Directional Munition Fragmentation via Convex Layered Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current munitions detonated in air above targets often result in uncontrolled fragmentation, causing excessive spread of fragments, leading to reduced effectiveness and increased risk of civilian casualties due to unexploded sub-munitions and random fragmentation directions.
Innovation Solution
A munition with a layered structure featuring a convex shape and detonator positioned at the apex, designed to produce a directional explosion cone, utilizing a range detecting device for precise detonation, and comprising a matrix of high-density fragmentation material to concentrate fragments on the target area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional spherical or random fragmentation munition is used, then the fragmentation material spreads in all directions, but this causes excessive spread to unintended areas and reduced effectiveness on the intended target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by replacing the conventional spherical fragmentation pattern with a directional cone-shaped fragmentation pattern. The munition body is designed with an asymmetric convex shape that directs fragmentation material preferentially toward the intended target area, creating a non-uniform distribution that concentrates effects where needed while minimizing spread to unintended areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating different fragmentation characteristics in different spatial directions. The convex body shape and internal structure are designed to produce high-density fragmentation in the forward direction (toward the target) while reducing fragmentation in other directions, thereby optimizing the local effect at the intended target area versus unintended areas.
2Area of stationary object
If cluster bombs with multiple sub-munitions are used, then the coverage area is increased, but the explosion force is spread spherically and does not concentrate on the intended target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by designing a single munition that produces an asymmetric cone-shaped fragmentation pattern instead of a spherical pattern. This allows the fragmentation to cover a directed conical area rather than spreading uniformly in all directions, thereby maintaining coverage area while concentrating explosion force on the intended target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional spherical fragmentation pattern to a conical fragmentation pattern that is elongated in the vertical dimension (along the flight path). This dimensional change allows the fragmentation to cover a larger effective area in the direction of travel while maintaining concentration on the intended target area.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional grenade structure is used, then the fragmentation material spreads randomly, but this leads to wasted fragmentation material and increased risk of civilian casualties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the convex body structure to create high-density fragmentation specifically in the forward direction toward the intended target, while minimizing fragmentation in other directions. This spatial differentiation ensures that the majority of fragmentation material is delivered where needed, reducing waste and minimizing harm to unintended areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetry to direct fragmentation preferentially toward the intended target area. The convex body shape and internal configuration create an asymmetric fragmentation pattern that concentrates material in the forward cone direction, thereby improving the quantity of effective fragmentation on target while reducing the harmful spread to civilian areas.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the detonator is positioned centrally in the explosive, then the explosion is uniform in all directions, but this does not create a directional fragmentation pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detonator from the central position within the explosive mass and relocates it to the apex (front end) of the convex-shaped explosive body. This extraction from the center and repositioning at the apex creates a directional initiation point that drives the explosion forward, producing the desired cone-shaped fragmentation pattern rather than uniform spherical expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional detonator placement by positioning it at the opposite end from where it would traditionally be placed (at the apex rather than the center or base). This inverted positioning, combined with the convex body shape, reverses the typical explosion propagation direction and creates the forward-directed cone-shaped fragmentation pattern.
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
Improves the accuracy and effectiveness of fragmentation, minimizing waste and harm to unintended areas by directing most fragments towards the intended target, reducing the risk of civilian casualties and optimizing the use of munition weight.
Implementation Method 1
the layered structure is designed to cause, when detonated, a directional explosion cone of the fragmentation material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3h
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A munition (1 ) to be exploded in air at a position above an intended target, the munition comprising: - an explosive (2) comprising an amount of explosive material, - a matrix of fragmentation material (3) for causing fragmentation effect to the target, - a body part (4) to support and hold the parts of the munition (1 ) together until detonated, - a detonator (5) for detonating the munition at the given time or position, - the munition (1 ) comprises a layered structure so that the body part (4) has a convex shaped support element (40) facing the explosive (2), the explosive (2) is formed to a shape corresponding the convex shape of the body part (4) and the matrix of fragmentation material (3) is arranged in a convex shape corresponding the shape of the explosive (2), the detonator (5) is positioned at the apex (20) of the explosive (2), wherein the layered structure is designed to cause, when detonated, a directional explosion cone (12) of the fragmentation material (3) in order to form a delimited distribution pattern (100) of the fragmentation material (3) over the target area.