3D Printed EOD Device Using Fluid Wave Disruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technologies are logistically complex and time-consuming due to the need for specialized gear and tools, which can be addressed by using Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components and additive manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create simpler and more efficient EOD devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of explosive devices comprising hollow cylindrical or hourglass-shaped members made from mating semi-cylindrical halves, filled with explosive material and detonation cord, which can be assembled using COTS parts and placed within fluid-filled containers to create a wave of fluid for disrupting targets, with features like flanges, sleeves, and shock impedance barriers for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional EOD technologies are used, then explosive ordnance can be disabled, but the logistical complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive device is divided into separate modular components including a hollow cylindrical tube, flanges, sleeves, explosive material, and detonation cord. These segments can be independently manufactured using COTS parts and additive manufacturing, then assembled in the field to reduce logistical burden while maintaining disruption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow cylindrical tube serves multiple functions: containing explosive material, providing structural integrity, and enabling assembly with COTS components. The device can be adapted to different container sizes (one-gallon or five-gallon containers) and deployed in various configurations, making it a universal solution for different EOD scenarios.
2Reliability
If specialized EOD gear and tools are used, then explosive ordnance disruption is effective, but manufacturing and disposal become logistically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive device is designed as a disposable tool that can be quickly manufactured using inexpensive COTS components and additive manufacturing. After use, the entire assembly including the container can be disposed of without complex recovery or recycling procedures, significantly simplifying logistics compared to specialized reusable EOD gear.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-contained with all necessary components (explosive material, detonation cord, structural elements) integrated into a single assembly that can be manufactured and deployed without requiring specialized EOD tools or equipment for its creation or operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If COTS components and additive manufacturing are used, then manufacturing simplicity increases, but device functionality must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into distinct functional components (tube, flanges, sleeves, explosive charge), each can be manufactured using appropriate methods (additive manufacturing for complex geometries, COTS for standard parts) while maintaining overall device performance through precise assembly interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter adjustments in the additive manufacturing process (such as wall thickness, material composition, and geometric features) to optimize both manufacturability and performance characteristics, ensuring that COTS components and 3D-printed parts can be integrated while maintaining reliable explosive device functionality.
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 approach enables EOD personnel to quickly and cost-effectively produce novel EOD tools using 3D printing and COTS parts, reducing logistical burdens and enhancing the effectiveness of explosive device deployment by utilizing readily available containers and materials.
Implementation Method 1
Explosive material may be disposed in the hollow cylindrical tube between the pair of spaced-apart flanges
Implementation Method 2
Conventional technologies for disabling or disrupting explosive ordnance include water systems that use high explosive to propel the water
Implementation Method 3
placed within fluid-filled containers to create a wave of fluid for disrupting targets
Data Source
AI summary
Explosive devices may be formed from hollow members filled with explosive materials. The hollow members may be made of mating halves that are packed or loaded with explosive material prior to the mating halves being joined together. In some exemplary aspects, the hollow members are placed in fluid-filled containers such that the explosive reaction creates a wave of fluid that impacts a target. Components of the devices may be COTS items and items that may be manufacture with 3D printers.