EP1108195B1 - Ammunition safety and arming unit - Google Patents
Ammunition safety and arming unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1108195B1 EP1108195B1 EP99940405A EP99940405A EP1108195B1 EP 1108195 B1 EP1108195 B1 EP 1108195B1 EP 99940405 A EP99940405 A EP 99940405A EP 99940405 A EP99940405 A EP 99940405A EP 1108195 B1 EP1108195 B1 EP 1108195B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- safety
- acceleration
- arming
- arming unit
- ammunition
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
- F42C15/00—Arming-means in fuzes; Safety means for preventing premature detonation of fuzes or charges
- F42C15/40—Arming-means in fuzes; Safety means for preventing premature detonation of fuzes or charges wherein the safety or arming action is effected electrically
Definitions
- the present invention relates to safety and arming systems for ammunition fuzes.
- ammunition is taken to include but is not limited to artillery shells and charges, mortar rounds, rockets and missiles.
- Mechanical safety means capable of enabling a firing circuit of a detonator, for detonating the explosive charge within the ammunition, are known. These safety means may be adapted to respond when ammunition reaches a predetermined position, time or proximity to a target for example.
- Mechanical safety and arming devices for spun rounds that are fired from rifled guns or unspun rounds fired from smooth bore guns, generally comprise an inertia device such as a safety pin or detent which operates only under the high forces generated by firing or launch to arm the fuze by physically moving from a position which prevents detonation of the charge to one which permits this.
- Spun rounds fired from rifled bores may have known mechanical safety and arming devices operated by the effects of centrifugal force, for example on a spring and mass system.
- this type of ammunition may have mechanical safety and arming devices actuated by air pressure.
- US Patent US4526104 proposes to utilise air pressure effects by means of elevating a pitot tube into the surrounding airflow after launch and during flight of the round.
- mechanical safety and arming means are widely used and are reasonably reliable, it is not advantageous to have a bulky mechanical arming and safety device adding weight and requiring space in the fuze. Furthermore, although the size and weight of mechanical safety and arming devices have reduced significantly in recent years, the size and weight of some ammunition have also reduced. Additionally, an increasing improvement in performance of ammunition is continuously being sought. The time needed to manufacture and the cost of manufacturing mechanical safety and arming devices increases significantly as these devices become smaller and require their mechanisms to be precision engineered.
- accelerometers Electronically operated safety and arming systems are not widely used in fuzes, but electronic devices capable of sensing accelerations, known as accelerometers, have been used in the vehicle industry for crash sensing.
- accelerometers are generally regarded as being unsuitable for use in the safety and arming systems of fuzes as they are separate from the fuzing system, only measuring acceleration and needing to communicate this information to the safety and arming system, and further requiring complex processing of their output signals before the separate safety and arming system can respond.
- Both DE 3,543,938 and US 5,251,548 teach the use of accelerometers in fuzes.
- DE 3,543,938 discloses a safety and arming unit having an accelerometer in the form of a piezocrystal, the voltage across the piezocrystal being dependent upon the acceleration experienced by the ammunition.
- the voltage generated across the piezocrystal undergoes amplification and integration to provide a voltage proportional to the actual velocity of the ammunition.
- Complex circuitry is used to process the voltage constantly to ascertain whether or not the ammunition is close to a theoretical trajectory. If the actual trajectory is close enough to the theoretical one, the safety and arming unit is instructed to arm the fuze.
- US 5,251,548 discloses a safety and arming device which utilises an accelerometer for generating a digitised profile of the acceleration of the ammunition. The actual acceleration profile is then compared with a theoretical acceleration profile which is pre-set in the safety and arming system. Highly complex electronics are required to achieve this system.
- an accelerometer because of the need to integrate this complex system successfully with the safety and arming system in order to enable the fuze to operate with the required high level of reliability. Indeed it is usually a primary safety requirement that the safety and arming system is one integral system which can be readily integrated into an electronic fuze.
- the present invention seeks to provide an integral safety and arming unit for ammunition which operates by sensing and responding to acceleration. It further seeks to provide a safety and arming unit which is small, light and reliable.
- the predominantly electronic safety and arming unit reduces moving parts and does not require extensive precision engineering. Less complex electronic safety and arming systems are quicker and cheaper to manufacture than known safety and arming systems having mechanical acceleration responsive devices.
- a safety and arming unit for a round of ammunition comprising one or more acceleration sensors for detecting when the acceleration of the ammunition reaches at least two different predetermined linear acceleration values; timer means for measuring the time interval between the detection of two of the predetermined linear acceleration values, means for electronically comparing the said measured time interval with a range of predetermined and pre-set time intervals representing satisfactory firing for the round of ammunition, and means for producing an electronic signal when the said measured time interval falls within the range of predetermined and pre-set time intervals, which signal operates to arm the ammunition ready for detonation.
- the safety and arming unit may comprise at least one acceleration sensor capable of detecting at least two predetermined linear acceleration values.
- the unit may comprise at least two acceleration sensors, each being capable of detecting one predetermined linear acceleration value.
- At least one sensor detects a threshold lower acceleration value and at least one further sensor detects a threshold upper acceleration value.
- at least one sensor detects a threshold lower acceleration value and at least one further sensor detects a threshold upper acceleration value.
- several sensors may be provided to detect the same threshold acceleration value.
- One suitable type of sensor comprises a spring mass system having a first electrical contact on the mass and a second electrical contact initially not in contact with the mass.
- a predetermined force corresponding to a linear acceleration value is capable, in this sensor, of causing the mass to compress a spring and touch the second electrical contact.
- the spring mass system acts as a switch being open initially and closing at a threshold acceleration value to complete an electrical circuit.
- Another suitable type of sensor is in the form of a cantilever threshold switch, where the sensor comprises a cantilever fixed at one end and having an electrical contact and mass at the other, free end, which free end is close to a second electrical contact such that on launch of the ammunition the cantilever moves due to the launch acceleration to make contact with the second electrical contact and complete a circuit.
- a further suitable type of sensor is in the form of a cantilever comprising piezoresistive material such as piezocrystal.
- the cantilever in this sensor is connected to an electrical circuit such that current may flow through the length of the cantilever containing the piezoresistive material.
- the piezoresistive material undergoes strain and therefore a change in its resistivity on launch of the ammunition, such that the current flowing through it is changed and this change may be detected.
- the sensor may alternatively comprise an optical spring mass acceleration system which acts on launch of the ammunition in the same way as the spring mass system described above, but instead of utilising electrical contacts, the sensor instead comprises a light beam generator and a receiver, such that as the mass moves it may interrupt a light beam and this interruption may be detected.
- the acceleration sensor or sensors used in the safety and arming unit preferably form an integral part of the safety and arming system of a fuze.
- Figure 1a shows a graph of acceleration against time for an artillery shell undergoing a successful firing, from initiation up to the moment where it leaves the muzzle of the howitzer barrel 5. It can be seen that the shell accelerates rapidly at the initiation of firing and then the acceleration gradually decreases until the shell leaves the muzzle at a near constant velocity.
- Figure 1b shows a graph of acceleration against time for a similar artillery shell under a condition producing high acceleration forces, for example if the shell is misfired.
- the profile of the curve is very different and even if an event produces a similar maximum acceleration value to the successful firing event it happens in a much shorter time scale. It is therefore beneficial to have a safety and arming system in a fuze which can not only recognise and respond to a change in the acceleration of a shell or missile but which can further recognise whether the acceleration change is due to a successful firing or other circumstances, for example, by considering time corresponding to the change in acceleration.
- acceleration versus time graphs can easily be produced through calculation and test data for successful firing of each type of ammunition with a particular charge. Acceleration sensors can be produced for detecting the acceleration values particular to a specific type of ammunition and charge in accordance with the acceleration characteristics shown in the graphs.
- point 1A represents a threshold value of acceleration due to firing at which a first acceleration sensor is designed to respond by producing an electrical signal. From Figure 1a it can be seen that this occurs at a time 3A. As the shell accelerates in the barrel of the launcher it will reach, at a time 4A, a second threshold value of acceleration 2A at which a second acceleration sensor is designed to respond by producing another electrical signal.
- the time differential ⁇ t should be the same between points 3A and 4A for all shells fired of that type with the same charge assuming that the shells conform precisely to their design characteristics.
- a timer receives a signal from this sensor and begins to count.
- the second acceleration sensor detects its threshold acceleration 2A and responds in a manner similar to the first sensor, the timer receives a second signal from the second sensor causing it to stop counting.
- the timer records a differential time ⁇ t in this manner and this ⁇ t value is then compared by a comparator with the allowable range of ⁇ t values held in the comparator which represent a successful firing of the ammunition in accordance with the acceleration versus time graph for that ammunition and charge.
- the comparator causes an electrical signal to be sent immediately to the firing circuit and the detonator to cause the fuze to become armed.
- the ammunition would then be detonated by separate position, time, proximity or other detonation means.
- Figure 3a shows a sensor comprising a spring mass system 6 for detecting linear acceleration.
- the system comprises a mass 16, capable of linear movement when a linear acceleration is applied and having electrically conductive properties.
- the mass 16 has a head portion 80 and a body portion 82.
- a non-conducting helical spring 8 is located around the body portion 82 with one end 84 of the spring 8 abutting the inner annular face 86 of the head portion 80.
- the other end 88 of the helical spring 8 is attached to a base plate 18.
- Electrical contacts 14 and 10 are connected to the conductive mass 16 and to the base plate 18 respectively as shown.
- the end 20 of the mass 16 is not in contact with the contact 10 and so the circuit 12 is open.
- Figure 3b shows the system 6 at a pre-determined acceleration value when the force due to acceleration acting on the mass 16 has caused the spring 8 to compress such that the end 20 of the mass 16 has touched and made electrical contact with the contact 10, thus closing the switch and completing the circuit 12.
- the first switch has a lower threshold acceleration value and the second has a higher one, controlled by the stiffness of the spring.
- a signal is sent to the timer.
- the second spring mass system responds to its higher threshold acceleration and closes the circuit 12
- a second signal is sent to the timer.
- the timer records the time differential ⁇ t between the two signals and passes this to the comparator for comparison with the stored values of time differential ⁇ t as described earlier.
- Figure 4a shows a sensor comprising cantilevers 24,26.
- Each cantilever 24,26 has one end 92, 98 fixed to a support 90 and another end 94, 100 which is free and is situated close to a base plate 96.
- the base plate 96 has electrical contacts 102, 104.
- Each cantilever 24, 26 has a mass 28, 106 incorporated in its free end 94, 100 and an electrical contact 30, 108 is located at the free end 94, 100 adjacent the mass 28, 106.
- Contact 30 is capable of forming an electrical circuit via the wire 42, the circuit including the electrical contact 102 on the base plate 96 and the timer (not shown).
- contact 108 is capable of forming a separate electrical circuit via the wire 40, the circuit including the electrical contact 104 on the base plate 96 and the timer (not shown).
- the cantilevers 24, 26 are fixed to the support 90 so that their non fixed ends 94, 100 and the electrical contacts 30, 108 thereon are situated close to but not touching the electrical contacts 102, 104 of the base plate 96.
- the cantilevers 24, 26 deflect until at a pre-determined threshold acceleration value which is different for each cantilever, the contacts 30, 108 on the cantilevers 24, 26 make contact with the contacts 102, 104 on the base plate 96.
- a cantilever switch closes, an electrical circuit is made and an electrical signal is sent to the timer.
- the cantilevers 24, 26 are designed to switch at different threshold accelerations, by having a different mass 28, 106.
- an electrical signal is sent to the timer, causing it to start to count.
- another electrical signal is sent to the timer, causing it to stop counting.
- Figure 4b shows two sensors 22, 34 comprising of cantilevers 21, 23, 31, 33 similar to those cantilevers 24, 26 shown in Figure 4a.
- the cantilevers 21 and 23 are designed to switch at the same pre-determined acceleration value and cantilevers 31 and 33 are designed to switch at the same threshold acceleration, which is higher than that acceleration required by the cantilevers 21, 23.
- Each cantilever is not part of the same circuit as any other cantilever, but each circuit sends a separate electrical signal to the timer.
- both cantilevers in set 22 have closed their circuits, thereby sending electrical signals to the timer, the timer starts to count. Only when both cantilevers in set 34 have closed their circuits, thereby sending electrical signals to the timer, will the timer stop counting.
- This double switch system acts as a further safety measure to ensure that if one of the sensors is faulty it will not cause the ammunition to be inadvertently armed.
- FIG. 5 shows a photoelectric optical spring mass acceleration threshold switch 40 suitable for use as the acceleration sensor of Figure 2.
- the switch comprises a mass 16 slotted as shown into a spring 8 which is attached to a base 18.
- a light beam 46 is directed between the base 18 and the end 20 of the mass 16 from a light source 42.
- the resulting force acting on the mass 16 causes the spring 8 to compress until, at a predetermined position representing the threshold acceleration value, the end 20 of the mass 16 interrupts the light beam 46 and stops it from reaching a receiver 44.
- the receiver 44 detects this difference in light levels it sends an electrical signal to the timer.
- the predetermined position can be fixed by the location of the light beam, the resilience of the spring or the mass of the mass 16.
- Figure 6 shows a cantilever piezoresistive acceleration sensor 48 suitable for use as the acceleration sensor of Figure 2.
- the cantilever 50 forms part of an electrical circuit comprising electrical contacts 54, 60, wires 56, the piezoresistive cantilever 50 and a current detector (not shown) for sending an electrical signal to the timer (not shown) when a threshold current value is reached. Under an acceleration force, the cantilever 50 deflects and this mechanical strain causes its resistive properties to change, influencing the current in the circuit.
- the timer Upon the detection of a threshold current value in the circuit, corresponding to the mechanical strain on the cantilever 50 due to the predetermined acceleration force, the timer is caused to start counting.
- One such sensor 48 may advantageously be used both to start the timer and to stop the timer, if a further signal is sent to the timer when a second threshold current value is reached. This has the advantage of needing only one sensor to start and stop the timer, and also has no moving parts which could break.
- FIG. 7 shows a schematic fuze 64 at the forward part of an artillery shell 62, the fuze having a safety and arming unit 76 according to the present invention.
- the fuze 64 has a safety and arming unit 76 comprising an acceleration sensor 70, an integrated electronics pack 68 which includes an electronic timer 72, a comparator 110 and a electronically-triggered detonator 74, and a power pack 66 which supplies power to the electronics pack 68.
- the safety and arming unit can be adapted for use with different natures of ammunition of the same calibre and, for artillery, can be adapted to different charges.
- the unit can be adapted to permit external programming of the unit with different ranges of values of predetermined or preset time intervals representing satisfactory firing conditions for different natures of ammunition and artillery charges.
- the invention offers high levels of safety for the soldier and anyone else handling the ammunition.
- a round of ammunition once fired, may fail to be armed for a number of reasons which do not affect safety of the soldier, such as ring burning or irregular burning of the propellant producing a deficient acceleration profile in the barrel and causing range to be affected.
- the invention may therefore be adapted to avoid collateral damage by a shell falling short of or overflying the target.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Switches Operated By Changes In Physical Conditions (AREA)
Description
Claims (10)
- A safety and arming unit (76) for a round of ammunition (62) characterised in that the safety and arming unit comprises one or more acceleration sensors (70) for detecting when the acceleration of the ammunition reaches at least two different predetermined linear acceleration values; timer means (72) for measuring the time interval between the detection of two of the predetermined linear acceleration values, means (110) for electronically comparing the said measured time interval with a range of predetermined and pre-set time intervals representing satisfactory firing for the round of ammunition, and means (110) for producing an electronic signal when the said measured time interval falls within the range of predetermined and pre-set time intervals, which signal operates to arm the ammunition ready for detonation.
- A safety and arming unit (76) according to claim 1 having at least one acceleration sensor (70) capable of detecting at least two predetermined linear acceleration values.
- A safety and arming unit (76) according to claim 1 having at least two acceleration sensors (24,26), each being capable of detecting one pre-determined linear acceleration value.
- A safety and arming unit (76) according to claim 3 wherein at least one sensor (24) detects a threshold lower acceleration value and at least one further sensor (26) detects a threshold upper acceleration value.
- A safety and arming unit (76) according to claim 4 wherein several sensors (21,23) are provided to detect the same threshold acceleration value.
- A safety and arming unit (76) according to any one of claims 3-5 wherein the sensors are spring mass systems (6) which act as switches being open initially and closing at a threshold acceleration value to complete an electrical circuit (12).
- A safety and arming unit (76) according to any one of claims 3-5 wherein the sensors are in the form of cantilever threshold switches (24,26).
- A safety and arming unit (76) according to any one of claims 3-5 wherein the sensors are optical spring mass acceleration threshold switches (40) whereby a spring and mass system interrupts a light beam (46).
- A safety and arming unit (76) according to any one of claims 1-5 wherein at least one acceleration sensor utilises piezoresistive material.
- A safety and arming unit (76) according to any one preceding claim wherein said at least one acceleration sensor forms an integral part of the safety and arming system of a fuze.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9818673 | 1998-08-28 | ||
GBGB9818673.7A GB9818673D0 (en) | 1998-08-28 | 1998-08-28 | Ammunition safety and arming unit |
PCT/GB1999/002799 WO2000012953A1 (en) | 1998-08-28 | 1999-08-24 | Ammunition safety and arming unit |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1108195A1 EP1108195A1 (en) | 2001-06-20 |
EP1108195B1 true EP1108195B1 (en) | 2003-03-26 |
Family
ID=10837907
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99940405A Expired - Lifetime EP1108195B1 (en) | 1998-08-28 | 1999-08-24 | Ammunition safety and arming unit |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1108195B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2001506361A (en) |
AU (1) | AU5438599A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2341247A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69906315T2 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9818673D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000012953A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102006047549B4 (en) * | 2006-10-07 | 2010-04-22 | Junghans Microtec Gmbh | Igniter for a spin-free projectile |
DE102009058718B4 (en) * | 2009-12-17 | 2011-12-08 | Junghans Microtec Gmbh | Safety device for an igniter of a projectile |
CN109388852B (en) * | 2018-09-07 | 2023-07-28 | 陕西中天火箭技术股份有限公司 | Rocket projectile firing number accurate counting method |
WO2024126974A1 (en) * | 2022-12-14 | 2024-06-20 | Bae Systems Plc | Switch,electronic safe and arm unit, fuze system,munition, and method |
WO2024126975A1 (en) * | 2022-12-14 | 2024-06-20 | Bae Systems Plc | Switch,electronic safe and arm unit,fuze system,munition and method |
EP4386308A1 (en) * | 2022-12-14 | 2024-06-19 | BAE SYSTEMS plc | Further switch, electronic safe and arm unit, fuze system, munition, and method |
EP4386307A1 (en) * | 2022-12-14 | 2024-06-19 | BAE SYSTEMS plc | Switch, electronic safe and arm unit, fuze system, munition, and method |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3851531A (en) * | 1971-03-04 | 1974-12-03 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Electronic fuze system |
US4013012A (en) * | 1974-11-18 | 1977-03-22 | Altus Corporation | Electronic safe arming and fuzing system |
US5251548A (en) * | 1981-11-27 | 1993-10-12 | Alliedsignal Inc. | Missile acceleration and arming device |
US4526104A (en) | 1982-10-14 | 1985-07-02 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Safety-arming device |
DE3543938C1 (en) * | 1985-12-12 | 1987-07-09 | Buck Chem Tech Werke | Method for preventing premature detonation of a destruction charge, and a detonator arrangement |
DE3925000C1 (en) * | 1989-07-28 | 1997-09-18 | Honeywell Regelsysteme Gmbh | Flight time measuring method for shell |
-
1998
- 1998-08-28 GB GBGB9818673.7A patent/GB9818673D0/en not_active Ceased
-
1999
- 1999-08-24 CA CA002341247A patent/CA2341247A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-08-24 WO PCT/GB1999/002799 patent/WO2000012953A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1999-08-24 EP EP99940405A patent/EP1108195B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-08-24 JP JP56283899A patent/JP2001506361A/en active Pending
- 1999-08-24 AU AU54385/99A patent/AU5438599A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-08-24 DE DE69906315T patent/DE69906315T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69906315D1 (en) | 2003-04-30 |
WO2000012953A1 (en) | 2000-03-09 |
AU5438599A (en) | 2000-03-21 |
DE69906315T2 (en) | 2003-08-21 |
CA2341247A1 (en) | 2000-03-09 |
JP2001506361A (en) | 2001-05-15 |
GB9818673D0 (en) | 1999-09-15 |
EP1108195A1 (en) | 2001-06-20 |
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