Deployable Split-Tube Explosive Structure for Compact Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional explosive charges used to clear obstacles are bulky and difficult to transport, limiting their application and suitability for other uses such as troop defense.
Innovation Solution
A deployable, linear explosive structure comprising a split tube with an explosive coupled to it, which can be rolled into a compact state for transport and deployed to propel a projectile in a desired direction, utilizing bistable or carpenter's tape for self-deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional pipe sections are used for explosive charges, then the explosive structure provides sufficient detonation power, but the bulk and length make them difficult to transport and carry
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive charge is divided into multiple modular sections that can be connected end-to-end. Each section contains a portion of the explosive and can be individually transported, then assembled to achieve the required total length and detonation power for different obstacle-clearing scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The explosive structure incorporates deployable support legs that transition from a compact stored position to an extended deployed position. This allows the structure to be easily transported in a compact form and then dynamically deployed to the required operational configuration at the target location
2Length of stationary object
If long pipe sections are used to achieve required explosive charge length, then sufficient detonation coverage is provided, but the structure becomes bulky and does not fit within standard packs
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs are designed to nest within the body of the explosive structure when not in use. This nesting capability allows the long explosive charge to be compacted into a small storage volume that fits within standard military packs, while still providing the required extended length when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a two-dimensional flat profile when stored to a three-dimensional extended structure when deployed. The support legs fold flat against the body during transport, reducing the volume to essentially a flat package, then extend perpendicular to the body to provide the required spatial configuration for detonation
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional explosive structures are used, then obstacle clearing capability is provided, but adaptability to other uses such as troop defense is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive structure is designed with universal features including adjustable support legs that can be configured for different ground conditions, modular sections that can be arranged in various patterns, and a standardized connection system. These features enable the same basic structure to be adapted for multiple functions including obstacle clearing, troop defense, and breaching operations without requiring fundamentally different designs
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
Facilitates easier transportation and deployment of explosive charges, allowing for precise placement and increased operational flexibility by reducing bulk and enabling rapid transition between compact and deployed states.
Implementation Method 1
an explosive coupled to the split tube, and a fragmentable or non-fragmentable projectile disposed with respect to the explosive such that detonation of the explosive propels the projectile away from the explosive in the desired direction
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable, linear explosive structure includes a split tube, an explosive coupled to the split tube, and a fragmentable or non-fragmentable projectile disposed with respect to the explosive. The split tube can be rolled into a non-deployed state in which the split tube has a flat, rolled profile. The split tube also can be deployed from the non-deployed state to a deployed state in which the split tube is extended along its length and has a curved cross-section along its length. The split tube provides support of the explosive structure in the deployed state. The split tube also provides smaller storage and transportation volume for the explosive structure when rolled in the non-deployed state.