Disposable, miniature internal optical ignition source

Abstract

An ammunition cartridge for a gun is optically initiated by a mechanism wholly within the cartridge case itself. The case has as optical primer initiation means producing light fluence to ignite an optical sensitive mix, which ignited optical sensitive mix may in turn ignite into a flashtube, and which ignited flashtube may in turn ignite a bed of propellant in said cartridge. The optical primer initiation means may be an LED, a laser diode, a VCSEL, or some other light emitting device in general. The cartridge optically initiated primer package is so sized and made electrically and mechanically seamlessly physically compatible with current ammunition cartridges such that these new cartridges are completely interchangeable. If the cartridge primer initiation means is of a percussion type, the cartridge is adapted to include an in-line piezoelectric crystal so that electrical power will be generated when the cartridge assembly is struck by a firing pin during percussion type operations; the power is then used to initiate the light emitting device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of the ignition of small, medium and large caliber munitions and specifically to the use of an optical source (laser or other light emitting source) contained within the base of each cartridge case in place of the traditional chemical primer.

Related Art

Most conventional cartridge systems are initiated by use of a center fire based primer within a metal casing. Such primers are typically initiated through electrical, mechanical or thermal means. These systems in particular are used in many small, medium and large caliber gun systems. Recently, advanced artillery systems have explored the use of laser ignition systems wherein the propelling charge is ignited by a laser emitter located in the breech of the artillery system.

As can be appreciated, locating a laser ignition system in the breech of an artillery system presents numerous challenges. Among the most difficult of these challenges are those related to making the laser ignition system sufficiently robust to endure the continuous extreme vibration, shock and thermal excursions produced by the weapon system when fired, as well as the extreme environmental conditions such as long term storage and operation in hot or cold and wet or dry weather conditions.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The above problems are solved and an advance is made in the art according to the principles of the present invention. The availability of low cost optical emission sources such as laser diodes, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL's) and light emitting diodes (LED's) allow for the insertion of an active optical source directly within the body of the cartridge. This technology approach is diametrically opposed to current and past efforts of using a single, external laser to initiate the propelling charge and/or cartridge.

Viewed from a first aspect—the present invention is directed to the use of a light emitting source. For technical clarity, the term ‘laser diode’ will be used, though, any optical source with sufficient output energy could be substituted. Laser diodes are inherently robust, compact and readily available from multiple sources.

Viewed from another aspect—the present invention is directed to the use of a traditional metallic cartridge made of brass, steel or aluminum. This cartridge currently consists of three major components: a primer used to initiate the propellant either directly or via a booster charge, a propelling charge whose products of combustion are used to accelerate a projectile, and the projectile which is the mass discharged by the weapon. Advantageously—and in sharp contrast to previous laser ignition based systems, the proposed invention incorporates an optical based ignition source into and within the confines of cartridge case of munitions similar to present electrical or percussion-based system.

The incorporation of a diode laser within the physical confines of the primer geometry permits a seamless interchangeability and dynamic substitution of both optical and electrical based cartridges with no modification to existing weapon platforms. For systems using electrical ignition sources, a power source is already available, and the laser diode located within the cartridge casing will make use of this source. Alternatively, for weapon systems which use a mechanical firing pin, a diode laser would be coupled with a piezoelectric cell to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy to drive the optical source.

In addition, an optically based igniter integrated within the individual cartridge can be used with environmentally friendly based ‘green’ primary energetic compounds and could eliminate the need for lead styphnate based mixes with these cartridges.

Of principal relevance is the inherent dual protection by the principle of a Faraday cage which is provided by both the primary exterior metallic cartridge case in combination with the secondary metallic primer housing.

The primary Faraday cage is provided by the exterior case and projectile provides significant protection from electromagnetic environmental effect or E³. A secondary Faraday cage is provided by the primer assembly which completely surrounds the light emitting source. These two features effectively shield the laser diode from electrostatic discharge (ESD) which significantly reduces risk of inadvertent initiation.

Of further advantage is reduction of the threat of inadvertent ignition of the munitions from stray or directed energy fields. Laser diodes, by nature, do not emit optical energy when exposed to high intensity radio frequency fields (RFF). The reduction of sensitivity being primarily the result of the nature of laser diodes to not lase under exposure to high intensity radio frequency fields (RFI). This protection is further enhanced through the reduction and/or elimination of wire leads from the assembly. The principal role of the micro electric circuit design would feature to also provide protection to prevent such damage. Should a laser diode fail, it would fail ‘safe’, rendering the cartridge inoperable and would be safely ejected with no damage to the weapon platform.

Of further advantage is the reduction of the threat of inadvertent ignition of the munitions from an electro-magnetic pulse (EMP). This reduction in sensitivity is primarily the result of the optical source being contained within multiple Faraday cages and the lack of a suitable antenna.

The insertion of a laser diode based primer assembly/ignition system into the cartridge case presents minimal technical challenges and can be inserted with only minor modification to fabrication and assembly equipment. The elimination of inadvertent ignition by ESD would reduce the risk to manufacturing, transportation, storage and use of munitions of this type. The substitution does not affect the weight, performance, form, fit or function of existing weapon hardware.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures further illustrate the present invention.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a sectional perspective view of a standard primer sans energetics.

FIG. 2A is a sectional perspective view of a diode laser assembly as proposed mounted within the confines of the standard primer cup from FIG. 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a sectional perspective view of a diode laser assembly when percussion by a firing pin, e.g., starts the ignition process, as proposed mounted within the confines of the standard primer cup from FIG. 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 3a is a cut away of a fully assembled optically based igniter according to the present invention located within a standard cartridge munitions without a booster mechanism, i.e. flash tube.

FIG. 3b is a cut away of a fully assembled optically based primer according to the present invention located within a standard cartridge munition which utilizes a booster mechanism, i.e. a flash tube.

FIG. 4a is a cross sectional view of a fully assembled optical primer based cartridge case containing the exterior case, projectile, propellant, and optical igniter assembly.

FIG. 4b is a cross sectional view of a fully assembled optical primer based cartridge case containing the exterior case, projectile, propellant, optical primer assembly and flash tube assembly.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an optical source mounted on a printed circuit board, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flexible contact arm for mounting an optical source on a printed circuit board, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart detailing a method for mounting a laser diode in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional perspective view of a diode laser assembly as proposed mounted within the confines of a primer cup with a tactile button, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional perspective view of a diode laser assembly as proposed mounted within the confines of a primer cup with a tactile button in a depressed state, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a cutaway view of a diode laser assembly and a primer container mounted in the base of a munition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a cutaway of a munition cartridge comprising a primer container, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope.

Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions.

Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

In accordance with one preferred embodiment of this invention reference is made to FIG. 1, which shows an external view of a standard primer cup usually made of brass or other conductive material. More particularly, one may observe the brass primer cup 1-001, a generally hollow tube structure, the insulator/seal 1-002 and the conductive button 1-003, usually made of brass or other conductive material 1-003. The reader will note that these are assembled in a conventional manner by pressing the various components together.

FIG. 2A depicts an artistic conception of the installation of the laser diode, microelectronics package, and dielectric materials within the embodiments as described in FIG. 1. The laser diode 2-004 is mounted and positioned above the microelectronics assembly 2-005, both of which rest on top of the conductive button 1-003. The microelectronics package may be soldered directly to the conductive button 1-003. FIG. 2B shows a cup assembly for a percussion type round, where 2-030 is struck by a firing pin, e.g., and causes a piezoelectric crystal type device 2-010 to generate an electrical signal, thereafter to power the microelectronics 2-005 and etc., thence in turn to power the laser diode 2-004, and so forth.

Upon detailed inspection of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the reader will note that the laser diode 2-004, microelectronics assembly 2-005 with ESD mitigation microelectronics added too, and dielectric insulators 2-031/and spacers 2-009 (either or both where required) are hermetically potted within a dielectric agent such as epoxy 2-006. This feature may be extended in FIG. 2A to particularly encapsulate the conductive button 1-003; thereby eliminating the need for a separate insulator 1-002 in FIG. 2A.

Continuing in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the reader will note the two electrical leads 2-007 and 2-008 connecting the laser diode to the primer cup 1-001 and the microelectronics package 2-005 to the laser diode 2-004 respectively. Dielectric insulators 2-031/and spacers 2-009 as shown may either or both be required.

FIG. 3a depicts a complete optical igniter assembly which includes all of the embodiments of FIG. 2A as well as illustrates its location within a cartridge case 3-010. This demonstrates an example where the optical igniter directly ignites the propellant, and sometimes it is done through a channel 3-013.

FIG. 3b depicts a complete optical primer assembly which includes the embodiment(s) of FIG. 2A and illustrates a potential location for various energetic materials within a cartridge case 3-010, where energetic pellets or gas generators 3-011 are used with a flash tube 3-012 to ignite the propellant.FIG. 4a depicts the complete assembly from FIG. 3a complete with propellant 4-013 and a projectile 4-014 in place.FIG. 4b depicts the complete assembly from FIG. 3b complete with propellant 4-013 and a projectile 4-014 in place.

For fabrication, assembly and transportation, all energetic materials will be external to the optical igniter assembly. The separation of the energetics from the optical igniter assembly allows safe physical assembly and unrestricted commercial transportation of the optical igniter assembly. Where a separate igniter compound (s) is needed, the flashtube with all energetics will be coupled to the optical igniter assembly within a controlled ammunition assembly facility.

Laser Diode Mounting

The optical primer assembly shown in the previous figures is an artistic representation with the laser diode and microelectronics represented by exemplary complementary shapes. However, mounting of currently available laser diodes on microelectronics presents additional challenges due to their design and dimensions. While most available laser diodes are designed such that their optical energy output is parallel to their conductive mounting surfaces such as a high power fabri parot edge emitter laser diode, in embodiments of the optical primer assembly, the locations of the energetic material and microelectronics within the primer cup dictate the use of a laser diode with an output perpendicular to the printed circuit board on which it is mounted.

Commercially available laser diodes are manufactured with a front and rear face having a thickness that is a small fraction of its length and width and with conductive connections on a top face and a bottom face. Conventional methods of mounting such devices involve surface soldering one conductive surface of the device to a horizontal conductive substrate and wire bonding the opposite conductive surface to a parallel horizontal conductor. This mounting method results in a laser output parallel to the printed circuit board.

However, even if a laser diode with an output perpendicular to its conductive surfaces were available, wire bonding is not an ideal solution. Techniques that involve wire bonding require further packaging to protect the delicate wire bonds from handling and the environment. Wire bonding is also a time consuming process since only one device can be bonded by a wire bonding machine at a given time. This tends to increase manufacturing cost.

Alternatively, a second conductive substrate can be soldered thereby producing a sandwich that provides both a thermal and electrical conductive path for each laser chip surface. Additionally, the resulting assembly, as in the previous wire bonded case, remains unsuitable for conventional surface mount techniques.

FIG. 5 depicts a laser diode mounted on a printed circuit board, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is a further refinement of the gross geometric representation laser diode 2-004 and microelectronics 2-005 shown in FIG. 2A.

The laser diode 2-004 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 2-052 of the microelectronics assembly 2-005 utilizing flexible contact arms 2-050 such that its optical output 2-054 is directed perpendicularly away from the printed circuit board and towards the energetic material. The PCB 2-052 additionally serves as an insulator to insure a fixed electrical path. The flexible contact arms 2-050 are soldered to the PCB 2-052, as well as the microelectronics 2-005. Electrical connections to the conductive button 1-003 and primer wall complete the electrical assembly.

In the view shown in FIG. 5, a left face 2-056 of the laser diode 2-004 is visible as indicated. A back face 2-059 is parallel to and faces the printed circuit board 2-052. The front face 2-058 of the laser diode 2-004, the face from which the optical output 2-054 emits, is parallel to and faces away from the printed circuit board 2-052 surface and toward the energetic material.

A top face 2-055 and a bottom face 2-057 of the laser diode 2-004 each comprises conductive surfaces for facilitating electrical connections with the diode. The laser diode 2-004 is physically supported by a first flexible contact arm 2-050a soldered to the top face 2-055 and a second flexible contact arm 2-050b soldered to the bottom face 2-057 of the laser diode 2-004.

Each of the flexible contact arms 2-050 are physically connected to the PCB 2-052 thereby supporting the laser diode 2-004 on the printed circuit board 2-052. A circuit contact area of the flexible contact arm is attached to the printed circuit board 2-052 by one or more solder SMT points thereby providing a physical connection to support the laser diode 2-004 in space and provide electrical power needed to operate the laser diode 2-004.

The addition of an adhesive material may be required if undue mechanical stress is transmitted to the laser diode 2-004 during handling or assembly via the flexible contact arms 2-050. Such stress would cause the delicate material of the laser diode 2-004 to fracture and fail.

The laser contact area of the flexible contact arm is oriented perpendicularly to the board contact area, thereby providing the ninety degree change in direction required to direct the optical output 2-054 at the energetic material. While throughout the application, the laser diode output 2-054 is referred to as being perpendicular to the printed circuit board 2-052, it is understood that this term refers to the output 2-054 being in a general perpendicular orientation and includes angles greater than forty-five degrees and less than one hundred thirty five degrees from the printed circuit board 2-052 provided that the optical output 2-054 is at an angle which will allow the laser diode 2-004 to ignite the energetic material.

Advantageously, the flexible contact arms 2-050 act as a spring between the printed circuit board 2-052 and the laser thereby providing a reactive force in the direction of the energetic material. As such, the laser may be brought into contact with the energetic material thereby increasing the probability of successful ignition while not inducing potentially harmful stresses on the laser diode 2-004, printed circuit board 2-052 or contacts.

FIG. 6 depicts a flexible contact arm, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In addition to physically supporting the laser diode 2-004 in space, the flexible contact arms 2-050 each provide an electrical connection from the laser diode 2-004 to the printed circuit board 2-052.

Each of the first flexible contact arm 2-050a and the second flexible contact arm 2-050b comprises a conductive tab 2-060 adhered to a flexible support 2-062. The conductive tab 2-060 comprises a laser contact area 2-064 for facilitating an electrical connection with the laser diode 2-004 and a board contact area 2-066 for facilitating an electrical connection with the printed circuit board 2-052.

In an embodiment, the conductive tab 2-060 is formed of a rolled and annealed copper layer of a desired width and thickness. However, the conductive tab 2-060 material is not limited to rolled and annealed copper. In other embodiments, the conductive tab 2-060 may be formed from sufficiently thin Beryllium Copper alloy any other material suitable for soldering and conducting an electric charge.

The non-conductive flexible support 2-062 provides a support substrate for the conductive material while also providing flexibility which allows the arm to be bent with respect to the two contact surfaces. For example, in an embodiment, the flexible support 2-062 is a polyimide. However, the flexible support 2062 is not limited to polymide. In other embodiments, the flexible support 2-062 may be solid Beryllium Copper alloy that is sufficiently thin as to be flexible without imparting undue mechanical stress to the laser diode 2-004. In such a case the need for a support substrate is eliminated as long as there is sufficient electrical clearance between the two contact arms 2-050 of the laser.

In such an embodiment, the flexible contact arm may be fabricated as a continuous roll with each conductive tab 2-060 held in place by the flexible support 2-062. Manufacture of rolls utilizing copper clad flexible substrates could utilize traditional printed circuit board 2-052 technology methods of etching and routing. Manufacture of rolls utilizing Beryllium Copper could utilize traditional sheet metal stamping methods. Additionally, metal stamping may be utilized to produce a more cost effective contact arm for mass production. As part of a mounting process, such rolls could have solder paste continuously deposited using standard SMT equipment.

In another embodiment, the flexible contact arm 2-050 is composed solely of an integral unit of copper sheet material and does not comprise the flexible support 2-062 substrate. The copper sheet material of a thickness and width to provide the required amount of flexibility to the flexible contact arm. Advantageously, a flexible contact arm 2-050 comprised solely of copper reduces the material cost of the arm 2-050 as compared to a flexible contact arm 2-050 comprising polyamide or Beryllium Copper. Copper material may be stamped to further reduce cost as compared to polyimide which must be etched and laser cut during manufacture.

Additionally, a flexible contact arm 2-050 solely formed of copper or Beryllium Copper material allows for the addition of copper heat sink material to each side of the laser contact area 2-064. In applications where heat management is a concern, such heat sinks would serve as thermal management.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, thermal management is performed by a flexible contact arm 2-050 comprising double sided copper. The flexible contact arm 2-050 comprises thermally plated conductive holes plated through the polyamide substrate in the laser contact area 2-064 thereby providing a surface to solder a copper heatsink to the outside of the flex contact. Such a copper heatsink would serve as thermal management.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart detailing a method for mounting a laser diode in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The method detailed in FIG. 7 is a general method and as such the exact process flow may be tailored for the process method (i.e. batch vs continuous) and flexible materials selected (i.e. copper clad polyamide vs Beryllium Copper).

In step 701, solder paste is deposited at the laser contact portion of a first flexible contact arm 2-050a. The method for applying the paste will depend on the production flow. Batch flows could utilize traditional solder paste printing methods while continuous production flows would be more suited to a direct solder paste deposit method.

In step 702, a first conductive surface of a laser diode 2-004 is placed on the deposited solder paste such that the output 2-054 of the laser is directed parallel to a longitudinal axis of the flexible contact arm 2-050. This step may be accomplished with traditional SMT pick and place equipment. In such an embodiment, prior to depositing the solder paste, the laser diode 2-004 would have been packaged in a media friendly to such equipment such as traditional ‘tape and reel’.

In step 703, the laser diode 2-004 and first flexible contact arm 2-050a are reflowed in an SMT convection reflow oven.

In step 704, solder paste is deposited at the laser contact area of the second flexible contact arm 2-050b.

In step 705, a second conductive face of the laser diode 2-004 is placed on the deposited solder paste such that the second flexible contact arm 2-050b is diametrically opposite that of the first flexible contact arm 2-050a.

In step 706, the first flexible contact arm 2-050a, second flexible contact arm 2-050b and the laser diode 2-004 is reflowed in an SMT convection reflow oven.

Alternatively, steps 701 and 704 could be combined into one operation followed by steps 702 and 705. In this case the operation would be completed by one reflow (step 703) and the need for step 704 and 706 eliminated

In step 707, the laser diode assembly is placed in a plug such that the circuit contact areas of the first flexible contact arm 2-050a contact and the second flexible contact arm 2-050b contact are perpendicular with respect to their respective laser contact areas. This step involves forming the two contact arms 2-050 by bending the contact points at the opposite end of the laser. The design of the plug could help facilitate this operation. In this embodiment of the process flow, the plug is a part of the completed assembly and thus forms an intermediate component that could be placed immediately or packaged and supplied to a downstream assembly process. The plug is composed of a material which may withstand the environment endured during a reflow process, such as a silicone material.

Alternatively, step 707 may be skipped altogether and the manufacturer may directly solder the assembly to the printed circuit board 2-052. In this embodiment of the process flow, the need for an intermediate plug would be eliminated; however, special tooling would be developed to form the leads of the laser for SMT soldering as in step 707.

In step 708, a second type of solder paste is placed on the laser contact areas of the printed circuit board 2-052. The second solder paste type used on the printed circuit board 2-052 has a lower reflow temperature than the first solder paste type used on the laser. This is done to ensure the integrity of the solder connections of the laser diode 2-004 during an additional reflow process needed for final assembly.

In step 709, the laser diode assembly with printed circuit board 2-052 is placed in an SMT convection reflow oven at a temperature lower than the reflow temperature of the first solder paste.

Pressure Sensitive Electrical Contact Pad

Referring back to FIG. 2A, there is a known conductive path running from the conductive button 1-003 through the laser diode 2-004 and terminating at the brass primer cup 1-001. There is a risk that a voltage source with sufficient current, such as from an electro-static discharge (ESD) or a personal electro-static discharge (PESD), may be unintentionally passed through the laser diode 2-004 thereby resulting in damage to the laser diode 2-004 or unintentional detonation of the primer. By providing a pressure sensitive electrical pad 2-080 over the conductive button 1-003, ESD risks may be mitigated due to isolation of the conductive button 1-003 via an air gap and by allowing static charge to dissipate to the exterior of the ammunition case.

The pressure sensitive electrical pad 2-080 isolates the laser diode 2-004 from external firing circuitry thereby alleviating concerns over the electrical environment. Ordinance and other devices that contain Electro-Explosive Devices (EED) must function in their operational Electromagnetic Environment (EME) without inadvertent actuation. To prevent the susceptibility of EEDs to radiated or conducted electromagnetic energy, Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) limits may be imposed. To ensure that the systems achieve these limits, HERO tests are conducted which classify the ordnance's susceptibility to electromagnetic radiation. Isolating the laser diode 2-004 and providing and allowing for dissipation pathway for static charge should allow the ordinance to pass such tests.

FIG. 8 is a sectional perspective view of a diode laser assembly as proposed mounted within the confines of a primer cup 1-001 with a tactile button, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

The primer cup 1-001 comprises a pressure sensitive electrical contact pad 2-080, also referred to as a tactile button 2-080, positioned over the conductive button 1-003 of the primer cup 1-001. The pressure sensitive electrical contact pad 2-080 is a dome shaped tactile button sized and dimensioned to fit in an opening in the bottom of the brass primer cup 1-001 and is in contact with an insulating layer 1-002 within the primer cup 1-001. The pressure sensitive electrical contact pad 2-080 comprises a conductive portion 2-082 mounted in a dielectric material 2-084 with a defined resistance. In an embodiment, the conductive portion 2-082 is located in the center of the pad 2-080 and is formed from a conductive metallic material. In an embodiment, the semi-dielectric material is a polymer material.

FIG. 9 is a sectional perspective view of a diode laser assembly mounted within the confines of a primer cup 1-001 with a tactile button in a depressed state, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In operation, when the pressure sensitive electrical pad 2-080 is in a depressed state (i.e. engaged), the center conductive portion 2-082 is in direct physical contact with the conductive button 1-003 thereby creating electric contact between external electrical contacts located in the breech of the gun tube and internal electrical contacts such as the conductive button 1-003. Accordingly, the laser diode 2-004 may receive power from an external electric source to initiate ignition of the primer.

When the pressure sensitive electrical pad 2-080 is in a raised state, there is no physical contact between the conductive portion 2-082 and conductive button 1-003. Accordingly, the circuit is open and an air gap insulator is formed in the area between the pressure sensitive electrical pad 2-080 and the conductive button 1-003. Further, when the pad 2-080 is not depressed (i.e. non-engaged), the resistive polymer 2-084 allows for dissipation of static charge by conduction from the central portion of the sensor pad 2-080 to the exterior case. This reduces the risk from ESI) and PESD conditions.

The risk of unintentional detonation of the primer is not limited to optically initiated ammunition cartridges as it is also a risk for current electrical based primers. As such, while the pressure sensitive electrical contact pad 2-080 is described throughout in reference to an optically initiated ammunition cartridge, it is not limited to optically initiated ammunition cartridges and may be employed on other electromagnetically initiated ammunition cartridges, such as an electrically initiated ammunition cartridge. Advantageously, the pressure sensitive electrical pad 2-080 is compatible with existing electrically initiated ammunition and fire control systems and may be used as a retrofit solution to existing ammunition.

Referring back to FIG. 8, such an electrically initiated ammunition cartridge will typically comprise an electrical primer initiator in place of the laser diode. Electrical primer initiation may comprise an electrical input pulse of adequate strength to activate the ignition material conducted through a material (bridge wire, carbon bridge, conductive mixture), an ignition material sensitive to either rapid thermal heating or the generation of an electrical spark, and a booster material that will be activated by the initiation of the ignition material and be of such output that it will transfer to the follow-on propulsion materials. Such electrical primer initiation means that the system will be activated (fired) any time an electrical pulse of adequate strength is delivered to the primer.

Primer Container

FIG. 10 is a cutaway view of a diode laser assembly and a primer container mounted in the base of a munition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10 depicts a complete optical primer assembly which includes the embodiment(s) of FIG. 2A and illustrates a primer container 3-014 for energetic materials of varying density. The primer container 3-014 contains the sensitive energetic material 3-015, 3-016 to be ignited by the laser assembly to start the ignition train. Advantageously, the container 3-014 provides an isolated environment for the sensitive energetic material 3-015, 3-016 thereby preventing any malfunction due to environmental factors or electronic activity such as ESD. Additionally, the varying densities and location of the energetic material 3-015, 3-016 contained within the primer container 3-014 ensures reliable ignition by the laser assembly.

The primer container 3-014 removes and isolates the electrically sensitive materials from all electrical circuitry, both integral to the munition and external, thereby alleviating concerns over the electrical or physical environment. Ordnance and other devices that contain Electro-Explosive Devices (EED) must function in their operational Electromagnetic Environment (EME) without inadvertent actuation. To prevent the susceptibility of EEDs to radiated or conducted electromagnetic energy, Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) limits may be imposed. To ensure that the systems achieve these limits, HERO tests are conducted which classify the ordnance's susceptibility to electromagnetic radiation. Physical and electrical isolation of the sensitive energetic material 3-015, 3-016 should allow the ordinance to pass such tests.

Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) refers to the impact of the electronic environment on the operational ability of military equipment and may include susceptibility to electrostatic discharge (ESD). For example, loose pyrotechnics are extremely sensitive to accidental ignition by exposure to electrostatic discharge and may readily disperse into open space. By isolating the sensitive energetic material 3-015, 3-016, such effects are mitigated.

Further, existing weapon firing circuits do not supply adequate power to allow a current sub-miniature laser assembly to directly ignite propellant or pelletized pyrotechnics. Such power concerns may exist in future weapon systems as well either by necessity or as a design choice to minimize energy requirements or size and weight of power sources. In an embodiment, the optical laser sub-assembly is configured for outputting adequate optical energy to initiate a low density energetic when the power supply provides less than 2 volts at less than 2 amps of current. Matching the proper diode characteristics of emitting surface area, wave length, fluence and conversion efficiency can result in ignition of the properly matched lower density energetics with these low power requirements. However, adequate energetic materials must also be present to reliably ignite the main propellant charge. The present primer container 3-014 facilitates the placement of low density, optically sensitive energetic material 3-015, such as a pyrotechnic or explosive compound, in the immediate proximity of the laser diode 2-004 allowing significantly less optical energy to achieve ignition onset. Throughout this specification, the low density energetic is also referred to as the low density region 3-015 to illustrate that the sensitive energetic primer comprises a region of low density energetic 3-015 and a region of high density energetic 3-016. In embodiments of the invention, the low density energetic material or region 3-015 and the high density energetic material or region 3-016 are the same material compressed or compacted to differing densities. In other embodiments of the invention, the low density energetic material or region 3-015 and the high density energetic material or region 3-016 are different materials having different material properties including density.

The primer container 3-014 places a much larger amount of compacted or compressed high density energetic material 3-016 adjacent to the low density energetic 3-015 to facilitate ignition transfer from the low density energetic 3-015. The primer container 3-014 physically contains the low density energetic 3-015 such that it is not dispersed when subjected to handling or vibration environments.

Finally, the primer container 3-014 physically isolates the ignition source allowing maximum flexibility in the composition variability of the energetic material while maintaining commonality to existing propulsion components. The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is compatible as a drop in replacement for current 30 mm munitions. Additionally, the primer container 3-014 and its manufacture are compatible with new automated manufacturing techniques.

FIG. 10 shows the location of the primer container 3-014 in relation to a cartridge case and the laser diode 2-004 of the optical laser sub-assembly. The primer container 3-014 is located in the flashtube 3-012 of the cartridge case 3-010 at the breech end, or ignition end, of the flashtube 3-012. The primer container 3-014 is positioned between the optical laser sub-assembly and energetic pellets or gas generators 3-011. In embodiments in which the sensitive energetic material 3-015, 3-016 is employed to directly ignite the main propellant of the munition, the primer container 3-014 may comprise the total volume of the flashtube 3-012. To ensure reliable ignition, the container 3-014 is positioned proximate to the laser diode 2-004 at a set distance conducive to ignition.

As the primary function of the sensitive energetic material 3-015, 3-016 contained in the primer container 3-014 is to start the ignition chain reaction in response to the output of the optical laser sub-assembly, the energetic material contained in the primer container 3-014 is more sensitive relative to the subsequent energetic materials of the ignition train. In an embodiment, the energetic material is black powder. To ensure optimal ignition, the sensitive material comprises a low density region 3-015 and a high density region 3-016, with the low density region 3-015 positioned at the breech end of the flashtube 3-012 in proximity to the laser diode 2-004 to receive the output from the optical laser sub-assembly.

The high density region 3-016 may be a high density pellet of a density sufficient to provide sufficient output to ignite the next part of the ignition train. In an embodiment of the primer container 3-014, a majority of the container 3-014 volume is filled by the high density pellet 3-016. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the low density region 3-015 is surrounded on all sides by a high density pellet 3-016, with the remaining surface adjacent to the optical laser sub-assembly.

The high density pellet 3-016 is secured tightly in the container 3-014 by consolidating loose material right in the container 3-014 or performing a final consolidation of one or more pre-formed pellets or other forms of material. The low density region 3-015 may be formed by lightly pressing loose energetic material on top of the high density region 3-016 in the container 3-014 or filling in any remaining voids in the primer container 3-014 with a suspension of loose energetic material and allowing the solvent to evaporate thereby leave the remaining solids. The low density region 3-015 is preferably secured in the container 3-014 under a seal 3-017, such as a tape or other similar substance. Additionally, the low density energetic material 3-015 may be applied directly to the seal 3-017 prior to enclosure as a thin layer on an interior surface of the seal 3-017 or a dome of loose material confined by a second layer of seal material. This thin layer ensures close proximity of the sensitive material to the optical laser sub-assembly. In an embodiment of the primer container 3-014, energetic material is embedded in the seal 3-017 such that the energetic material is integral to the sealing material thereby allowing the seal 3-017 to provide both sealing properties as well as ignition properties as well. Accordingly, the seal 3-017 material is transparent to the ignition source or alternatively, ignitable by the ignition source.

The primer container 3-014 may be formed of any material and of any shape and dimension such that it prevents electrical conductivity between the exterior and the sensitive energetic material 3-015, 3-016 within. The container 3-014 may be a standalone component such as a hard or soft cup formed or may be one or more coatings applied to the outside facing surfaces of the energetic material. In embodiments of the primer container 3-014, the container 3-014 may be formed of materials such as plastics, ceramics, silicone or other various types of insulators. In one embodiment, the material of primer container may have particular electrical attributes such as being fabricated from a resistive polymer based product. The exact dielectric properties of the primer container is dictated by the system upon which the munition is employed. The output end of the container 3-014 may be covered by the container material or alternatively may be sealed with a sealant material similar to the ignition end.

In alternative embodiments, the primer cup is formed of an electrically conductive plastic, which is connected to ground thereby isolating the energetic material.

FIG. 11 is a cutaway of a munition cartridge comprising a primer container, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the container 3-014 is a cup of a cylindrical shape dimensioned to be received in the flashtube 3-012 of the munition. The container 3-014 takes up a portion of the interior space of the flashtube 3-012 thereby providing space for subsequent energetic or gas charging elements. In embodiments in which the sensitive energetic material 3-015, 3-016 is employed to directly ignite the main propellant of the munition, the primer container 3-014 may comprise the total volume of the flashtube 3-012. To ensure reliable ignition, the container 3-014 is positioned proximate to the laser assembly at a set distance conducive to ignition.

At this point, while we have discussed and described the invention using some specific examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that our teachings are not so limited. For example, the preferred embodiments of the invention have been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention. Various embodiments and various modifications are contemplated. Accordingly, the invention should be only limited by the scope of the claims attached hereto.

Claims

1. An optically initiated device comprising a case comprising an energetic charge, a booster charge embedded in said energetic charge and a primer assembly to initiate said energetic charge, said primer assembly comprising an optical source wherein the booster charge comprises a flashtube embedded in said energetic charge and a primer container containing a sensitive energetic primer of variable density and wherein said optical source produces sufficient light fluence to ignite said sensitive energetic primer, which ignited primer in turn ignites into said flashtube, and which ignited flashtube in turn ignites said energetic charge.

2. The optically initiated device of claim 1 wherein the primer container comprises a low density sensitive energetic material and a high density sensitive energetic material.

3. The optically initiated device of claim 2 wherein the low density sensitive energetic material is adjacent to the output of the optical source and surrounded by the high density sensitive energetic material.

4. The optically initiated device of claim 2 wherein the high density sensitive energetic material is pressed powder.

5. The optically initiated device of claim 2 wherein the low density sensitive energetic material is secured within the primer container by a seal.

6. The optically initiated device of claim 5 wherein the seal is combustible.

7. The optically initiated device of claim 5 wherein the seal is transparent to the output of the optical source.

8. The optically initiated device of claim 2 wherein the primer container is a cup.

9. The optically initiated device of claim 8 wherein the primer container is made of one of the following: ceramic, plastic and silicone.

10. The optically initiated device of claim 2 wherein the container is formed from a coating applied to the exterior surface of the sensitive energetic primer.

11. The optically initiated device of claim 2 wherein the low density sensitive energetic material and the high density sensitive energetic material are arranged in adjacent layers.