is used for the sensor, then reliability is improved, but design flexibility is reduced and the sensor cannot detect events before power activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operation reliabilityVSAvoiddesign flexibility across munition types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the separate power supply architecture with a passive solid-state sensor, the system eliminates the timing constraint between power activation and event detection. This substitution maintains reliability while dramatically improving adaptability across different munition types and launch scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The solid-state sensor provides universal applicability across various munition types (artillery, mortar, tank rounds, small arms) without requiring separate power supply arrangements. The single-component design achieves multi-functionality in detecting setback events across diverse platforms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If mechanical fuzes are used, then setback detection is reliable, but design flexibility and safety features are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetback detection reliabilityVSAvoiddesign flexibility for electronic fuzing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical fuse mechanism with an electronic arming circuit triggered by a solid-state sensor. This substitution preserves the reliable setback detection capability of mechanical systems while enabling the design flexibility, safety features, and programmability of electronic fuzing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the sensor from requiring powered electronic operation to passive solid-state operation. This parameter change allows the system to maintain mechanical-like reliability in setback detection while achieving electronic system flexibility and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables reliable and safe arming of the fuze before the power source is activated, increasing design flexibility and providing a robust safety feature for a wide range of munitions, from artillery shells to small arms, by detecting setback events independently of the power supply.

Implementation Method 1

The solid-state sensor may comprise a piezoelectric sensor. As piezoelectric sensor converts mechanical strain directly to electrical charge and hence does not require a separate power source to operate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The solid-state sensor may comprise a magnetostrictive sensor. A magnetostrictive sensor also converts mechanical strain directly to electrical charge and hence does not require a separate power source to operate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetostrictive effect: Magnetostriction

Data Source

PatentEP4053493A1Apparatus and method suitable for use with a munition

Publication Date: 2022.09.07 BAE SYSTEMS PLC

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AI summary

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a fuze arming system for a munition, comprising: an arming circuit arranged to detect a setback event and, in response to the setback event, generate a signal indicating that an arming event has occurred, wherein the arming circuit comprises a solid-state sensor configured to generate a charge when the setback event occurs.