Deformable Recoil Absorber for Lightweight Disruptors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional recoil management systems for devices like projected water disruptors are too heavy and bulky for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and other robotic systems, failing to effectively absorb large shock impulses without damaging support components.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight recoil management system using an impulse force coupler with a rigid structure and a deformable recoil absorber (DRA) structure, where the DRA is made of semi-rigid material that permanently deforms to absorb and modify the impulse force, reducing the peak force transmitted to the rigid structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional recoil management systems are used, then recoil forces can be absorbed, but the system becomes too heavy and bulky for UGVs and robotic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the recoil absorber from rigid to deformable semi-rigid material. This parameter change allows the absorber to dynamically deform under recoil impulse, absorbing energy through permanent deformation rather than rigid structural resistance, thereby reducing system weight while maintaining recoil management capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a sacrificial deformable recoil absorber that is designed to be permanently deformed and replaced after a certain number of shots. This disposable approach eliminates the need for complex, heavy, reusable mechanical recoil management systems, significantly reducing overall system weight and complexity while effectively absorbing recoil forces during the absorber's service life
2Force
If conventional recoil management systems are used, then recoil forces can be absorbed, but the system becomes bulky and adds excessive volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin-walled deformable recoil absorber made of semi-rigid material that can be permanently deformed. This flexible shell structure absorbs recoil energy through controlled deformation rather than requiring bulky rigid structural components, significantly reducing the volume occupied by the recoil management system while maintaining effective force absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the material properties from rigid to deformable semi-rigid, the system achieves recoil absorption in a more compact form factor. The deformable material allows energy absorption through compression and permanent deformation, eliminating the need for large-volume rigid shock-absorbing structures
3Force
If a deformable recoil absorber is used, then peak impulse force is reduced, but the absorber is permanently deformed and must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts the permanent deformation of the deformable recoil absorber as an acceptable trade-off, designing it as a sacrificial component that is replaced after a predetermined number of shots. This approach prioritizes effective peak force reduction and system weight reduction over absorber reusability, using inexpensive replaceable absorbers instead of expensive reusable mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a discard-and-replace strategy for the deformable recoil absorber. After the absorber is permanently deformed and can no longer effectively absorb recoil forces, it is discarded and replaced with a fresh absorber. This approach maintains reliable recoil management performance throughout the absorber's service life while keeping the system simple and lightweight
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 system effectively absorbs and modifies recoil forces, preventing damage to support structures by converting high-force, short-duration impulses into lower-magnitude, longer-duration forces, making it suitable for UGVs and other robotic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The material is permanently deformable so that it will remain in a deformed state after being acted upon by the impulse force
Implementation Method 2
The DRA structure is configured to reduce a peak magnitude of the impulse force that is transferred to the rigid structure
Data Source
AI summary
A recoil managed disruptor includes a disruptor device having a barrel from which a slug of material is fired. A piston is mechanically coupled to the disruptor device. A housing which supports the disruptor on a positioning device includes a deformable recoil absorber (DRA) constraint. The DRA constraint is configured to receive a sacrificial DRA structure comprised of a semi-rigid material. The piston is responsive to a recoil force produced when the disruptor device is fired to travel along an axial length of the housing and permanently deform the DRA structure within the DRA constraint.