Spark Gap Assembly Anti-Tamper Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional triggerable spark gaps struggle to achieve a statistically reliable ignition delay exceeding 15 μs, with values scattering widely and a portion having delay times less than 15 μs, and are vulnerable to manipulation of the ignition delay circuit, which can lead to unintended ignition delays and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A spark gap arrangement featuring a discharge chamber, an electrode head, and a contact connection that is electrically and mechanically decoupled when moved to a predetermined position, utilizing a magnetic connection and ejection mechanism to ensure permanent decoupling and prevent manipulation, ensuring the electrode head moves into the discharge chamber, thereby preventing tampering and maintaining the desired ignition delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a contact connection is made securely to the electrode head, then electrical connection is reliable, but the assembly becomes vulnerable to manipulation and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode head is pre-loaded in a compressed state by the spring element before any manipulation attempt occurs. The magnetic connector is pre-positioned to engage with the contact connection. When tampering is attempted, the pre-compressed spring immediately drives the electrode head into the discharge chamber, converting the preliminary stored mechanical energy into a protective action that secures the ignition delay circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connector serves as an intermediary between the contact connection and the electrode head. It provides a controlled coupling mechanism that allows normal electrical connection while preventing direct access to the ignition delay circuit. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that maintains electrical connectivity but blocks mechanical tampering attempts until the decoupling threshold is reached.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the electrode head is fixed firmly to prevent movement, then operational stability is maintained, but manipulation attempts can still access the ignition delay circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-compressed during assembly, storing mechanical energy in advance. The electrode head is pre-positioned in a stable state held by the magnetic connector. When tampering is detected (movement of the contact connection), the pre-stored spring energy immediately activates to drive the electrode head into the discharge chamber, transforming the stable but vulnerable configuration into a protected state.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical fixed connection is replaced with a magnetic field-based coupling system. Instead of rigid mechanical fastening that would require disassembly tools, the magnetic connector provides a field-based attachment that responds to movement attempts. This substitution allows the system to detect manipulation through magnetic field disturbance and activate the spring-driven protection mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the contact connection allows easy access for maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but security against tampering is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded during normal assembly, storing the mechanical energy needed for protection before any maintenance or tampering occurs. The system is configured in advance so that any movement of the contact connection, whether intentional maintenance or malicious tampering, triggers the same protective response. The preliminary compression of the spring ensures immediate activation without requiring additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact connection is segmented into a movable component that can be accessed for maintenance while the electrode head remains in a protected position. The magnetic connector allows the contact connection to move independently for maintenance purposes, but this movement is detected and triggers the spring-driven electrode head ejection, creating a segmented response that accommodates maintenance while maintaining security.
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 effectively secures the spark gap arrangement against manipulation, ensuring a consistent ignition delay above 15 μs by permanently decoupling the electrode head from the contact connection, thus preventing any attempts to override or tamper with the ignition delay circuit, ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet is arranged to provide a magnetic connection to the electrode head, so that in each case the magnetic connection holds the electrode head in position
Implementation Method 2
A spring element is arranged in the first coupling part, which acts on the electrode head with elastic force in order to drive the electrode head into the interior of the discharge chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Spark gap arrangement with a discharge chamber (6), an electrode head (4) and a contact terminal (9) arranged outside the discharge chamber (6), wherein the electrode head (4) is electrically conductively connected to the contact terminal (9) and mechanically coupled in such a way that when the contact terminal (9) is removed from its position or when the contact terminal (9) reaches a predetermined position, the electrically conductive connection is interrupted and the electrode head (4) is mechanically decoupled from the contact terminal (9), so that the electrode head (4) is movable in the direction of the discharge chamber interior and/or within the discharge chamber (6).