Squib-Enabled Battery Switch for Precise Countermeasure Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional countermeasure expendables rely on archaic mechanical time delay devices for dispensing countermeasures, requiring extensive field testing and labor, and batteries are prone to depletion during storage, making activation unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A countermeasure device with a canister containing a deployable payload, a battery, and a switch that toggles between active and inactive states based on the connection or disconnection of an impulse cartridge, enabling precise power transmission and activation only when the cartridge is present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical time delay devices are used to ensure countermeasure dispensing at suitable distances, then the countermeasures are dispensed at correct distances from the platform, but extensive field testing and labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical time delay devices with an electronic system comprising a battery, microcontroller, and distance calculation algorithms. The microcontroller calculates the optimal dispensing distance based on threat parameters and controls the dispensing mechanism electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical fuses and extensive field testing to calibrate mechanical time delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts dispensing parameters including distance, timing, and sequence based on real-time threat detection data. The microcontroller processes threat parameters and modifies dispensing characteristics accordingly, replacing fixed mechanical time delays with adaptive electronic control that requires minimal field testing
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional batteries are used in countermeasure expendables, then power is available for operation, but batteries are subject to depletion during storage and difficult to activate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-charging the battery during storage and using it to power the microcontroller for threat assessment and timing calculations. The battery is strategically positioned to provide power for critical pre-detonation functions, ensuring reliable activation when needed while maintaining power availability during storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary energy storage device that works in conjunction with the battery. The capacitor can be quickly charged by the battery and then provides immediate high-power discharge for activation, bridging the gap between battery power availability and the high-power demands of activation, thereby improving reliability
3Duration of action of moving object
If archaic mechanical time delay devices are used, then countermeasure dispensing can be timed, but the system complexity and testing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical time delay mechanisms with an electronic timing system based on a microcontroller that calculates and executes dispensing timing based on digital parameters. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling more precise and flexible time delay control through software algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller serves multiple functions including threat parameter processing, dispensing distance calculation, timing control, and sequence management. By consolidating these functions into a single electronic component, the system achieves sophisticated time delay control without increasing overall system complexity
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 efficient dispensing of countermeasures at precise distances, reducing testing costs and ensuring battery functionality, while maintaining operational readiness.
Implementation Method 1
a battery in the canister; a switch in the canister that is electrically connected to battery
Implementation Method 2
the active state permits transmission of power from the battery through the switch and the inactive state precludes transmission of power from the battery through the switch
Data Source
AI summary
A countermeasure includes a cartridge case. There is an impulse cartridge (IC) cup on the cartridge case. There is a deployable payload within the cartridge case, where the deployable payload is adapted to be deployed and expelled from the cartridge case. A battery is on the deployable payload, wherein the battery is enabled to power a component on the deployable payload in response to an impulse cartridge being connected with the IC cup and the battery is disabled in response to the impulse cartridge being disconnected from the IC cup.