Wireless Fuze Setter Interface for High-Speed Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current autoloader mechanisms for precision guided munitions face limitations in programming complex fuze data due to time constraints and the need for high-speed data and electrical energy transfer, which restricts the rate of fire capability.

Innovation Solution

A wireless fuze setter interface with an electronics subsystem that includes an electrical energy transfer zone and a high-speed data communications zone, allowing for concurrent fuze setting without rotational alignment, using technologies like magnetic resonance for energy transfer and near-field magnetic induction for secure data communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional wired fuze setter interfaces are used, then rotational alignment is required between fuze and setter ports, but this mechanical alignment requirement reduces programming speed and limits rate of fire capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming speedVSAvoidmechanical alignment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired interface system with a wireless interface system. The fuze setter uses wireless communication (RF, microwave, or millimeter wave) to transmit programming data to the fuze, eliminating the need for physical connectors and rotational alignment mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic field-based systems directly resolves the contradiction by improving programming speed while removing mechanical alignment complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If more time is allocated for fuze programming, then larger amounts of mission data can be loaded, but the time available per launch cycle is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of mission dataVSAvoidprogramming time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless fuze setter interface enables continuous programming operations without interruption. Multiple fuzes can be programmed in sequence or parallel as they pass through the setting zone, eliminating idle time between programming cycles. This continuous operation allows larger amounts of mission data to be loaded while maintaining the required launch cycle timing, resolving the contradiction between data quantity and programming time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Use of energy by moving object

If electrical energy is transferred from fuze setter to sustain fuze operation, then fuze can remain powered during setting and transition periods, but energy transfer efficiency is limited by connection time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuze power sustainmentVSAvoidconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical electrical connectors with wireless energy transfer using electromagnetic fields. Energy can be transferred continuously as the fuze passes through the setting zone without requiring physical contact or alignment. This resolves the contradiction by enabling power sustainment during the entire programming process and transition periods, eliminating the time loss associated with establishing and maintaining wired electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 extends the time available for fuze programming, enabling higher rates of fire by concurrently powering and configuring multiple fuzes across multiple stations, improving efficiency and security through secure data transfer.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical energy transfer zone configured to provide electrical energy to the fuze

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using technologies like magnetic resonance for energy transfer and near-field magnetic induction for secure data communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear-field magnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12104889B2Wireless multi-fuze setter interface

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION ANDELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC

AI summary

Techniques and architecture are disclosed for a wireless fuze setter interface, comprising an electronics subsystem comprising a plurality of ports and a plurality of output interfaces having a common interface with the plurality of ports on the electronics subsystem. The plurality of output interfaces comprises an electrical energy transfer zone configured to provide electrical energy to the fuze, and a high speed data communications zone configured to transfer fuze setting data to the fuze. The wireless fuze setter interface provides fuze setting capability without the need for rotational or other physical alignment between the fuze and the fuze setter.