Thermite Separation Mechanism for Launcher Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current separation methods for rigidly connected elements in launchers, such as missiles and space probes, generate debris, cause significant structural impact, or fail to transmit high strains, leading to damage and asperities on the launcher surface.
Innovation Solution
A method using thermite as connecting means between elements, remotely triggered for quick warming and separation without explosion, employing thermite between connecting plates with electrical control for secure and debris-free separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pyrotechnic cutting off by pressure and local temperature rise is used, then separation is achieved, but debris is generated and significant impact is caused to the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the thermite from explosive combustion to controlled heating by adjusting the electrical energy input duration and intensity. This transforms the separation mechanism from high-speed explosive cutting to gradual thermal softening, eliminating debris generation while maintaining separation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical explosive force system with a thermal energy system. Instead of using thermite explosion to mechanically cut and separate components, electrical current is used to heat the thermite, which then thermally softens the connecting material, enabling separation without mechanical impact or debris
2Object-generated harmful factors
If pyrotechnic cutting off by rupturing the structure is used, then debris generation is reduced, but very significant impact is caused to the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the thermite from explosive combustion to controlled heating by adjusting the electrical energy input duration and intensity. This transforms the separation mechanism from high-speed explosive cutting to gradual thermal softening, eliminating debris generation while maintaining separation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical explosive force system with a thermal energy system. Instead of using thermite explosion to mechanically cut and separate components, electrical current is used to heat the thermite, which then thermally softens the connecting material, enabling separation without mechanical impact or debris
3Force
If pyrotechnic bolting and rupturing the nut is used, then impact is reduced, but higher failure risks are generated due to number of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connecting and separating functions into a single integrated system. The thermite is embedded within the connecting plate structure itself, eliminating the need for separate bolts and nuts. This unified approach reduces the number of components from multiple fastening devices to a single integrated connecting plate with embedded thermite, thereby reducing failure risks
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting plate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical connection, contains the thermite, and acts as the separation mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate connecting and separating components, reducing overall system complexity and potential failure points
4Strength
If connections by straps and rupturing by pyrotechnic bolts is used, then high strains cannot be transmitted and launcher diameter is limited, but stress relief causes high impact in structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the thermite from explosive combustion to controlled heating by adjusting the electrical energy input duration and intensity. This transforms the separation mechanism from high-speed explosive cutting to gradual thermal softening, eliminating debris generation while maintaining separation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical explosive force system with a thermal energy system. Instead of using thermite explosion to mechanically cut and separate components, electrical current is used to heat the thermite, which then thermally softens the connecting material, enabling separation without mechanical impact or debris
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 secure, debris-free, and impact-reduced separation of elements, maintaining surface integrity and allowing for high strain transmission, suitable for various launcher diameters and fragile payloads.
Implementation Method 1
triggering by an electrical command the thermite to cause, only by its warming-up, and not the explosion, the quick warming-up, and not the destruction of the connecting means
Implementation Method 2
thermite inflammable by an electrical control connection being placed at the connecting means
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device enable the linear separation of two elements attached to each other through two connecting plates of the first element and the second element respectively. An arrangement connecting and separating the two connecting plates are mixed and comprise a layer. The connecting arrangement comprises soldering, glue, or resin, whereas the separating arrangement comprises thermite. These elements can also be layered rather than mixed. An electrical triggering of this assembly causes its quick and local warming-up and thus enables both of these elements to be separated.