Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Temperature responsive safety devices for munitions
- Patent Title (中): 温度敏感的弹药安全装置
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Application No.: US10522490Application Date: 2003-08-07
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Publication No.: US07549375B2Publication Date: 2009-06-23
- Inventor: John Cook , Lakshman Chandrasekaran
- Applicant: John Cook , Lakshman Chandrasekaran
- Applicant Address: GB
- Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
- Current Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
- Current Assignee Address: GB
- Agency: McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP
- Priority: GB0218598.1 20020812
- International Application: PCT/GB03/03398 WO 20030807
- International Announcement: WO2004/015360 WO 20040219
- Main IPC: F42B15/36
- IPC: F42B15/36 ; F42B15/38

Abstract:
The invention comprises devices for mitigating the explosive reaction of a munition when it is subject to an external thermal hazard threat. The devices are based on the use of shape memory alloys. In one arrangement there is device which consists of a connector that is at least in part formed from a shape memory alloy, which typically undergoes large dimensional changes when heated or cooled through a particular transition temperature range. The connector in this invention is designed to form a locking engagement, between two components of a munitions casing at one temperature, but when subjected to external heating through the transition temperature range will deform to allow the connector to disengage and thus release the two joined components, allowing any build up of pressure to be released quickly. Advantageously if the co-operative parts of the connector and components are threaded portions, then the locking engagement will be capable of being dismantled during normal servicing of the munition. The co-operative parts of the connector may be integral with the components to be connected. In another arrangement the device is an annulus and is located around a munitions casing such that upon heating through its transition temperature range will cause the annulus to contract, thereby rupturing the munitions casing, allowing any build up of pressure to be released quickly.
Public/Granted literature
- US20060054046A1 Temperature responsive safety devices for munitions Public/Granted day:2006-03-16
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