DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[SEE SECTION 10, RULE 13]

A TRIGGER CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF

BHARAT ELECTRONICS LIMITED
OUTER RING ROAD, NAGAVARA, BANGALORE 560045, KARNATAKA, INDIA

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to controlling systems. The present invention, more particularly, relates to a system for controlling trigger voltage.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, existing mechanisms related to controlling triggering voltage generate unwanted triggering of a pin during the power ON of a system. It was observed that there was a voltage leakage at a launcher pin for a minimal duration during the powering ON. In conventional systems, the trigger actuating mechanism was implemented with Soft & Hard enable switches, where the soft control was to pull down from the default stage of pull up, to enable the trigger voltage. The Soft enable switch was controlled by a Microcontroller, and the Microcontroller checks all the applicable conditions to enable or disable the switch. Though, there were multiple level controls for crucial Weapon control systems, and it is very much important to have a safest Launcher Control Systems.

[0003] US2764066 titled “Contact Latch Type Firing Mechanism for Rocket Launchers” discloses contact control supply mechanism for electrically-controlled rocket launchers. It includes a contact latch to open & close the Control Circuit to apply Launcher Voltages.

[0004] Hence, there is a need of a trigger control system, which solves the above defined problems.

SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a trigger control system and method thereof. This summary is neither intended to identify essential features of the present invention nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present invention.
[0006] For example, various embodiments herein may include one or more trigger control systems and methods thereof are provided. In one of the embodiments, a method for controlling trigger voltage includes a step of receiving, by a console unit, a command from at least one source. The method includes a step of controlling, by a launcher control unit, trigger voltage based on the received command. The method includes a step of generating, by an application interlocking unit, a signal for enabling the controlled voltage. The method includes a step of enabling, by a mechanical interlocking unit, the signal in a launcher. The method includes a step of enabling, by an electrical interlocking unit, control supply of the voltage based on the enabled signal in the launcher. The method includes a step of generating, by a launcher circuit (118), a control signal for controlling the supply in the launcher.

[0007] In another embodiment, a trigger control system includes a console unit, a launcher control unit, and a launcher circuit. The launcher control unit includes an application interlocking unit, a mechanical interlocking unit, and an electrical interlocking unit. The console unit is configured to receive a command from at least one source. The launcher control unit is configured to control voltage based on the received command. The application interlocking unit is configured to generate a signal to enable the control voltage. The mechanical interlocking unit is configured to enable the signal in a launcher. The electrical interlocking unit is configured to enable control supply of the voltage based on the enabled signal in the launcher. The launcher circuit is configured to generate a control signal to control the supply in the launcher.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0008] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and modules.

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting a trigger control system, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting multi-level control mechanism, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting multi-level safety architecture, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a functional workflow of the trigger control system of Figure 1, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for controlling trigger voltages, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0014] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present invention. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flowcharts, flow diagrams, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems.
[0016] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a trigger control system and method thereof.

[0017] Furthermore, connections between components and/or modules within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components and modules may be modified, re-formatted or otherwise changed by intermediary components and modules.

[0018] References in the present invention to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0019] In one of the embodiments, a method for controlling trigger voltage includes a step of receiving, by a console unit, a command from at least one source. The method includes a step of controlling, by a launcher control unit, trigger voltage based on the received command. The method includes a step of generating, by an application interlocking unit, a signal for enabling the controlled voltage. The method includes a step of enabling, by a mechanical interlocking unit, the signal in a launcher. The method includes a step of enabling, by an electrical interlocking unit, control supply of the voltage based on the enabled signal in the launcher. The method includes a step of generating, by a launcher circuit (118), a control signal for controlling the supply in the launcher.

[0020] In another implementation, receiving, by the console unit, the command from a user.

[0021] In another implementation, the step of generating the signal includes monitoring, by the application interlocking unit, health of the launcher; permitting, by the application interlocking unit, limit setting for the user; and receiving, by the application interlocking unit, launching authorization from a controller.

[0022] In another implementation, the method includes performing, by a first relay circuit, relay and providing a proof mechanism for an accidental launcher command.

[0023] In another implementation, the method includes performing, by a second relay unit, relay of the control supply of the voltage.

[0024] In another implementation, the method includes performing, by the control unit, multi-point interlocking, multi-level interlocking, and trigger mechanism.

[0025] In another implementation, the method includes generating, by a current loop circuit, the trigger mechanism using isolators, MOSFETSs, and the relay circuits.

[0026] In another implementation, the method includes generating, by the application interlocking unit, a launch enable signal for enabling the voltage.

[0027] In another embodiment, a trigger control system includes a console unit, a launcher control unit, and a launcher circuit. The launcher control unit includes an application interlocking unit, a mechanical interlocking unit, and an electrical interlocking unit. The console unit is configured to receive a command from at least one source. The launcher control unit is configured to control voltage based on the received command. The application interlocking unit is configured to generate a signal to enable the control voltage. The mechanical interlocking unit is configured to enable the signal in a launcher. The electrical interlocking unit is configured to enable control supply of the voltage based on the enabled signal in the launcher. The launcher circuit is configured to generate a control signal to control the supply in the launcher.
[0028] In another implementation, the console unit includes an interfacing unit. The interfacing unit is configured to receive a command from the sources.

[0029] In another implementation, the interfacing unit is configured to receive a command from a user.

[0030] In another implementation, the electrical interlocking unit includes a first relay circuit configured to perform relay and provide a proof mechanism for an accidental launcher command.

[0031] In another implementation, the electrical interlocking unit includes a second relay unit configured to perform relay of the control supply of voltage to the launching circuit.

[0032] In another implementation, the system includes a current loop circuit. The current loop circuit is configured to generate a trigger mechanism, by using isolators, MOSFETSs, and said relay circuits.

[0033] In another implementation, the application interlocking unit is configured to generate a launch enable signal to enable the voltage using a launch enable electrically controlled switch.

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting a trigger control system (100), according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0035] The system (100) relates to contact control supply mechanism for electrically-controlled rocket launchers. It includes a contact latch to open & close a control circuit to apply launcher voltages. The system (100) expands with multiple nodes with safety interlocks. The control voltage is a key parameter, and effective control of the voltages is an essential part of the system (100). The voltages are supposed to be applied to a specific pin and permitted at a specific condition.

[0036] The system (100) provides a multi-point and multi-level interlocking architecture for safety in actuating trigger mechanism. The system (100) implements safety levels using combination of Application, Electrical and Mechanical interlocks. The system (100) generates control voltages for triggering mechanism.

[0037] In an embodiment, the system (100) provides Multi-level Safety Architecture for Trigger Actuated Mechanisms for effective controlling of a launch control circuit. It relates to the safety of a rocket launcher control through mechanical contacts, electrical & application controls.

[0038] In an embodiment, the system (100) provides safe interlocking architecture in launcher applications comprising of: Multi point interlocking; Multi-level interlocking; and Trigger Mechanism, where application, hardware & mechanical interlocks are involved.

[0039] In an embodiment, the multi-point interlocking is realized using Mechanical & application controls at a console point & launcher point. In an embodiment, the multi-level interlocking is realized using contacts, relays & application Interlocks at different levels.

[0040] In an embodiment, the safety benefit achieved by the system (100) is the secured architecture which can be applied to any critical control systems and ensures “No Accidental Triggers”.

[0041] A trigger control system (hereinafter referred to as “system”) (100) includes a console unit (102), a launcher control unit (106), and a launcher circuit (118).

[0042] The console unit (102) is configured to receive a command from at least one source. In an embodiment, the console unit (102) includes an interfacing unit (104). The interfacing unit (104) is configured to receive a command from the sources. The sources can include an automated device, or a user.

[0043] The launcher control unit (106) is configured to cooperate with the console unit (102) to receive the command. The launcher control unit (106) is configured to control voltage based on the received command. In an embodiment, the launcher control unit (106) is configured to perform multi-point interlocking, multi-level interlocking, and trigger mechanism. In one embodiment, the launcher control unit (106) includes an application interlocking unit (108), a mechanical interlocking unit (110), and an electrical interlocking unit (112).

[0044] The application interlocking unit (108) is configured generate a signal to enable the control voltage. In an embodiment, the application interlocking unit (108) is configured to generate a launch enable signal to enable the control voltage using a launch enable electrically controlled switch. In one embodiment, the application interlocking unit (108) is configured to monitor the health of the launcher, permit limit setting of the user, and receive launching authorization from a controller (not shown in figure), to generate the signal for enabling the controlled voltage.

[0045] The mechanical interlocking unit (110) is configured to cooperate with the application interlocking unit (108) to receive the generated signal. The mechanical interlocking unit (110) is configured to enable the signal in a launcher.

[0046] The electrical interlocking unit (112) is configured to cooperate with the application interlocking unit (108) and the mechanical interlocking unit (110). The electrical interlocking unit (112) is configured to enable control supply of the voltage based on the enabled signal in the launcher. In an embodiment, the electrical interlocking unit (112) includes a first relay circuit (114), and a second relay circuit (116). The first relay circuit (114) is configured to perform relay and provide a proof mechanism for an accidental launcher command. The second relay circuit (116) is configured to perform relay of the control supply of voltage to the launching circuit (118). In an embodiment, the first relay circuit (114) and the second relay circuit (116) includes a relay control logic.

[0047] The launcher circuit (118) is configured to cooperate with the launcher control unit (106). The launcher circuit (118) is configured to generate a control signal to control the supply in the launcher.

[0048] In an embodiment, the system (100) includes a current loop circuit (120). The current loop circuit (120) is configured to generate a trigger mechanism using isolators, MOSFETs, and the relay circuits.

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting multi-level control mechanism (200), according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a multi-level safety architecture (300), according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0050] In an embodiment, the system (100) includes a console unit (102), a launcher control unit (106), and a launcher circuit (118), in a launcher. The console unit (102) is a main control console, which is the user end interface, where there is a touch panel PC, or other interfacing unit, running with an application module (202) and mechanical control switches on the panel. A user generates a launch command from the console unit (102). The launcher control unit (104) is the electrical hardware which has interlocks for generating the control voltages to the launching circuit (118). The launching control circuit (106) is inside the launcher, where a body of the barrel is the electrical return for the launcher control voltage generated by the system (100).

[0051] In an embodiment, the system (100) includes a multi-level architecture (300) for safety of trigger actuating in a launcher. The system (100) is implemented with three levels of safety mechanism which is controlled by three types of controls, i.e. a mechanical contact, an electrical control, and an application control.

[0052] Level 1: The Level 1 safety is provided with the Mechanical Enable contacts and application interlocks. The application checks for three primary interlocks. The first primary interlock is the health of the launcher, which is a continuous Health BIT (Built in Test). The second primary interlock is the Launching permitted limit setting in the UI (User Interface). A permitted arc defines the angle in which launching is inhibited. The third primary interlock is the launching permission received from the external systems which is a controller. The application module (202) is configured to generate a launch Enable signal to enable the supply voltage to reach a launch switch through a Launch enable electrically controlled switch. This signal is generated with a Top-level protection from a Key based Mechanical safety switch which generates an electrical signal that is sensed by the application module (202). This mechanical switches and application form a first layer of safety in the multi-level architecture (302). In an embodiment, Level 1 is implemented in the console unit (102).

[0053] Level 2: The Level 2 safety is provided by purely a series of electrically energized relay contacts. The first relay circuit (114) is enabled by the application, thus providing fool proof mechanism for accidental launcher enable command. The second relay circuit (206) is enabled by a mechanical safety switch thus enabling the control voltages generated at the console unit (102) to reach the launching circuit (118). The Level 2 is controlled by electrical circuitry with multiple level relay circuits to get the controls from the Level 1 and to enable the launcher control supply when all the input interlocks are being met. The Level 2 have Digital to Analog converters, Optical Isolators & MOSFETs for converting the application enable and application interlocks to analog control voltages to form another loop to control the relay circuits of the trigger supply.

[0054] Level 3: The Level 3 includes Mechanical & Electrical interlock which are available at the launcher to reach the current controlled loop. The electrical controls are optically isolated from the primary control session to ensure that whether there is any leakage in the trigger actuator (302) circuits. In an embodiment, the Level 3 ensures mechanical switch interlock along with application enable to form the first level controls. The feedback from the controller and dual layers of relays which holds the control over the control signals, which forms the second level (Level 2) of safety. All the launcher control voltage loops and interlocks are isolated from the controller. All mechanical & electrical interlocks are verified back by the controller prior to apply the launch control voltage. The Level 3 improves control over the launching controls and ensures highest safety.

[0055] Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a functional workflow of the trigger control system of Figure 1, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0056] The workflow (400) starts at a step (402). At a step (404), a firing command is received from a console unit (102). In an embodiment, a launcher control circuit (106) is configured to receive a firing command from a console unit (102). After receiving the command, the launcher control unit (106) checks whether the command is an emergency firing command, as shown at a step (408). If the command is not an emergency firing command, the launcher control unit (106) checks whether there is a mechanical interlock, as shown at a step (406). If there is a mechanical interlock, the launcher control unit (106) again checks whether there is an electrical interlock, as shown at a step (410). If there is no mechanical interlock, the system (100) sets no firing trigger, as shown at a block (414). If there is an electrical interlock, the launcher control unit (106) again check whether there is an application interlock, as shown at the step (412). If there is no electrical interlock, the system (100) sets no firing trigger, as shown at the block (414). Further, if there is no application interlock, the system (100) sets no firing trigger, as shown at the block (414). If there is an application interlock, and emergency firing command (as shown in the step (408)), the launcher control unit (106) checks whether there is a system critical interlock, as shown at a step (416). If there is not system critical interlock, the system (100) sets no firing trigger, as shown at the block (414). If there is a system critical interlock, firing trigger to a launcher, as shown at a step (418). In an embodiment, a launcher circuit (118) is configured to fire trigger to a launcher. At a step (420), the workflow ends.

[0057] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for controlling trigger voltages, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0058] A flowchart (500) starts a step (502), receiving, by a console unit (102), a command from at least one source. In an embodiment, a console unit (102) is configured to receive a command from at least one source. At a step (504), controlling, by a launcher control unit (106), trigger voltage based on the received command. In an embodiment, a launcher control unit (106) is configured to control trigger voltage based on the received command. At a step (506), generating, by an application interlocking unit (108), a signal for enabling the controlled voltage. In an embodiment, an application interlocking unit (108) is configured to generate a signal for enabling the controlled voltage. At a step (508), enabling, by a mechanical interlocking unit (110), the signal in a launcher. In an embodiment, a mechanical interlocking unit (110) is configured to enable the signal in a launcher. At a step (510), enabling, by an electrical interlocking unit (112), control supply of the voltage based on the enabled signal in the launcher. In an embodiment, an electrical interlocking unit (112) is configured to enable control supply of the voltage based on the enabled signal in the launcher. At a step (512), generating, by a launcher circuit (118), a control signal for controlling the supply in the launcher. In an embodiment, a launcher circuit (118) is configured to generate a control signal for controlling the supply in the launcher.

[0059] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for explanatory purposes to help the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A method for controlling trigger voltage, said method comprising:
receiving, by a console unit (102), a command from at least one source;
controlling, by a launcher control unit (106), trigger voltage based on said received command;
generating, by an application interlocking unit (108), a signal for enabling said controlled voltage;
enabling, by a mechanical interlocking unit (110), said signal in a launcher;
enabling, by an electrical interlocking unit (112), control supply of said voltage based on said enabled signal in said launcher; and
generating, by a launcher circuit (118), a control signal for controlling said supply in said launcher.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein receiving, by said console unit (102), said command from a user.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein generating said signal comprising:
monitoring, by said application interlocking unit (108), health of said launcher;
permitting, by said application interlocking unit (108), limit setting for said user; and
receiving, by said application interlocking unit (108), launching authorization from a controller.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said method includes performing, by a first relay circuit (114), relay and providing a proof mechanism for an accidental launcher command.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said method includes performing, by a second relay unit (116), relay of the control supply of said voltage.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said method includes performing, by said launcher control unit (106), multi-point interlocking, multi-level interlocking, and trigger mechanism.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said method includes generating, by a current loop circuit (120), said trigger mechanism using isolators, MOSFETSs, and said relay circuits.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said method includes generating, by said application interlocking unit (108), a launch enable signal for enabling said voltage.

9. A trigger control system (100) comprising:
a console unit (102) configured to receive a command from at least one source;
a launcher control unit (106) configured to cooperate with said console unit (102), said launcher control unit (106) configured to control voltage based on said received command, said launcher control unit (106) comprising:
an application interlocking unit (108) configured to generate a signal to enable said control voltage;
a mechanical interlocking unit (110) configured to cooperate with said application interlocking unit (108), said mechanical interlocking unit (110) configured to enable said signal in a launcher; and
an electrical interlocking unit (112) configured to cooperate with said application interlocking unit (108) and said mechanical interlocking unit (108), said electrical interlocking (112) unit configured to enable control supply of said voltage based on said enabled signal in said launcher; and
a launcher circuit (118) configured to cooperate with said launcher control unit (106), said launcher circuit (118) configured to generate a control signal to control said supply in said launcher.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said console unit (102) includes an interfacing unit (104), said interfacing unit is configured to receive a command from said sources.

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said interfacing unit (104) is configured to receive a command from a user.

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said electrical interlocking unit (112) includes a first relay circuit (114) configured to perform relay and provide a proof mechanism for an accidental launcher command.

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said electrical interlocking unit (112) includes a second relay unit (114) configured to perform relay of the control supply of voltage to said launching circuit (118).

14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said system (100) includes a current loop circuit (120), said current loop circuit (120) is configured to generate a trigger mechanism, by using isolators, MOSFETSs, and said relay circuits.

15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said application interlocking unit (108) is configured to generate a launch enable signal to enable said voltage using a launch enable electrically controlled switch.

Dated this 29th day of March, 2019

FOR BHARAT ELECTRONICS LIMITED
(By their Agent)

D. Manoj Kumar) (IN/PA 2110)
KRISHNA & SAURASTRI ASSOCIATES LLP