Explosion Detection and Stabilization for Military Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing explosion detection systems are unreliable in rough environments, leading to ineffective countermeasures against vehicle instability caused by external impacts like mine explosions.
Innovation Solution
An explosion detection apparatus that utilizes both electromagnetic radiation and mechanical sensors to quickly and reliably detect explosions, allowing for timely and adaptive countermeasures by emitting material to stabilize the vehicle, with a stabilizing device comprising emitters attached to the vehicle's structure and triggered by detection means for generating a downward force to counteract upward forces from explosions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If electromagnetic radiation detection means are used to detect explosions before the shockwave reaches the vehicle, then the detection timing is improved, but the reliability of detection in rough environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electromagnetic radiation detection means (for early detection before shockwave arrival) with mechanical detection means (for reliable confirmation when shockwave reaches the vehicle) into a single integrated detection system. This merging allows the system to leverage the timing advantage of electromagnetic detection while maintaining the reliability of mechanical detection, resolving the contradiction between early detection timing and detection reliability in rough environments.
2Device complexity
If only pressure detection means below the vehicle are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of explosion impact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pressure detection means (providing basic explosion detection) with electromagnetic radiation detection means and mechanical detection means (providing precise impact measurement) into a comprehensive detection system. This combination enables precise quantitative measurement of explosion impact while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated design.
3Reliability
If multiple detection means are combined to improve detection reliability, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into distinct functional modules: electromagnetic radiation detection means for early detection, mechanical detection means for impact measurement, and pressure detection means for confirmation. Each module operates semi-independently, allowing the system to achieve high detection reliability through multiple detection methods while managing complexity through modular architecture and functional separation.
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
Enhances the reliability of explosion detection and response, enabling timely and effective stabilization of vehicles against external impacts, reducing the risk of injury and damage by using a combination of electromagnetic and mechanical detection methods to trigger stabilizing emitters.
Implementation Method 1
Explosion detection means based on electromagnetic radiation may comprise radar equipment monitoring the path under the vehicle, particularly also the underground below the path surface, light equipment or laser equipment evaluating transmitted and/or reflected and/or scattered light or laser light in the space underneath the vehicle, radio frequency equipment monitoring received radio frequencies, preferably in one or more predetermined frequency bands, or infrared detection in a given infrared range (near, mid, far).
Implementation Method 2
Amongst others, such an explosion generates, for a certain time, a high pressure between vehicle bottom and ground, this pressure generating an upward force
Implementation Method 3
The stabilizing means is a rocket motor burning a propellant and generating a gas jet 9b in an upward direction that generates a downwardly directed thrust.
Implementation Method 4
The stabilizing means is a rocket motor burning a propellant and generating a gas jet 9b in an upward direction that generates a downwardly directed thrust.
Data Source
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AI summary
An explosion detection apparatus (20) comprises a first path pickup means (21) for picking up a path portion ahead of the vehicle and generating first data describing the picked-up path portion, storing means (23) for storing the first path data, motion detection means (24) for detecting motion of the vehicle and generating motion data, a second path pickup means (22) for picking up a path portion underneath the vehicle and generating second, a comparing means (25) for comparing at least a portion of the first data with at least a portion of the second data in accordance with the motion data, and an explosion judging means (26) judging that an explosion has occurred when a predetermined difference between the compared data has been found. A vehicle may be equipped with such an apparatus and may comprise an emitter for generating counteracting forces upon detection.