Auto-destruct fuze
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
InventorsCharles Scott Lyon, Homesh Lalbahadur
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The Auto-destruct fuze is a mechanism that provides a primary mode detona and a delayed auto-destruct/self-neutralize mode detonator function for a grenade or similar munition. The mechanics for the primary mode detonation is similar to the M223 fuze which the present invention is designed to replace. Operation of the auto-destruct/self-neutralize mode is based on the working principles of the Liquid Annular Orifice Device (LAOD). The LAOD is released from a locked position upon expulsion of the device from a storage container. The LAOD moves slowly under the urging of a spring and eventually releases a cleanup firing pin which activates a cleanup detonator to auto-destruct or self-neutralize the grenade.
Claims4
An auto-destruct fuze mechanism for a munition, comprising:
- a base;
- a sliding portion slidably mounted on said base;
- a primary mode detonator mounted on said sliding portion;
- a primary firing pin movably connected to said base to detonate said primary mode detonator upon impact of said munition with a target;
- a cleanup detonator mounted in said sliding portion;
- a cleanup firing pin movably mounted in said sliding portion, said cleanup firing pin being movable between a first position and an activate position where said cleanup firing pin contacts said cleanup detonator;
- a Liquid Annular Orifice Device (LAOD) positioned at a locked position in said sliding position;
- a interlock ball mounted in said sliding portion between said cleanup firing pin at said first position and said LAOD at said locked position, said LAOD at said locked position holding said interlock ball against said cleanup firing pin and said interlock ball holding said cleanup firing pin in a first position in said auto-destruct fuze;
- a first spring urging said LAOD toward an outer position in said auto-destruct fuze;
- a retainer holding said LAOD at said locked position when said munition is in a storage container and releasing said LAOD when said munition is released from said storage container;
- said interlock ball being released when said LAOD reaches said outer position under the urging of said first spring, thereby releasing said cleanup firing pin from said first position;
- and
- a second spring urging said cleanup firing pin toward said activate position to activate said cleanup detonator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.