SSCI Squib Dual Electrical Network Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current countermeasure expendables rely on archaic mechanical time delay devices, such as fuses, to ensure proper dispersion of countermeasure materials away from military platforms, leading to costly and labor-intensive field testing.

Innovation Solution

A smart store communication interface (SSCI) squib is introduced, featuring a first electrical network for igniting a propellant and a second electrical network for communicating with a processor, both isolated by an insulated seal and controlled by a fire pin contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical time delay devices (fuses) are used to ensure proper dispersion distance, then the countermeasure materials are dispensed at suitable distances away from the military platform, but extensive field testing is required resulting in high labor and experimental costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispersion distance controlVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical time delay devices (fuses) with an electronic timing system that uses a processor, memory, and electrical networks to control the dispersion timing. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive field testing of mechanical fuses while maintaining precise control over the dispersion distance, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If electrical networks are integrated into the squib for smart communication, then the need for extensive field testing is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to isolated electrical networks and insulation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical network structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrical system into two isolated networks: a first electrical network for high-voltage ignition signals and a second electrical network for low-voltage communication signals. This segmentation allows each network to be optimized independently, reducing the complexity of integrating both functions while maintaining testing efficiency benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an insulated seal as an intermediary component that physically and electrically separates the two electrical networks. This intermediary element enables safe coexistence of high-voltage and low-voltage circuits within the same squib assembly, managing the complexity through a dedicated isolation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If a fire pin contact is used to operably engage both electrical networks, then precise ignition and communication control is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to insulation and electrical isolation constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal control precisionVSAvoidelectrical isolation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The insulated seal serves as a mediator that handles the electrical isolation requirements, allowing the fire pin contact to focus on precise signal transmission without bearing the burden of maintaining electrical isolation. This separation of concerns reduces manufacturing precision requirements for the fire pin assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 SSCI squib enables precise and efficient ignition and communication, reducing the need for extensive field testing and lowering operational costs while improving the reliability of countermeasure dispersion.

Implementation Method 1

the first electrical network is configured to ignite the propellant loaded inside of the housing in response to receiving the at least one electrical signal at a first voltage at the fire pin contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a second electrical network that is isolated from the first electrical network... an insulated seal configured to electrically isolate the first electrical network and the second electrical network from one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12235061B1Smart store communication interface (SSCI) compatible squib design

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION ANDELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC

AI summary

A smart store communication interface (SSCI) squib of a countermeasure expendable. SSCI squib also includes a first electrical network. SSCI squib also includes a second electrical network that is isolated from the first electrical network. SSCI squib includes a fire pin contact that operably engages with the first electrical network and the second electrical network. The SSCI squib is configured to one of ignite a propellant loaded inside of a housing of the SSCI squib and communicate with a processor of the countermeasure expendable in response to receiving at least one electrical signal at the fire pin contact.