Configurable Fluid Vessel for Explosive Jet Disruptors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing explosively driven jet disruptors have fixed shapes, making them bulky and difficult to transport, which limits their versatility and carrying capacity in scenarios where the intended use is unknown.
Innovation Solution
A user-configurable fluid vessel with a flexible bladder and internal support frame, along with adjustable support struts and bands, allows the shape to be modified for compact storage and transport, while maintaining structural rigidity and customizable jet directionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed shape fluid vessel is used, then the disruptor delivers a reliable and repeatable plume/jet effect, but the container is bulky and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid vessel transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic configurable structure using a flexible bladder with internal support frame. The bladder can be collapsed to a compact form for transport and expanded to a functional shape when deployed, allowing the system to adapt its volume based on operational needs while maintaining structural integrity through the support frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible bladder as the fluid containment structure, replacing traditional rigid containers. This flexible membrane allows the vessel to be compressed and folded for compact storage while maintaining fluid containment. When deployed, the bladder expands to provide the necessary volume for the explosive-driven jet effect, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and functional volume.
2Volume of moving object
If a configurable fluid vessel without support structure is used, then the vessel can be packed down to minimize volume, but the vessel collapses upon itself when being poured or partially emptied
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments including an internal support frame and support struts that can be independently positioned. These segmented support elements can be collapsed along with the bladder for compact storage, then deployed and adjusted to provide structural stability when the vessel is in use, preventing collapse during pouring or partial emptying.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal support frame and support struts are nested within the flexible bladder when in compact storage form. Upon deployment, these support structures are extended outward from the collapsed state to provide the necessary structural framework, allowing the vessel to transition from a compact nested configuration to an expanded stable configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed shape containers are carried for different scenarios, then the user can handle various situations, but the total weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The configurable fluid vessel serves multiple functions by allowing its shape and volume to be adjusted according to different operational scenarios. A single versatile container replaces the need for multiple specialized fixed-shaped containers, reducing total weight and volume while maintaining the ability to handle various situations through shape configuration adjustments.
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 a lightweight, space-efficient disruptor system that can be tailored for various applications by adjusting the fluid volume and shape, enabling effective penetration or disruption of targets with customizable jet configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The explosive is configured such that when initiated, an explosive shock wave is formed that compresses and accelerates the water to form a high velocity plume/jet
Implementation Method 2
The detonator initiates the explosive charge, which generates an explosive shock
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A configurable fluid vessel comprising a flexible bladder (45) having a fluid port (47) through which a fluid such as water can be provided into the bladder (45). The fluid vessel further comprises an internal support frame (43) within the flexible bladder (45) to increase rigidity and preferably an urging means (44) for urging the flexible bladder (45) into a predetermined shape. The fluid vessel is collapsible for storage whilst retaining rigidity when in use. The fluid vessel is particularly suited for use in explosive jet disruptors (40) for tailoring the formation of a fluid jet.