Cumulative-Thermobaric Warhead Modular Coupling for Accuracy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cumulative-thermobaric ammunition designs face challenges in achieving a sufficient distance between the forearm and primary warhead, leading to suboptimal detonation effects and accuracy when targeting armored and motorized equipment, as well as structures like brick and concrete facilities.

Innovation Solution

A cumulative-thermobaric shot design featuring a composite housing with a cumulative warhead and a thermobaric warhead, where the cumulative warhead is coaxially located inside the thermobaric warhead, connected via a coupling bushing, and equipped with a piezoelectric generator and a jet engine, allowing for a double cumulative and thermobaric action upon impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the distance between the forearm and primary warhead is reduced to simplify construction, then the device complexity decreases, but the detonation products of the forearm significantly influence the cumulative jet flow formation, worsening the shooting accuracy and effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidshooting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The warhead is divided into separate functional modules: a cumulative charge section and a thermobaric charge section with the forearm. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining appropriate spacing through the modular connection structure, thereby preserving shooting accuracy while simplifying construction and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A coupling cone structure serves as an intermediary element between the cumulative charge and the thermobaric charge with forearm. This intermediary component provides a standardized interface that maintains the necessary distance between charges, preventing harmful interaction while simplifying the overall assembly process through standardized coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the distance between the forearm and primary warhead is increased to improve shooting accuracy, then the shooting accuracy improves, but the device complexity and construction difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshooting accuracyVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the warhead into modular sections with standardized interfaces, the increased distance between charges does not proportionally increase construction complexity. Each module can be assembled independently and connected through standardized coupling cones, making the longer configuration as manageable as a compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling cone structure serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection between charges, maintains the optimal distance for accuracy, and serves as a standardized interface for assembly and disassembly. This multi-functionality prevents the increased distance from translating into proportional construction complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a tandem-cumulative warhead with two autonomous piezoelectric explosive devices is used, then the reliability of detonation is improved, but the device complexity and housing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetonation reliabilityVSAvoidhousing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cumulative charge is positioned within the inner space of the thermobaric warhead housing, with the forearm extending into the same housing space. This nested arrangement allows both autonomous piezoelectric devices to coexist in a compact configuration, maintaining detonation reliability while minimizing housing complexity and overall size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The two autonomous explosive devices are arranged in different spatial dimensions within the housing - the cumulative charge in one dimension and the thermobaric charge with forearm in another. This dimensional arrangement allows both devices to operate independently with full reliability while sharing the same housing space efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design enhances the range and accuracy of the shot, ensuring effective destruction of targets by generating a high-pressure and high-temperature thermobaric effect, while the rigid connection and piezoelectric generator ensure instantaneous detonation and stabilization, resulting in improved aerodynamic performance and target engagement.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric generator located in the inner space of the warhead housing; the piezoelectric generator is electrically connected to the bottom blasting device of the cumulative warhead

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the detonation products of the forearm have a significant, dominant influence on the time and the manner of forming the cumulative jet flow (spurt) caused by the actuation of the primary cumulative charge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Implementation Method 3

generating a high-pressure and high-temperature thermobaric effect, while the rigid connection and piezoelectric generator ensure instantaneous detonation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Data Source

PatentEP3577413B1Cumulative thermobaric warhead
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 TRANSMOBIL LTD
  • EP3577413B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3577413B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The cumulative-thermobaric shot has a warhead with a double cumulative-thermobaric action and has got a compound housing where the cumulative and thermobaric warheads are located; the cumulative warhead is rigidly connected by means of a coupling bushing to a coupling cone and is mounted in the inner space of the thermobaric warhead, whereby a jet engine is connected to the bottom part of the latter