Convertible Fighting Vehicle Blast Energy Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing military vehicles lack versatility and effective protection against under-vehicle mine blasts and IEDs, as they are not designed to decouple energy from such explosive events, which can lead to damage and injury to the crew and mission module.

Innovation Solution

A convertible fighting vehicle design featuring a standardized chassis with energy-absorbing mission modules that can be quickly installed and secured using energy-absorbing bolts and mounting systems, incorporating gaps and materials to absorb blast energy, along with anti-ballistic armor plating tailored for specific threats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional rigid mounting systems are used to secure mission modules, then structural strength is improved, but protection against under-vehicle mine blasts and IEDs deteriorates due to direct energy transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidblast energy transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating energy-absorbing elements into the mounting system before blast events occur. These elements include deformable mounting brackets, crushable energy-absorbing bolts, and compliant mounting plates that are pre-configured to deform and absorb blast energy during under-vehicle mine blasts and IED events, preventing direct energy transmission to the mission module while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining rigid structural components with energy-absorbing materials in the mounting system. This includes using composite mounting structures that integrate both strength-providing rigid elements and energy-dissipating compliant elements, creating a hybrid system that simultaneously achieves structural strength and blast energy absorption capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If mission modules are designed for quick installation and removal, then adaptability and operational flexibility are improved, but connection strength and structural integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting system into distinct modular components including separate mounting brackets, energy-absorbing bolts, and interface elements. This segmentation enables quick installation and removal of mission modules while maintaining connection strength through standardized interfaces and robust fastening mechanisms that can be rapidly engaged and disengaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring standardized mounting interfaces and pre-installed energy-absorbing elements on the vehicle chassis. This allows mission modules to be quickly installed by simply engaging with the pre-prepared mounting points, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures while ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If standardized mounting interfaces are used for quick module installation, then ease of operation is improved, but precision of alignment and secure attachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies equipotentiality by designing standardized mounting interfaces with self-aligning features that automatically position mission modules correctly during installation. The mounting brackets and interface elements are configured with geometric constraints and tolerance zones that guide proper alignment, ensuring consistent and precise attachment without requiring complex alignment procedures or specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 enhances the vehicle's ability to withstand under-vehicle mine blasts and IEDs by decoupling energy and providing effective protection, ensuring crew safety and module integrity through energy absorption and blast-resistant design.

Implementation Method 1

The mounting system may include an energy absorbing element designed to decouple energy from under-vehicle mine blasts and IEDs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The energy absorbing element may include a deformable bracket, crushable energy absorbing bolts, and/or a compliant mounting plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS9283882B1Convertible fighting vehicle

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 ARMORWORKS ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

Designs and methods are provided for a convertible fighting vehicle. In one embodiment the vehicle includes a drivable chassis having a standardized bed with mounting surfaces and a suite of interface connections for utility coupling. A mission module is adapted to attach to the bed mounting surfaces and couple with the suite of interface connections, wherein the mission module is configured in one of several mission specific forms.