Waveshaper-Embedded Fuzing for Shaped Charge Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shaped charge systems face challenges in minimizing space requirements for electronic safe and arm devices (ESAD) while preventing premature detonation due to shaped charge liner collapse, as existing solutions increase overall system volume and risk premature detonation upon impact.
Innovation Solution
The detonator and high voltage switching components are separated from other ESAD components and embedded within the waveshaper structure, maintaining other ESAD components outside the explosive material chamber, thereby conserving space and ensuring these components remain in close proximity to the explosive fill material during impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic safe and arm devices are added to shaped charge systems, then safety and reliability are improved, but system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detonator and high voltage switching components are nested within the cavities of the waveshaper structure. The waveshaper contains hollow cavities that are specifically designed to house the ESAD components, allowing the safety device to be integrated within the existing waveshaper volume rather than adding separate external housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveshaper structure serves dual functions: it shapes the detonation wave for the shaped charge effect and simultaneously houses the electronic safe and arm device components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated space for safety circuitry.
2Volume of moving object
If ESAD components are housed outside the explosive chamber, then space is conserved, but components may separate from explosive material during impact causing premature detonation
Solution Approach 1:
The detonator and switching components are nested within the waveshaper cavities that are embedded in the explosive material. This ensures the firing components remain embedded with the explosive billet during impact, preventing separation and ensuring reliable detonation initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ESAD components are merged with the waveshaper structure, which itself is embedded in the explosive material. This integration ensures that the safety and firing components move as a unified assembly with the explosive during impact, maintaining proper positioning for reliable detonation.
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 configuration minimizes space usage and prevents premature detonation by keeping the firing module components with the waveshaper and explosive billet during target impact, ensuring reliable detonation and maintaining the waveshaper's function in directing detonation waves.
Implementation Method 1
create forwardly directed detonation waves (shown in dashed lines) that are directed around waveshaper 18 through the explosive material to converge on liner 14
Implementation Method 2
the liner is blasted by explosive material 16 out through the open end 11 of the casing as a metallic jet capable of penetrating the intended target
Data Source
AI summary
A shaped charge system controlled by an electronic safe and arm device located outside a system chamber comprises a billet of explosive fill material in the chamber, a waveshaper disposed in the explosive material, and a detonator and firing module disposed within the waveshaper.