Networked electronic ordnance system

Abstract

The networked electronic ordnance system connects a number of pyrotechnic devices to a bus controller using lighter and less voluminous cabling, in a more efficient network architecture, than previously possible. Each pyrotechnic device contains an initiator, which includes a pyrotechnic assembly and an electronics assembly. One or more pyrotechnic devices each contain a logic device having a unique identifier. The pyrotechnic devices are individually controlled by the bus controller by addressing the unique identifier of each logic device. Each pyrotechnic device preferably includes an energy reserve capacitor which stores firing energy upon arming. Both digital and analog fire control conditions are provided before an armed pyrotechnic device can be fired. A plurality of initiators and / or other components of the system may be packaged together on a single substrate and networked together via that substrate.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The field of this invention relates to a networked system of pyrotechnic devices.[0002]Pyrotechnic devices play an increasingly important role in aerospace vehicles and systems such as rockets, aircraft and spacecraft. As an example, the number of pyrotechnic devices used on a typical missile has increased over the years from less than ten to as many as two hundred or more. The additional pyrotechnic devices may be used for several purposes. For example, multiple lower-powered initiators may be used in place of a single higher-powered initiator to provide flexibility in the amount of force that can be generated at a single location on the vehicle. However, the use of additional pyrotechnic devices carries with it the burden of additional infrastructure within the vehicle or system using these devices. As the number of pyrotechnic devices in a vehicle or system increases, several other things increase as well, such as cabling length, cable quantity, w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The networked electronic ordnance system is a new invention that connects multiple pyrotechnic devices to a controller using lighter and more efficient cabling. Each pyrotechnic device contains an initiator with a logic device that controls its functioning. The network connections can be made serially, in parallel, or a combination of both. The system uses thin, low-power cabling that is insensitive to EMI, EMP, and RF signals. Both digital and analog fire control conditions must be met before a pyrotechnic device can be fired. Each pyrotechnic device includes an energy reserve capacitor that stores firing energy upon arming, reducing surge currents and the need for separate batteries or power circuits. Multiple initiators can be packaged together on a single substrate and networked via that substrate."

Problems solved by technology

However, the use of additional pyrotechnic devices carries with it the burden of additional infrastructure within the vehicle or system using these devices.

As the number of pyrotechnic devices in a vehicle or system increases, several other things increase as well, such as cabling length, cable quantity, weight, number of parts, power usage, system complexity, manufacturing time and system cost.

In an environment such as a rocket or missile, weight and volume are at a premium, and an increase in pyrotechnic system weight and volume presents packaging and weight management problems which may require significant engineering time to solve.

Typically, these devices are connected in an inefficient branching configuration.

If the cable were not shielded, these sources of interference could potentially interfere with the operation of one or more of the pyrotechnic devices 100.

In the aggregate, the large number of high-power shielded cables 106 required for the branching configuration of the prior art are heavy and occupy significant volume, resulting in weight and packaging difficulties within an aircraft, spacecraft, missile, launch vehicle or other application where weight and space are at a premium.

This separate power system is required because surge currents occur in the power cabling when a pyrotechnic device is fired, potentially interfering with the avionics system.

Due to the high delivery current required, the ordnance system batteries 112 are typically large and heavy.

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