TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to projectile devices and methods and, more particularly but not exclusively, to projectile fuzing devices and methods.

BACKGROUND

Projectiles such as munitions often rely on spin stabilization to improve performance. When fired, the projectile is accelerated axially downrange and is forced to rotate about the same axis. The weapon barrel causes this rotation, which improves the terminal ballistics of the projectile.

Munitions should detonate on impact with or in proximity to the intended target. Munitions must also not detonate prematurely, such as during transport, handling, or firing. Munitions are therefore constructed with arming and fuzing mechanisms to achieve safety up-range and reliable detonation downrange.

A wide range of arming and fuzing mechanisms have been used for centuries. However, existing mechanisms are complex and involve many precision-designed and manufactured components. The complexity of these mechanisms makes them expensive to produce, and may require specialized tooling and manufacturing techniques.

A need exists, therefore, for devices and methods that overcome the disadvantages of existing arming and fuzing mechanisms.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to identify or exclude key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

According to one aspect, embodiments relate to a fuze assembly. The fuze assembly includes a firing pin configured to detonate a projectile; a weighted body in operable connectivity with the firing pin; and a flexural portion in operable connectivity with the weighted body configured to control positioning of the weighted body due to centrifugal force generated by rotation of the projectile such that the firing pin is in a detonation prevention position and control the movement of the weighted body to drive the firing pin to a detonation position upon impact of the projectile.

In some embodiments, wherein two or more of the baseplate, the weighted body, and the flexural portion are formed as a single component.

In some embodiments, the projectile assembly includes a plurality of weighted bodies and a plurality of flexural portions, wherein each of the plurality of flexural portions are operably connected with a weighted body of the plurality of weighted bodies.

In some embodiments, the projectile assembly includes a baseplate connected to the flexural portion and includes a bore for directing the firing pin to the detonation position. In some embodiments, the baseplate is configured to receive a first weighted body of a first size and weight, enable an operator to remove the first weighted body, and receive a second weighted body of a second size and weight. In some embodiments, the bore is non-cylindrical and includes a ribbed component to minimize contact with the firing pin.

In some embodiments, the firing pin includes an annular groove configured to receive the weighted body.

In some embodiments, the weighted body includes a deflection prevention feature to prevent excess deflection.

In some embodiments, a center of mass of the weighted body is offset from an axis of rotation of the projectile.

In some embodiments, the projectile assembly includes an actuator ring portion positioned to, upon impact of the projectile, apply a force to the weighted body to drive the firing pin to the detonation position.

According to another aspect, embodiments relate to a method for assembling a fuze for a projectile. The method includes providing a firing pin to detonate the projectile; operably connecting a weighted body to the firing pin; and operably connecting a flexural portion to the weighted body to control the position of the weighted body due to centrifugal force generated by rotation of the projectile such that the firing pin is in a detonation prevention position, and control the movement of the weighted body to drive the firing pin to a detonation position upon impact of the projectile.

In some embodiments, two or more of the baseplate, the weighted body, and the flexural portion are formed as a single component.

In some embodiments, the method further includes operably connecting a plurality of flexural portions to each of a plurality of weighted bodies.

In some embodiments, the method further includes connecting a baseplate to the flexural portion, wherein the baseplate includes a bore for directing the firing pin to the detonation position. In some embodiments, the baseplate is configured to receive a first weighted body of a first size and weight, enable an operator to remove the first weighted body, and receive a second weighted body of a second size and weight. In some embodiments, the bore is non-cylindrical and includes a ribbed component to minimize contact with the firing pin.

In some embodiments, the method further includes providing the firing pin with an annular groove to receive the weighted body.

In some embodiments, the method further includes configuring the weighted body with a deflection prevention feature to prevent excess deflection.

In some embodiments, a center of mass of the weighted body is offset from an axis of rotation of the projectile.

In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning an actuator ring portion to, upon impact of the projectile, apply a force to the weighted body to drive the firing pin to the detonation position.

