BREAKKR Projectile Tether Line Parallel Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kinetic kill rod projectiles for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) often break their tether lines when impacting metal barriers, and the pull strength is insufficient to remove energetic threats, as the lines are not robust enough to exceed the structural strength of the target components.
Innovation Solution
The Below/Above-water Remote Energetic Attachment Kinetic Kill Rod (BREAKKR) projectile features a robust tether line attached to a modular head with a tight-eye connection, running parallel to the rod body, capable of withstanding forces exceeding 30,000 lbs, ensuring the line does not break during impact and allowing for secure embedding inside the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tether line is attached to the side of the projectile for pullout, then the projectile can be retrieved after impact, but the line breaks off during impact with metal barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The tether line is repositioned from a lateral attachment on the side of the projectile to a longitudinal configuration running parallel to the rod body and exiting from the front head. This dimensional repositioning places the line in the direction of impact force rather than perpendicular to it, preventing the line from breaking during impact with metal barriers while maintaining retrieval capability
2Force
If a robust pull line is used to exceed target structural strength, then the target can be removed, but the line may break during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The line is repositioned to run parallel to the rod body in the longitudinal dimension, aligning it with the direction of impact force. This allows the use of a robust line with sufficient pull strength to exceed target structural strength (30,000 lbs) while the longitudinal positioning prevents the line from breaking during impact, as it now experiences tensile rather than shear or bending loads
3Reliability
If the line runs parallel to the rod body, then the line is protected during impact, but the attachment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The line is positioned in the longitudinal dimension parallel to the rod body, which protects it during impact by aligning it with the force vector. The attachment complexity is managed through a modular head assembly with an internal post and tight-eye connection that provides a secure mounting point while maintaining relative simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The head assembly is made modular with separable components (head piece, internal post, tight-eye connection) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the attachment process and reduces overall complexity while enabling the protected longitudinal line configuration
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 BREAKKR projectile effectively perforates and secures a robust pull line within energetic threats, enabling secure removal by exceeding the structural strength of the target components, with modular head designs for various impact surfaces and enhanced propulsion using a blank cartridge.
Implementation Method 1
A disruptor is used to fire the kinetic kill rod projectile with a blank cartridge
Implementation Method 2
The tether line has sufficient strength to create forces exceeding 30,000 lbs. once the projectile is attached into the target
Data Source
AI summary
A disruptor projectile includes a shaft made up of an elongate rod. A head piece assembly is connected to an end of the elongate rod. A post is located inside the head piece assembly. A tether line having an end with an eye splice attached around the post. The length of the tether line extends parallel to the elongate rod.