Patent Grant
10480920
The current invention relates generally to initiator modules and munitions systems. In particular, the current invention generally relates to initiator modules for actuating an initiation device such as, for example, a shock tube, systems including initiator modules, and methods of igniting explosive devices using initiator modules.
Explosives used in military combat may be initiated by detonation devices. Due to the destructive nature of explosives, these detonation devices may incorporate various safety features to avoid premature detonation. Explosive materials may be ignited in several different ways. Typically, explosive materials have been ignited by flame ignition (e.g., fuzes or ignition of a priming explosive), impact (which often ignites a priming explosive), chemical interaction (e.g., contact with a reactive or activating fluid), or electrical ignition. Electrical ignition may occur in two distinct ways, as by ignition of a priming material (e.g., electrically ignited blasting cap or priming material) or by direct energizing of an explosive mass by electrical power.
Remote activation systems for detonating explosives have been used widely in the field of military and industrial demolition applications. In the past, initiation devices have been used to generate an electrical impulse for initiating detonation. For example, a blasting cap used in conjunction with an explosive charge (e.g., pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), C4, etc.) can be electrically connected to output terminals of the initiation device using electrical conductors. In many instances, the conductors can be several hundred meters long to separate the initiation device and the explosive. In such an arrangement, the explosive assembly is sensitive to electrical conditions, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electrostatic discharge (ESD). As a result of this sensitivity, premature detonation of the explosive charge has been known to occur with unacceptable frequency. The results of premature detonation can include unintended damage and/or unintended personal injury or death.
Attempts have been made to avoid using electrical conductors to deliver explosion initiating energy from the initiation device to the explosive change. In one attempt a mechanical arm driven by a solenoid was used to initiate a device that propagates a chemical reaction from initiator to explosive. Such an attempt is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,546,873 which discloses a transmitter that transmits a detonation signal to a receiver. The receiver can be configured to deliver an electrical output in response to a received detonation signal. Such electrical output can be used to electrically excite a blasting cap via conductors. But, as indicated above, if the conductors have any appreciable length (e.g., 50 meters or more), ambient electrical conditions (e.g., an atmospheric electrical storm) can cause premature detonation of the explosive.
Another attempt is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,700 which discloses a detonation initiator including a linear actuator assembly having a core with a permanent magnet. The linear actuator assembly propels the core along the longitudinal axis of the linear actuator assembly when the charge on the capacitor reaches a charge threshold. The core includes a firing pin that mechanically strikes a primer connected to an open end of a shock tube. Striking the primer results in chemical activation of the primer and, in turn, begins ignition of combustible material in the shock tube. However, such a configuration requires that an open end of the shock tube be inserted into the detonation initiator in order to be initiated. The end of the shock tube must be cut or otherwise opened and inserted into the device adjacent to the primer. Exposing the end of a shock tube may be undesirable as the shock tube may become contaminated or exposed to other undesirable environmental conditions. Further, if the partially exposed shock tube is not detonated, all or part of the unused shock tube (including any detonation devices connected to the shock tube) may not be reused and will be wasted. As also illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,700, the connection between the shock tube and primer and position of the shock tube within the initiator may be critical in assuring proper ignition of the shock tube. As such, the detonation initiator disclosed therein requires proper placement of the shock tube within the initiator and may not be applicable for use with shock tubes of varying sizes.
In some embodiments, the present invention includes an initiation module for a munitions control system comprising a mounting portion for receiving a longitudinal portion of an initiation device, a detonator device disposed within the initiator module at a location proximate to the mounting portion, a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system, and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple with a munitions control system through the connection portion and to transmit a signal from a munitions control system through the connection portion and to the detonator device.
In additional embodiments, the present invention includes a munitions system comprising a munitions control system having at least one socket formed therein and at least one initiator module received in the at least one socket of the munitions control system. The at least one initiator module comprises a first end and a second, opposing end. The first end comprises an electrical connector connected to a complementary electrical connector disposed in the at least one socket of the munitions control system. The second, opposing end of the at least one initiator module includes a mount comprising a biasing element. The mount may be configured to receive a longitudinal portion of a shock tube and the biasing element may be configured to retain the longitudinal portion of the shock tube in the mount. An exploding foil initiator may be disposed within a housing of the initiator module proximate to the mount, and an electronics assembly may be electronically coupled to the exploding foil initiator and to the electrical connector. The electronics assembly may be configured to receive a signal from the munitions control system through the electrical connector and to initiate the exploding foil initiator.
In yet additional embodiments, the present invention includes a method of igniting an explosive device. The method comprises coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a longitudinal portion of the shock tube to a mount disposed on an exterior surface of the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module proximate to the mount with a signal generated by the munitions control system.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as embodiments of the present invention, the advantages of embodiments of the invention may be more readily ascertained from the following description of embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular material, apparatus, system, or method, but are merely idealized representations which are employed to describe embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation for convenience and clarity.
The housing 101 (e.g., the body 102) of the initiator module 100 may house components of the initiator module 100 such as electronics and initiator assemblies, which are discussed in further detail below. For example, and as shown in
By way of further example, the munitions control system 110 may include a safe and arm device (also termed a SAD or an S&A). Safe and arm devices may include an assembly or system that mechanically or electrically (i.e., electronic safe and arm devices (ESADs)) interrupts an explosive train and prevents inadvertent functioning of an initiation assembly. For example, an ESAD may isolate electronic components between a power source and a detonator to inhibit inadvertent firing of an explosive charge. Such a munitions control system 110 including an ESAD may supply a voltage to the initiator module 100 only when it is desired to ignite the initiator module 100. For example, the munitions control system 110 may comprise an assembly or system such as a Spider Tactical Munitions System (“Spider”) developed and manufactured by Alliant Techsystems Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn. and Textron Systems Corporation of Wilmington, Mass. The Spider is a portable (e.g., battery-operated), reusable, soldier-in-the-loop system that can be used in either a lethal, or a non-lethal mode. The Spider includes hand emplaced munitions control units (MCUs) and is controlled by a remote control unit (e.g., a laptop computer) where an operator (i.e., the soldier-in-the-loop) decides whether to detonate the modules attached to the MCUs (e.g., a miniature grenade launcher (MGL), non-lethal launcher (NLL), etc.). The MCUs may also include munitions adaptor modules (MAM) that enable the on-command operation of other explosive devices connected to the Spider by an electrical detonation wire. The Spider system may also be used with, for example, training simulator modules (e.g., a MGL training module (MGTS)) which include attachable modules that may be used by the soldiers for training with the Spider system. Using the training simulator modules, Spider system functions, such as simulated detonation of munitions, may be performed with the training simulator modules as part of training exercises without any safety hazards, and yet full system functionality. As mentioned above, the modules may include non-lethal launcher (NLL) modules. The NLL modules include a variety of “less than lethal” effects that the Spider may deploy against oncoming forces or intruders. The effects include a flash-bang grenade, a sting-ball grenade, and a marking round composed of chalk and paint balls. The NLL module may replace an MGL module to still provide deterrence, but in a non-lethal manner.
Referring still to
The mounting portion 104 of the initiator module 100 may include an attachment feature (e.g., a mount 118) which may provide a seat for (e.g., receive or couple) a portion of a detonation device or initiation device (discussed below in further detail with reference to
The initiator module 100 may comprise any of a variety of materials such as, for example, polymers, metals, alloys, composites, and combinations thereof. For example, the housing 101 of the initiator module 100 may be formed from a polymer (e.g., a high-performance polymer, a thermoplastic, etc.). In some embodiments, the housing may comprise a composite polymer material including a metal (e.g., Poly (p-phenylene oxide) (PPO) including stainless steel fibers that may improve shielding from electromagnetic interference). By way of further example, components of the initiator module 100 such as the latch 108 and portions of the mount 118 (e.g., the biasing element 122) may be formed from a polymer such as, for example, a super tough nylon.
In some embodiments, the electronics assembly 124 may be configured to receive a signal from the munitions control system 110 and to send a signal in response to the signal from the munitions control system 110 that communicates the status of the initiator module 100. For example, the munitions control system 110 may send a signal inquiring of the status of the initiator module 100, and the electronics assembly 124 may assess the status of the initiator module 100 and respond with a signal to the munitions control system 110 regarding whether select components of the initiator module 100 (e.g., the detonator device 132) are operating or ready to operate in a desired manner (e.g., the initiator module 100 is ready to detonate the detonator device 132).
The electronics assembly 124 may be selectively electrically connected to the munitions control system 110 through the connection portion 106 of the initiator module 100 (i.e., the electronics assembly 124 may be connected to the munitions control system 110 when the initiator module 100 is coupled to the munitions control system 110). For example, the first ribbon cable 128 may electrically couple the printed circuit assembly 126 to an electrical connector 134. The electrical connector 134 may be complementary to an electrical connector 152 of the munitions control system 110. For example, the electrical connector 134 may be complementary to an electrical connector 352 (e.g., a 15-pin connector, a 17-pin connector, etc.) of a munitions control system 300 as shown in
Referring still to
As discussed above with reference to
Referring still to
The detonator device 132 may be positioned proximate to the internal surface 142 of the wall 140 of the initiator module 100 in order to deliver a shock wave through the initiator module 100 (e.g., through the wall 140) to the shock tube 136 mounted to the initiator module 100 at the mounting portion 104. For example, detonation of the detonator device 132 may deform or perforate a portion of the wall 140 of the initiator module 100. In some embodiments, the initiator module 100 may include a weakened portion 141 of the wall 140 having a thickness less than that of the remaining wall 140 (i.e., the thickness of the weakened portion 141 of the wall 140 is relatively less than a thickness of an adjacent portion of the wall 140). In such an embodiment, detonation of the detonator device 132 may deform or perforate (e.g., form a hole through) the weakened portion 141 of the wall 140 of the initiator module 100. In additional embodiments, the wall 140 of the initiator module 100 may include a recessed portion 143 that may at least partially house the detonator device 132 proximate to the mounting portion 104 of the initiator module 100. For example, the reduced thickness of the wall 140 at the weakened portion 141 may form the recessed portion 143 in the wall 140 and the detonator device 132 may be at least partially disposed in the recessed portion 143. The shock wave from detonation of the detonator device 132 may travel through the wall 140 to the shock tube 136 and ignite the shock tube 136. For example, the shock wave from detonation of the detonator device 132 may travel through a side portion or longitudinal portion of the shock tube 136 and ignite the explosive material contained within the shock tube 136. The propagation of the ignited explosive material within the shock tube 136 may travel longitudinally along the shock tube 136 to a predetermined point such as, for example, an external device 160 (e.g., a detonator of an explosive device such as, for example, a M18A1 Claymore, a MCCM, etc.).
As further shown in
In order to retain the shock tube 136, the biasing element 122 may be flexed or bent in a direction away from the rigid element 120 to fit the shock tube 136 between the rigid element 120 and the biasing element 122, thereby, at least partially securing the shock tube 136 to the mounting portion 104 of the initiator module 100. For example, an upper portion 144 of the biasing element 122 may retain the shock tube 136 in a channel 154 formed between the rigid element 120 and the biasing element 122. It is noted that the terms “upper” and “lower” discussed herein with reference to the mount 118 describe upper and lower portions of the mount 118 as it is oriented in
Referring back to
The electronics assembly 124 of the initiator module 100 may receive an electrical signal (e.g., a voltage less than the voltage required to detonate the detonator device 132 such as, for example, 12 volts) from the munitions control system 110 transmitted through the electrical connectors 134, 152 to provide a power source for the initiator module 100. The electrical connector 134 of the initiator module 100 may send a signal transmitted to the munitions control system 110, again through the electrical connectors 134, 152 regarding the status of the initiator module 100 (e.g., a signal indicating that the initiator module 100 is in a ready condition to detonate the detonator device 132 disposed therein). The electronics assembly 124 of the initiator module 100 may then receive a relatively larger voltage transmitted from the munitions control system 110 (e.g., about 1200 volts) in order to detonate the detonator device 132 (e.g., a LEEFI).
Referring now to
The initiator module 100 may be configured to promote a relatively small shock magnitude during detonation of the detonator device (e.g., the LEEFI). For example, the initiator module 100 may be configured to promote a shock magnitude (i.e., g-force) less than 2000 g.
Once the detonator device 132 has been detonated by the electronics assembly 124, the electronics assembly 124 may act to terminate the supply electrical power to the initiator module 100. For example, the electronics assembly 124 may send a signal to the munitions control system 110 indicating that the detonator device 132 has fired in order to cease electrical power from being supplied to the initiator module 100 from the munitions control system 110. The deformation or perforation of the weakened portion 141 of the wall 140 may provide a visual indicator that the initiator module 100 has been detonated. For example, a deformed or perforated external surface 138 of the wall 140 of the initiator module 100 (e.g., a bulge or a hole formed therein) may indicate to a user that the detonator device 132 of the initiator module 100 has been detonated.
In view of the above, embodiments of the present invention may be particularly useful in providing an initiation module for a munitions control system that enables detonation of a device external to the munitions control system. The initiation module provides initiation of external devices while providing an electronic assembly that is compatible with features of a munitions control system such as ESAD features, portability features, etc. The initiation module further provides initiation of external devices using a remotely controlled munitions control system (i.e., the initiator module may be operated by remote control rather than manual control). The external mounting of initiation devices such as shock tubes to the initiator module enables the initiator module and the shock tube to be substantially enclosed and at least partially prevents contamination or damage to internal components thereof. The mounting portion may remove the need for having to cut or otherwise provide an open end of a shock tube in order to detonate the shock tube. As such, deployed shock tubes (including any shock tube terminations (e.g., seal caps, primers, M81s, etc.)) that are not used (i.e., detonated) may be repackaged and reused at a later time. The mounting portion also may provide a seat for a wide range of shock tube sizes and configurations which positions the enclosed shock tube at an external surface of the initiator module proximate to a detonation device. Such a configuration may reduce environmental and physical connection issues exhibited by initiation devices that require the shock tube to be installed within the initiation device. Furthermore, the configuration of the mounting portion of the initiator module may remove the need for an internal detonation device disposed within the shock tube in order to detonate the shock tube. The mounting portion may also provide a visual indicator (e.g., a perforated or deformed mounting portion) that the initiator module has been detonated.
The ability of the initiator module to implement initiation devices such as shock tubes and detonator devices such as LEEFIs enables the initiator module and munitions control system to be less susceptible to electrical conditions (e.g., electromagnetic interference (EMI), electrostatic discharge (ESD), radio interference, etc.) as compared to other initiation devices. The initiator module may further provide a relatively small shock magnitude during detonation of the detonator devices such as the LEEFI which may be desirable when the initiator module is utilized in a munitions control system such as the Spider that includes a disturbance sensor therein (e.g., a disturbance sensor to detect external tampering with the system), which may otherwise be inadvertently activated by the initiation of a detonator.
While the initiator modules and munitions control systems have been described herein with general reference to military applications, it is noted that initiator modules and munitions control systems may be utilized in other applications such as, for example, mining and drilling operations and demolition.
While the present invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, legal equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/854,632, filed Apr. 1, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,618,308, issued Apr. 11, 2017, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/723,446, filed Mar. 12, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,132, issued Apr. 2, 2013, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.
This invention was made with government support under Contract Number W15QKN-08-C-0448 awarded by the United States Department of Defense. The government has certain rights in the invention.
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| Entry |
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| Product Datasheet for Spider, copyright 2006, available at http://www.atk.com/datasheet_pdfs/spider.pdf. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20180195846 A1 | Jul 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13854632 | Apr 2013 | US |
| Child | 15469142 | US | |
| Parent | 12723446 | Mar 2010 | US |
| Child | 13854632 | US |
