Wireless Pyrotechnic Firing Module with Automatic Igniter Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pyrotechnic ignition systems are expensive, require proprietary equipment, and are not user-friendly for precise and safe remote ignition, especially for consumers, due to complex configuration and potential for electrical disconnection of igniter cables, and lack automatic detection of igniter type and burn time.
Innovation Solution
A wireless pyrotechnic firing system with modular design, including a transceiver, memory, antenna, and display, that allows quick and secure connection of igniter cables, automatic detection of igniter type and burn time, and visual addressing of modules for simplified control, using a microcontroller and igniter cable system with a plug interface for multiple igniter cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spring-loaded terminals are used to connect igniter cables, then electrical connection is maintained, but the system becomes time-consuming to set up and terminals may come loose
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the connection task into modular components: a multi-position terminal block with individual slots for each igniter cable, allowing independent connection and disconnection of each cable without affecting others. This segmentation enables rapid setup while maintaining reliable individual connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal block is pre-configured with multiple positions and spring-loaded contacts ready to accept igniter cables. The springs are pre-tensioned to provide immediate electrical contact upon cable insertion, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or tightening during setup.
2Ease of operation
If fixed-duration current pulses are used for all igniters, then the firing system is simple to operate, but it cannot accommodate different igniter types with different burn times
Solution Approach 1:
The firing system automatically detects the type of igniter connected and self-adjusts the current pulse duration without requiring manual configuration. The system measures the electrical characteristics of the connected igniter and selects the appropriate pulse parameters, making the system versatile while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the electrical properties of connected igniters and automatically adjust firing parameters. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to different igniter types while keeping the user interface simple and requiring no manual programming.
3Adaptability or versatility
If channel-based addressing is used for remote controllers, then multiple modules can be controlled, but coordinated programming and configuration is required which is error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary automatic pairing mechanism between remote controllers and firing modules. This intermediary process automatically assigns and synchronizes channel addresses without requiring manual configuration on both devices, eliminating coordination errors while maintaining multi-module control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote controller automatically copies and synchronizes its control channels with the firing modules through automatic pairing. This copying mechanism ensures that the controller and modules share identical channel configurations without requiring manual programming, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 system provides a cost-effective, user-friendly solution for precise and safe remote ignition of pyrotechnic devices, reducing setup time and eliminating the need for coordinated module and controller configuration, while ensuring reliable electrical connection and automatic adjustment of ignition parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver (106), an antenna (104), and a memory (114)
Implementation Method 2
an electrical current provided through the bridgewire ignites the pyrotechnic device
Data Source
AI summary
A pyrotechnic firing system for igniting an explosive charge comprising one or more firing modules, a firing control system, and an igniter cable system. The firing module can comprise a transceiver, a memory, an antenna, a processing means, and one or more cues. The firing control system can comprise a processing means, memory, transceiver, antenna, and display. The firing control system can identifying and obtaining information from one or more firing modules. The control system can then assign visual indicators to each of the one or more firing modules and display the visual indicators to a user on the display.