Adaptive Gunner Protection Kit with Rotatable Armored Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gunner protection kits (GPKs) are inflexible and require replacement when different weapons or targeting systems are mounted, leading to logistical challenges and inefficient vehicle transport due to fixed armored envelope geometries that do not accommodate various weapon systems, including issues with back blast ventilation and increased vehicle height.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive gunner protection system with rotatable armored panels that can be rearranged to customize the size and shape of the armored envelope, including features like hinged brackets and fold-out portions, allowing for multiple weapon system compatibility and efficient transport by collapsing the armor panel configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed armored envelope geometry is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate different weapon systems and requires complete replacement when weapons change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different weapon systemsVSAvoidcomplexity of armored envelope structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The armored envelope is divided into multiple separate panels that can be independently positioned and configured. Each panel can be adjusted to accommodate different weapon geometries, allowing the same basic structure to serve multiple weapon systems without complete replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The armored envelope transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Panels can be moved, rotated, and repositioned to change the envelope's geometry, enabling adaptation to different weapon systems while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the armored envelope is designed for specific weapon systems, then protection is optimized for that weapon, but it creates logistical challenges when weapons are changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectiveness for gunnerVSAvoidtime lost during weapon system changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reconfigurable panel system allows rapid adjustment of the armored envelope geometry to match different weapon systems. This dynamic capability enables quick reconfiguration during weapon changes without requiring complete disassembly or replacement of the protection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes geometric parameters such as opening size, shape, and panel positions to accommodate different weapon requirements. By adjusting these parameters rather than replacing the entire structure, protection effectiveness is maintained while reducing changeover time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the armored envelope is made larger to accommodate bulkier weapons like missile launchers, then more protection is provided, but vehicle transport becomes difficult due to increased height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of bulkier weapon systemsVSAvoidvehicle height

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The armored envelope is segmented into multiple panels that can be collapsed or repositioned when not in use. This segmentation allows the structure to be compacted to a manageable height for vehicle transport while still providing full protection when deployed for bulkier weapon systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its size and configuration based on operational needs. When transporting, the panels can be collapsed to minimize vehicle height; when operating bulkier weapons, the panels are deployed to provide the necessary protective envelope size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Object-affected harmful factors

If additional openings are added for back blast ventilation from missile or rocket launchers, then gunner safety is improved, but the armored envelope becomes more complex and creates additional paths for ballistic threats

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveback blast protection for gunnerVSAvoidcomplexity of armored envelope openings

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding uniform openings throughout the envelope, the system uses localized features such as hinged panels or adjustable sections specifically positioned to manage back blast ventilation. These localized adjustments provide targeted protection without requiring complex openings throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9146081B2Adaptive gunner protection kit

Publication Date: 2015.09.29 BAE SYSTEMS LAND & ARMAMENTS LP

AI summary

A gunner protection system for positioning armored panels around a hatch opening and a mounted weapon or equipment system. The armored panels are arranged to create an armored envelope surrounding the vehicle hatch and defining an opening through which the weapon or equipment system can be operated. The armored panels can be individually raised to define a portion of the armored envelope or lowered to change the geometry of the armored envelope or opening according to the particular weapon or equipment system. Similarly, all of the armored panels can be lowered to collapse the armorer envelope to allow for efficient transport of the vehicle with the gunner protection system attached to the vehicle.