Vented Torque Release Mechanism for Insensitive Munitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insensitive munitions release methods have limited secondary vent areas and rely on increasing pressure and heat to fail attachment interfaces, which can lead to inefficient fuze and fuze well ejection, and inadequate shock mitigation during events like Slow Cook-Off and Fast Cook-Off tests.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a vented torque release mechanism with unique geometrical configurations, including grooves and holes, that provide additional secondary vent paths and counter torque mechanisms to assist in the release of fuzes and fuze wells, while also incorporating shock dampening features to reduce transmitted shocks and stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If current insensitive munitions release methods are used, then the attachment interface fails through pressure and heat, but the vent area is limited and ejection is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: a fuze well with threaded engagement, a retaining ring with release features, and a fuze assembly. The segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function, enabling improved venting pathways and more efficient ejection through coordinated action of multiple elements rather than a single monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces multi-dimensional venting pathways by creating both axial and radial vent channels through the fuze well and retaining ring structures. This dimensional expansion of venting paths significantly increases the effective vent area beyond what single-plane venting could provide, allowing gases to escape through multiple spatial directions simultaneously.
2Reliability
If pressure and heat are increased to fail attachment interface, then release occurs, but shock mitigation is inadequate during cook-off events
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring incorporates dedicated shock mitigation features and dampening structures positioned to absorb and dissipate shock waves before they can transmit harmful stresses to the fuze. This beforehand cushioning protects the fuze during cook-off events by intercepting and neutralizing harmful pressure waves and mechanical shocks in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring acts as an intermediary element between the fuze well and the fuze assembly. It mediates the release process by providing a controlled failure mode that separates the thermal/pressure loading from the mechanical attachment, allowing the interface to fail reliably while the intermediary structure absorbs and manages the resulting shocks and stresses.
3Strength
If threaded engagement is used to retain fuze well, then secure attachment is achieved, but release requires failure of attachment interface
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static threaded engagement to a dynamic release mechanism. The retaining ring incorporates features that allow the system to remain strongly attached under normal conditions but can dynamically transition to a released state when specific conditions are met, such as thermal softening or mechanical actuation of the release features.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism exploits parameter changes in the attachment interface, particularly thermal softening of materials or changes in friction characteristics under heat. These parameter changes reduce the attachment strength in a controlled manner, enabling release without requiring catastrophic failure of the threaded engagement while maintaining secure attachment during normal operation.
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 solution enhances fuze survivability by improving venting efficiency, reducing shock and vibrational pressures, and enabling consistent and gradual release of fuzes, thereby improving munition performance in Insensitive Munitions Tests and reducing the risk of pressure buildup and violent releases.
Implementation Method 1
redirecting expanding gases produced by ignited energetics
Implementation Method 2
enlarge the vent paths through erosion
Implementation Method 3
shock dampening ring...configured to reduce the shock experienced by a munition fuze
Implementation Method 4
impedance mismatches across interfaces. This additional dampening...results in reduced shock and vibrational pressures
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a vented torque release device having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. A wall is defined by the inner surface and the outer surface. A plurality of canted holes are axially spaced at equal distance about the outer surface.