Blast Attenuator Cone Angle Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blast attenuators for weapon tubes are too long, making them unsuitable for muzzle-loaded weapon systems like mortars, as they physically impede projectile loading and do not effectively mitigate blast overpressure without compromising operator safety.

Innovation Solution

A blast attenuator assembly comprising a cone, a collar, and a clamp that significantly reduces length by increasing the nozzle angle to 34 degrees, allowing for effective blast attenuation while enabling easy projectile loading, with the assembly affixed to the muzzle of a weapon system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If existing blast attenuator designs are used, then blast overpressure is mitigated, but the length of the attenuator becomes excessive and physically impedes projectile loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblast overpressure mitigationVSAvoidattenuator length

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the attenuator, specifically increasing the nozzle angle to 34 degrees and optimizing the cone shape, which reduces the required length while maintaining blast attenuation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The attenuator is divided into distinct functional segments: a collar portion, a cone portion with specific angle, and a nozzle portion, allowing each segment to be optimized independently for both compactness and performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a longer attenuator is used to improve blast attenuation, then operator safety is enhanced, but the device becomes incompatible with muzzle-loaded weapon systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidcompatibility with muzzle-loaded systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the nozzle angle parameter to 34 degrees and optimizing the cone geometry, the patent achieves effective blast attenuation in a compact form factor that fits muzzle-loaded weapon systems without compromising operator safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The attenuator design with its standardized collar and optimized geometry makes it universally adaptable to different muzzle-loaded weapon systems while maintaining both safety and functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides effective blast attenuation and ease of projectile loading, maintaining high performance without compromising operator safety, and can be scaled for various caliber mortars, overcoming the length limitations of conventional attenuators.

Implementation Method 1

by significantly increasing the angle of the nozzle (34 degrees), the length of the blast attenuator could be significantly reduced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow redirection:

Data Source

PatentUS11609060B1Attenuating blast cone

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THE AS REPRESENTED BY THE SEC OF THE ARMY

AI summary

A blast attenuator for blast overpressure has features that allow for blast attenuation and ease of projectile loading from the muzzle of the weapon system. This combination of physical ease of use and blast reduction allows the system to achieve high levels of performance without making significant concessions to operator safety.