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Title: Microelectromechanical safe arm device

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1050876

Microelectromechanical (MEM) apparatus and methods for operating, for preventing unintentional detonation of energetic components comprising pyrotechnic and explosive materials, such as air bag deployment systems, munitions and pyrotechnics. The MEM apparatus comprises an interrupting member that can be moved to block (interrupt) or complete (uninterrupt) an explosive train that is part of an energetic component. One or more latching members are provided that engage and prevent the movement of the interrupting member, until the one or more latching members are disengaged from the interrupting member. The MEM apparatus can be utilized as a safe and arm device (SAD) and electronic safe and arm device (ESAD) in preventing unintentional detonations. Methods for operating the MEM apparatus include independently applying drive signals to the actuators coupled to the latching members, and an actuator coupled to the interrupting member.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
Assignee:
Sandia Corporation (Albuquerque, NM)
Patent Number(s):
8,191,477
Application Number:
11/305,258
OSTI ID:
1050876
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (3)

Thinfilm technologies to fabricate a linear microactuator journal June 2001
Development and control of a low-cost linear variable-reluctance motor for precision manufacturing automation journal September 2003
Integrated, variable-reluctance magnetic minimotor journal September 1998