Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is a signal transmission system (10) that can receive a non-electric input signal such as a mechanical shock, detonation, or pyrotechnic signal at an input terminus (12), convert that signal to an electrical signal, and convey the electrical signal to at least one output terminus (16a, 16b) at a remote location where the signal is converted to a non-electric output. To convert the non-electric input signal to an electrical signal, the input terminus (12) comprises a receiving transducer e.g., a piezoelectric, electrochemical, or photovoltaic element. The input terminus (12) is connected by transfer wiring (14) (e.g., an electrical wire harness or a flex cable) to the remote location, where it is received by the at least one output terminus (16a, 16b) and there converted to a non-electric signal that is used for a desired function. The length of the transfer wiring (14), and therefore the distance from the input terminus (12) to the remote location, can be from less than one inch to greater than 100 feet. Optionally, the transfer wiring (14) can connect the input terminus (12) to a plurality of output termini (16a, 16b). Also optionally, an output terminus may comprise an explosive bridge element (SCB, hot bridge-wire, exploding foil) which can be initiated by the electrical signal, and the bridge element may initiate a brisant output charge (explosive or pyrotechnic). Alternatively, the output terminus may comprise an output transducer, e.g., a piezoelectric transducer, to convert the electrical signal into a physical pulse.

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First Claim