Deformable Recoil Absorber for Unmanned Ground Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recoil management systems for devices like projected water disruptors are not well-suited for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) due to excessive weight and bulk, and they struggle to absorb large shock impulses effectively.
Innovation Solution
A recoil management system comprising a rigid structure with a deformable recoil absorber (DRA) that indirectly transfers impulse forces, using a semi-rigid material like metal foil or honeycomb structure to absorb and modify recoil forces, preventing damage to supporting structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional recoil management systems are used, then recoil forces are absorbed, but the system becomes excessively heavy and bulky for UGVs
Solution Approach 1:
The recoil management system is divided into discrete modular components: a deformable recoil absorber (DRA) structure, a constraining structure with removable interfaces, and an impulse force coupler. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables easy replacement of the DRA structure after use, reducing overall system weight while maintaining effective recoil absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The DRA structure is designed as a sacrificial, disposable component that absorbs recoil energy through controlled deformation and is then replaced. This approach eliminates the need for heavy, complex reusable shock absorption systems, significantly reducing system weight and bulk while effectively managing recoil forces from high-impulse devices.
2Force
If heavy-duty recoil management systems are used, then large shock impulses are absorbed, but the system bulk increases making it unsuitable for UGVs
Solution Approach 1:
The DRA structure utilizes thin-walled deformable geometries (such as crushed canisters or folded metal structures) that collapse under recoil loading to absorb large shock impulses. These thin-film-based structures achieve high energy absorption in compact volumes, avoiding the bulk associated with traditional heavy-duty recoil management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages recoil by changing the physical state and geometry of the DRA structure during impulse absorption. The DRA transitions from an undeformed state to a collapsed/deformed state, converting kinetic energy into deformation work. This parameter change approach allows compact volume while absorbing large shock impulses effectively.
3Strength
If a deformable recoil absorber structure is used, then recoil forces are absorbed through deformation, but the structure needs to be replaced after use
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the sacrificial DRA structure from the permanent constraining structure through removable interfaces. This segmentation allows the DRA to be easily replaced without replacing the entire recoil management system, improving ease of repair while maintaining effective impulse force absorption through the replaceable DRA component.
Solution Approach 2:
The DRA structure is designed to be discarded after absorbing recoil energy through deformation, while the constraining structure and impulse force coupler are recovered and reused. This approach maintains high impulse absorption capability through replacement while minimizing waste and reducing overall system complexity.
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, reducing peak magnitude and duration, thereby protecting supporting structures from damage while maintaining a lightweight and compact design suitable for UGVs.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable recoil absorber (DRA) structure made from a semi-rigid material that is configured to be deformed in response to an impulse force
Implementation Method 2
The DRA structure is comprised of a semi-rigid material. The material is permanently deformable so that it will remain in a deformed state after being acted upon by the impulse force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A recoil managed disruptor (102) includes a disruptor device (102) having a barrel (104) from which a slug of material is fired. A piston (106) is mechanically coupled to the disruptor device (102). A housing (109) which supports the disruptor (102) on a positioning device includes a deformable recoil absorber, a.k.a. DRA (112) constraint (108). The DRA constraint (108) is configured to receive a sacrificial DRA structure (112) comprised of a semi-rigid material. The piston (106) is responsive to a recoil force produced when the disruptor device (102) is fired to travel along an axial length of the housing (109) and permanently deform the DRA structure (112) within the DRA constraint (108).