Method and apparatus for autonomous detonation delay in munitions
First Claim
1. A detonation timing apparatus, comprising:
- an initiation sensor;
at least one impact sensor; and
at least one controller configured for;
sensing an initiation event associated with the initiation sensor;
sensing an impact event associated with the at least one impact sensor;
determining an impact velocity estimate proportional to a combination of target characteristics and a temporal difference between the initiation event and the impact event;
determining a detonation delay correlated to the impact velocity estimate; and
generating a detonation event substantially at the detonation delay after the impact event.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A detonation timing apparatus and method of determining a detonation time is disclosed. The detonation timing apparatus comprises an initiation sensor, at least one impact sensor, and at least one controller. The at least one controller may be configured for sensing an initiation event associated with the initiation sensor and sensing an impact event associated with the at least one impact sensor. The at least one controller is further configured for determining an impact velocity estimate proportional to a temporal difference between the initiation event and the impact event, using the impact velocity estimate to determine the detonation delay, and generating the detonation event at the detonation delay after the impact event. The timing apparatus and method of determining a detonation time may be incorporated in a fuze, which may be incorporated in an explosive projectile.
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Citations
39 Claims
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1. A detonation timing apparatus, comprising:
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an initiation sensor; at least one impact sensor; and at least one controller configured for; sensing an initiation event associated with the initiation sensor; sensing an impact event associated with the at least one impact sensor; determining an impact velocity estimate proportional to a combination of target characteristics and a temporal difference between the initiation event and the impact event; determining a detonation delay correlated to the impact velocity estimate; and generating a detonation event substantially at the detonation delay after the impact event. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A fuze for an explosive projectile, comprising:
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a housing; a detonation timing apparatus disposed within the housing, comprising; an initiation sensor; at least one impact sensor; and at least one controller configured for; sensing an initiation event associated with the initiation sensor; sensing an impact event associated with the at least one impact sensor; determining an impact velocity estimate proportional to a combination of a target characteristic and a temporal difference between the initiation event and the impact event; determining a detonation delay correlated to the impact velocity estimate; and generating a detonation event substantially at the detonation delay after the impact event; and a safety and arming module disposed within the housing and configured for enabling and initiating detonation of the explosive projectile responsive to the detonation event.
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20. An explosive projectile, comprising:
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an encasement; an explosive material disposed within the encasement and configured for detonation; and a fuze disposed within the encasement, comprising; a housing; a detonation timing apparatus disposed within the housing, comprising; an initiation sensor; at least one impact sensor; and at least one controller configured for; sensing an initiation event associated with the initiation sensor; sensing an impact event associated with the at least one impact sensor; determining an impact velocity estimate proportional to a combination of a target characteristic and a temporal difference between the initiation event and the impact event; determining a detonation delay correlated to the impact velocity estimate; and generating a detonation event substantially at the detonation delay after the impact event; and a safety and arming module disposed within the housing and configured for enabling and initiating detonation of the explosive material responsive to the detonation event.
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21. A method of determining a detonation time of an explosive projectile, comprising:
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sensing an initiation event; sensing an impact event; determining an impact velocity estimate proportional to a combination of a target characteristic and a temporal difference between the initiation event and the impact event; determining a detonation delay correlated to the impact velocity estimate; generating a detonation event substantially at the detonation delay after the impact event. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification