Micromechanical cervix

The development of a new microscale interrupter mechanism for a safe and arm device used in modern weapon systems is proposed. Some of the issues with current microscale safe and arm devices, along with some reasons why using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication techniques are a valid approach to developing these new systems, are discussed. After an extensive research of existing microscale safe and arm devices, we developed some preliminary concepts that were sent out for fabrication in the polyMUMPs process. The concept is for these devices to act as a micromechanical cervix by having the ability to sense when a proper sequence of events has occurred before allowing an aperture to open. The opening allow for the passage of energy when the correct sequence of events has taken place. We anticipate testing most of these devices in summer 2005 to collect data on the functionality and suitability of this concept.