초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for initiating the ignition of a pyrotechnic material in a controlled manner. The invention is suitable for use with less sensitive pyrotechnic material or charges, such as, but not limited to, boron potassium nitrate (B/KNO3) and nitrocellulose (NC). The invention is particu

An apparatus and method for initiating the ignition of a pyrotechnic material in a controlled manner. The invention is suitable for use with less sensitive pyrotechnic material or charges, such as, but not limited to, boron potassium nitrate (B/KNO3) and nitrocellulose (NC). The invention is particularly suitable for incorporation with an ignition system for the ignition of pyrotechnic materials used in solid propellant missile and rocket motors. The invention is particularly resistant to spurious radio frequency interference and/or other electromagnetic interference and is readily capable of operating on a minimum fire or triggering voltage in excess of 500 volts.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An initiator comprising: an initiator body including a connection end and an output end, the initiator body further including a micro initiation cavity defined at least partially by an interior wall of the initiator body and being sized and configured for accommodating a column of pyrotechnic mat

1. An initiator comprising: an initiator body including a connection end and an output end, the initiator body further including a micro initiation cavity defined at least partially by an interior wall of the initiator body and being sized and configured for accommodating a column of pyrotechnic material of a selected volume, the micro initiation cavity being in communication with the output end of the initiator body;an elongated electrode supported by an electrode insulator, at least a portion of the elongated electrode being exposed and centrally disposed within the micro initiation cavity so as not to physically contact the initiator body, wherein the column of pyrotechnic material provides a current path between the elongated electrode and wherein the elongated electrode and the initiator body are configured for connection to an electrical circuit capable of generating a voltage therebetween; anda micro initiation column of pyrotechnic material disposed in the micro initiation cavity and surrounding the exposed the at least a portion of the elongated electrode, the micro initiation column of pyrotechnic material providing an electrical current path between the elongated electrode and the interior wall of the initiator body. 2. The initiator of claim 1, wherein the micro initiation cavity comprises a generally cylindrical configuration. 3. The initiator of claim 2, further comprising an output charge cavity adjacent the output end and intermediately positioned between the output end and the micro initiation cavity, the output charge cavity sized and configured for accommodating a boost charge of the pyrotechnic material of the selected volume and wherein the output charge cavity is in direct communication with the micro initiation cavity. 4. The initiator of claim 3, wherein the output charge cavity comprises a generally cylindrical configuration. 5. The initiator of claim 4, wherein the size of the micro initiation cavity is substantially less than the size of the output charge cavity. 6. The initiator of claim 5, wherein the size of the micro initiation cavity comprises a diameter not exceeding approximately 0.1 of an inch. 7. The initiator of claim 5, wherein the size of the micro initiation cavity comprises an inside diameter ranging between approximately 0.03 and 0.06 of an inch. 8. The initiator of claim 5, wherein the size of the micro initiation cavity comprises an inside diameter of approximately 0.04 of an inch. 9. The initiator of claim 1, wherein the elongated electrode comprises a generally cylindrical configuration. 10. The initiator of claim 9, wherein the elongated electrode comprises an outside diameter not exceeding approximately 0.01 of an inch. 11. The initiator of claim 9, wherein the elongated electrode comprises an outside diameter ranging between approximately 0.002 and approximately 0.008 of an inch. 12. The initiator of claim 9, wherein the elongated electrode comprises an outside diameter of approximately 0.005 of an inch. 13. The initiator of claim 9, wherein the at least a portion of the elongated electrode comprises an axial length not exceeding approximately 0.1 of an inch. 14. The initiator of claim 9, wherein the at least a portion of the elongated electrode comprises an axial length ranging between approximately 0.02 and approximately 0.06 of an inch. 15. The initiator of claim 9, wherein the at least a portion of the elongated electrode comprises an axial length ranging between approximately 0.035 and approximately 0.045 of an inch. 16. The initiator of claim 9, wherein the elongated electrode is comprised of a stainless steel. 17. The initiator of claim 16, wherein the elongated electrode is comprised of a stainless steel comprising nickel and chromium. 18. The initiator of claim 17, wherein the elongated electrode is comprised of chromel-P thermocouple wire. 19. The initiator of claim 1, wherein the initiator body comprises an axially oriented cavity sized and configured for accommodating the electrode insulator. 20. The initiator of claim 19, wherein the electrode insulator is comprised of a ceramic material. 21. The initiator of claim 20, wherein the ceramic material is comprised of zirconia-based ceramic. 22. The initiator of claim 19, wherein the electrode insulator comprises a generally cylindrical configuration having an axial bore for encapsulating a portion of the elongated electrode. 23. The initiator of claim 22, wherein the electrode insulator comprises the axial bore directly contacting the elongated electrode so as to provide a hermetic seal about the portion of the elongated electrode encapsulated by the electrode insulator. 24. The initiator of claim 22, wherein the electrode insulator comprises an adhesive material disposed within the axial bore of the electrode insulator so as to provide a hermetic seal about the portion of the elongated electrode encapsulated by the electrode insulator. 25. The initiator of claim 24, wherein the adhesive material is comprised of STYCAST 2651-40 adhesive. 26. The initiator of claim 1, further comprising an electrode connector including an electrode holding portion sized and configured for holding the electrode insulator, the electrode connector being installable adjacent the connection end of the initiator body. 27. The initiator of claim 26, wherein the electrode connector comprises a threaded portion engagable within a complementary threaded region located adjacent the connection end of the initiator body. 28. The initiator of claim 1, wherein the initiator body is comprised of stainless steel. 29. The initiator of claim 1, wherein the initiator comprises a pyrotechnic material disposed within at least the micro initiation cavity so as to form a micro initiation column surrounding the exposed the at least a portion of the elongated electrode. 30. The initiator of claim 29, wherein the micro initiation column comprises at least one of B/KNO3 and nitrocellulose. 31. The initiator of claim 29, wherein the micro initiation column comprises at least one of B/KNO3 and nitrocellulose packed to a pressure of at least 1,000 psi. 32. The initiator of claim 29, wherein the micro initiation column comprises at least one of B/KNO3 and nitrocellulose mixed with a plasticizer packed to a pressure of at least 1,200 psi. 33. The initiator of claim 29, wherein the micro initiation column comprises at least one of B/KNO3 and nitrocellulose mixed with a selected amount of Laminac resin packed to a pressure of at least 1,500 psi. 34. An initiator for ignition of a pyrotechnic material comprising: an initiator body including a connection end and an output end, the initiator body further including a micro initiation cavity sized and configured for accommodating a column of pyrotechnic material of a selected volume, the micro initiation cavity being in communication with the output end of the initiator body, and wherein the initiator body defines an axially oriented cavity sized and configured for accommodating an electrode insulator; andan elongated electrode supported by the electrode insulator, at least a portion of the elongated electrode being exposed and centrally disposed within the micro initiation cavity so as not to be grounded to the initiator body and wherein the elongated electrode and the initiator body are configured for connection to an electrical circuit capable of generating a high voltage output of sufficient strength to cause the elongated electrode to initiate the ignition of the pyrotechnic material to be disposed in at least the micro initiation cavity;wherein the electrode insulator exhibits a generally cylindrical configuration having an axial bore for encapsulating a portion of the elongated electrode and wherein adhesive material is disposed within the axial bore of the electrode insulator so as to provide a hermetic seal about the portion of the elongated electrode encapsulated by the electrode insulator. 35. An initiator for ignition of a pyrotechnic material comprising: an initiator body including a connection end and an output end, the initiator body further including a micro initiation cavity sized and configured for accommodating a column of pyrotechnic material of a selected volume, the micro initiation cavity being in communication with the output end of the initiator body;an elongated electrode supported by an electrode insulator, at least a portion of the elongated electrode being exposed and centrally disposed within the micro initiation cavity so as not to be grounded to the initiator body and wherein the elongated electrode and the initiator body are configured for connection to an electrical circuit capable of generating a high voltage output of sufficient strength to cause the elongated electrode to initiate the ignition of the pyrotechnic material to be disposed in at least the micro initiation cavity;an electrode connector including an electrode holding portion sized and configured for holding the electrode insulator, the electrode connector being installable adjacent the connection end of the initiator body, wherein the electrode connector comprises a connection end configured to accommodate a detachable coaxial cable connector. 36. An initiator for ignition of a pyrotechnic material comprising: an initiator body including a connection end and an output end, the initiator body further including a micro initiation cavity sized and configured for accommodating a column of pyrotechnic material of a selected volume, the micro initiation cavity being in communication with the output end of the initiator body;an elongated electrode supported by an electrode insulator, at least a portion of the elongated electrode being exposed and centrally disposed within the micro initiation cavity so as not to be grounded to the initiator body and wherein the elongated electrode and the initiator body are configured for connection to an electrical circuit capable of generating a high voltage output of sufficient strength to cause the elongated electrode to initiate the ignition of the pyrotechnic material to be disposed in at least the micro initiation cavity;a pyrotechnic material disposed within at least the micro initiation cavity so as to form a micro initiation column surrounding the exposed the at least a portion of the elongated electrode; andat least one spacer having an aperture sized and configured for allowing at least the exposed the at least a portion of the elongated electrode to pass therethrough disposed in the micro initiation cavity. 37. The initiator of claim 36, wherein the at least one spacer is comprised of mica. 38. The initiator of claim 36, wherein the at least one spacer comprises a plurality of mica spacers. 39. The initiator of claim 36, wherein the pyrotechnic material is further disposed in an output charge cavity so as to form an output charge volume in communication with the micro initiation column. 40. The initiator of claim 39, wherein at least one of the micro initiation column and the output charge volume comprises at least one of B/KNO3, nitrocellulose, unavalium and unobtainium. 41. The initiator of claim 39, wherein at least one of the micro initiation column and the output charge volume comprises at least one of B/KNO3 and nitrocellulose packed to a pressure of at least approximately 1,000 psi. 42. The initiator of claim 39, wherein the micro initiation column and the output charge volume each comprise at least one of B/KNO3 and nitrocellulose mixed with a plasticizer and packed to a pressure of at least approximately 1,200 psi. 43. The initiator of claim 39, wherein the micro initiation column and the output charge volume each comprise at least one of B/KNO3 and nitrocellulose mixed with a selected amount of Laminac resin packed to a pressure of at least approximately 1,500 psi. 44. The initiator of claim 43, wherein the at least one spacer is comprised of mica. 45. The initiator of claim 39, further comprising at least one closure being disposed proximate the output end of the initiator body to hermetically seal at least the output charge volume. 46. The initiator of claim 45, wherein the at least one closure comprises a stainless steel closure cup. 47. The initiator of claim 46, wherein the at least one closure is welded into position. 48. The initiator of claim 45, further comprising an output charge cavity spacer disposed within the output charge cavity for reducing the volume thereof. 49. The initiator of claim 45, wherein the at least one closure comprises rupture control geometry for ensuring peripheral detainment of closure residue upon activation of the initiator. 50. A high voltage arm/fire device for initiating the ignition of a charge of pyrotechnic material, comprising: an initiator body including a connection end and an output end, the initiator body including a micro initiation cavity exhibiting a generally cylindrical configuration sized and configured for accommodating a column of pyrotechnic material of a first selected volume, the micro initiation cavity being in communication with the output end of the initiator body, the initiator body further including an output charge cavity adjacent the output end and intermediately positioned between the output end and the micro initiation cavity so as to be in communication with the micro initiation cavity, the output charge cavity configured to be generally cylindrical and sized for accommodating a boost charge of pyrotechnic material of a second selected volume;an elongated electrode supported by an electrode insulator, at least a portion of the elongated electrode being exposed and disposed within the micro initiation cavity so as not to be grounded to the initiator body; andan arm/fire electrical circuit having a high voltage output configured for connection to the elongated electrode and the initiator body and capable of generating a high voltage output of sufficient strength to cause the elongated electrode to initiate the ignition of a pyrotechnic material to be disposed in at least the micro initiation cavity, the arm/fire electrical circuit being configured for coupling with the elongated electrode and the initiator body, the arm/fire circuit comprising: at least one arm-circuit for inducing an autotransformer to generate a first current; andat least one fire-circuit for inducing the first current to collapse to enable the arm/fire electrical circuit to provide at least one pulse of high voltage at the high voltage output. 51. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein the at least one fire-circuit of the arm/fire electrical circuit further comprises an optical-actuated switch for passing current to ground upon the at least one fire-circuit receiving a fire command. 52. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein the autotransformer of the arm/fire electrical circuit is configured to effect a voltage transformation of approximately 1:10. 53. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein at least one of the at least one arm circuit and the at least one fire circuit of the arm/fire electrical circuit operates on an input voltage of approximately 28 volts DC. 54. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein the arm/fire electrical circuit is configured for generating the high voltage output of at least approximately 500V. 55. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein the arm/fire electrical circuit is configured for generating the high voltage output of at least approximately 1,500V. 56. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein the pyrotechnic material comprises at least one plasticizer mixed therein. 57. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 56, wherein the at least one plasticizer comprises laminac resin. 58. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein the elongated electrode comprises a generally cylindrical shape and wherein the elongated electrode comprises stainless steel. 59. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein the elongated electrode comprises an axial length not exceeding approximately 0.06 of an inch. 60. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein the elongated electrode comprises an axial length ranging between approximately 0.030 and 0.045 of an inch. 61. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein the elongated electrode comprises an outside diameter not exceeding approximately 0.01 of an inch. 62. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein the elongated electrode comprises an outside diameter ranging from approximately 0.002 to approximately 0.008 of an inch. 63. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein the elongated electrode comprises an outside diameter of approximately 0.005 of an inch. 64. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein the elongated electrode is comprised of a stainless steel including nickel and chromium and wherein the initiator body is comprised of stainless steel. 65. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein the initiator body comprises an axially positioned cavity sized and configured to accommodate the electrode insulator, the electrode insulator constructed from at least one ceramic-based material. 66. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 65, wherein the electrode insulator includes an axial bore sized and configured to hermetically encompass at least a portion of the elongated electrode therein. 67. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 66, further comprising an adhesive disposed within the axial bore of the electrode insulator. 68. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein at least the initiator body of the high voltage arm/fire device is adapted for installation upon a solid propellant motor. 69. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 68, wherein the solid propellant motor is adapted for installation within at least one of a missile and a rocket. 70. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 69, wherein the at least the initiator body of the high voltage arm/fire device is adapted for installation through a bulkhead of the solid propellant motor. 71. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 50, wherein at least the initiator body of the high voltage arm/fire device is adapted for installation upon a charge of pyrotechnic material contained within a detonative device. 72. A high voltage arm/fire device for initiating the ignition of a charge of pyrotechnic material, comprising: an initiator body including a connection end and an output end, the initiator body including a micro initiation cavity exhibiting a generally cylindrical configuration sized and configured for accommodating a column of pyrotechnic material of a first selected volume, the micro initiation cavity being in communication with the output end of the initiator body, the initiator body further including an output charge cavity adjacent the output end and intermediately positioned between the output end and the micro initiation cavity so as to be in communication with the micro initiation cavity, the output charge cavity configured to be generally cylindrical and sized for accommodating a boost charge of pyrotechnic material of a second selected volume,an elongated electrode supported by an electrode insulator, at least a portion of the elongated electrode being exposed and disposed within the micro initiation cavity so as not to be grounded to the initiator body and wherein the elongated electrode and the initiator body are connectable to an arm/fire electrical circuit; andthe arm/fire electrical circuit capable of generating a high voltage output of sufficient strength to cause the elongated electrode to initiate the ignition of a pyrotechnic material to be disposed in at least the micro initiation cavity, wherein the high voltage arm/fire device is configured to require at least approximately 500 volts to be applied across the elongated electrode and an inner surface of the micro initiation cavity to cause the elongated electrode to initiate the ignition of a pyrotechnic material to be disposed in at least the micro initiation cavity. 73. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 72, wherein the high voltage arm/fire device is configured to require from about 500 volts to about 4,000 volts of electrical energy to be applied across the elongated electrode and an inner surface of the micro initiation cavity to cause the elongated electrode to initiate the ignition of a pyrotechnic material to be disposed in at least the micro initiation cavity. 74. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 73, wherein the pyrotechnic material comprises at least one of BKNO3 and nitrocellulose. 75. A high voltage arm/fire device for initiating the ignition of a charge of pyrotechnic material, comprising: an initiator body including a connection end and an output end, the initiator body including a micro initiation cavity exhibiting a generally cylindrical configuration sized and configured for accommodating a column of pyrotechnic material of a first selected volume, the micro initiation cavity being in communication with the output end of the initiator body, the initiator body further including an output charge cavity adjacent the output end and intermediately positioned between the output end and the micro initiation cavity so as to be in communication with the micro initiation cavity, the output charge cavity configured to be generally cylindrical and sized for accommodating a boost charge of pyrotechnic material of a second selected volume;an elongated electrode supported by an electrode insulator, at least a portion of the elongated electrode being exposed and disposed within the micro initiation cavity so as not to be grounded to the initiator body and wherein the elongated electrode and the initiator body are connectable to an arm/fire electrical circuit; andthe arm/fire electrical circuit capable of generating a high voltage output of sufficient strength to cause the elongated electrode to initiate the ignition of a pyrotechnic material to be disposed in at least the micro initiation cavity, wherein at least one of the micro initiation cavity and the output charge cavity contains the pyrotechnic material packed therein at a pressure of at least about 1,000 psi and further comprising at least one hermetic closure secured adjacent the output end of the initiator body. 76. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 75, wherein at least one of the micro initiation cavity and the output charge cavity contains the pyrotechnic material packed therein at a pressure of about 1,500 psi and further comprising at least one hermetic closure secured adjacent the output end of the initiator body. 77. The high voltage arm/fire device of claim 75, wherein the pyrotechnic material comprises at least one of BKNO3 and nitrocellulose.