Detonator, solid state type I film bridge

US4484523A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force · US

Inventors

• Rex L. Smith · Ridgecrest, US
• D. Philip Ankeney · Ridgecrest, US
• Patrick A. Yates · China Lake, US
• Henry Blazek · Brookfield, US
• Steven E. Fowler · Ridgecrest, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 28, 1983
• Grant date: Nov 27, 1984
• Expiry date: Mar 28, 2003

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F42B3/13
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A solid state detonator is made using a silicon chip with appropriate surnding sections to provide the resistance path necessary to detonate a primary explosive. The chip is set on a metal-to-glass-to-metal header to provide uniformity of current and insulation capabilities. A gold mesh is used as a conductor connected to a chromium-silicon resistor film. This provides a uniform annular heating ring for detonation purposes. The silicon chip may be doped for high conductivity and low resistance. This arrangement provides fast function with moderate power pulses while the thermal design permits high no-fire current levels.