Spark Gap Trigger Circuit with Delayed Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional triggerable spark gaps trigger immediately upon receiving a trigger pulse, lacking a predetermined delay, which is a tamper-proof mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A trigger circuit is integrated into the spark gap arrangement to store energy from the input pulse and release it with a specified time delay, using a combination of charge storage devices, resistors, and a transformer to control the trigger electrode, ensuring a delayed ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trigger pulse is applied to the trigger electrode, then the spark gap is ignited immediately, but a predetermined delay cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger circuit performs preliminary actions by storing the input pulse energy in a first memory and then transferring it to a second memory with a specified time constant before triggering the spark gap. This preliminary energy storage and transfer process creates the required time delay between the input pulse and the actual triggering of the spark gap, ensuring tamper-proof delay functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger circuit acts as an intermediary between the input pulse and the trigger electrode. It introduces intermediate energy storage stages (first and second memories) that mediate the direct connection, thereby creating a controlled time delay. The circuit includes a triggerable diverting element and transformer as additional intermediary components that control the timing of the trigger pulse delivery to the spark gap.
2Ease of operation
If the trigger connection is accessible from outside, then triggering is immediate and simple, but security and predetermined delay are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger connection is extracted from direct external accessibility and replaced with an integrated trigger circuit that has a controlled input interface. The input pulse is fed to the trigger circuit through a defined interface that prevents direct external manipulation of the trigger electrode. This extraction of the trigger function into a protected circuit ensures that only properly formatted input pulses can initiate the delayed triggering sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger circuit serves as an intermediary layer between any external triggering signal and the actual spark gap triggering. It mediates the trigger signal by requiring it to pass through energy storage and timing circuits, ensuring that direct external access to the trigger electrode is eliminated while maintaining controlled triggering capability through the defined input interface.
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 design provides a tamper-proof spark gap with a controlled delay between the input pulse and the ignition of the spark gap, ensuring a predetermined time span, typically greater than 15 μs, suitable for applications requiring a specific timing.
Implementation Method 1
A further capacitor is connected in series with a primary winding of a transformer in parallel with the gas discharge tube
Implementation Method 2
the main electrodes of a spark plug are connected to the terminals of this capacitor. A gas discharge tube is connected in series with a resistor across the capacitor
Implementation Method 3
an ionized path is created in the gas-filled space, over which a current flows between the trigger electrode and one of the main electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
A spark gap arrangement comprises a triggerable spark gap (TF) and a trigger circuit (TRG), which comprises a first and a second charge storage device (C1, C2), a first resistor (R1), a triggerable discharge element (SF, SF3, TD, TH) and a transformer (T1). The trigger circuit is designed to temporarily store the energy of an input pulse supplied on the input side to the trigger circuit (TRG), storage being carried out at least by the first energy storage device (C1). One part of the stored energy is transferred to the second charge storage device (C2) via the first resistor (R1). The triggerable discharge element (SF, TD, TH) is designed to become conductive, in accordance with a voltage, through the second charge storage device (C2) and to discharge the first charge storage device (C1) via a primary side (T11) of the transformer (T1). A secondary side (T12) of the transformer (T1) is connected to a main electrode (HE) of the triggerable spark gap (TF) and to a trigger electrode (TE) of the triggerable spark gap (TF).