Explosive Cloud Interceptor for Maneuvering Ordnance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for intercepting highly maneuverable incoming threats like anti-tank ordnance and drones require high precision and proximity due to their small size, limiting the effectiveness of traditional explosive charges, and often fail to engage the threat before it passes by.
Innovation Solution
A cloud of explosive material, such as an aerosol of fuel or oxidizer, is dispersed along the predicted path of the threat and detonated at the right moment to ensure engagement, using a dispersal mechanism like a canister or hose, and ignited by a proximity detector to disrupt the threat from multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a small high explosive charge is used to keep the device light and maneuverable, then the device can catch highly maneuverable threats, but a high level of precision is needed to effectively deal with the threat
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive charge is segmented into multiple smaller charges distributed along a linear trajectory. Each charge creates a localized pressure wave, and the cumulative effect of multiple charges provides sustained pressure on the threat over an extended period, reducing the need for single-point precision while maintaining effectiveness against maneuverable targets
Solution Approach 2:
The interceptor device pre-positions multiple explosive charges along its flight path before engagement. By segmenting the explosive capability and arranging it in advance along a linear configuration, the system creates a predetermined pressure wave pattern that will intercept the threat regardless of minor maneuvering, thereby reducing the precision requirements during actual engagement
2Stress or pressure
If the explosion takes place in very close proximity of the target threat, then the pressure wave is initially very high, but the pressure recedes very rapidly with distance
Solution Approach 1:
The single explosive charge is divided into multiple smaller charges spaced along a linear path. Each charge generates a pressure wave, and the spacing is designed so that pressure waves from successive charges overlap and sustain the pressure on the threat. This segmentation transforms a rapidly decaying single pulse into a sustained pressure application, addressing both the need for high initial pressure and the problem of rapid pressure recession
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple explosive charges are arranged to create continuous pressure application on the threat. As each charge detonates in sequence along the linear trajectory, the pressure waves overlap to maintain continuous disruptive pressure on the threat throughout its passage through the explosive field, rather than allowing pressure to recede between discrete events
3Device complexity
If a single point explosion is used, then the device is simple, but it covers a limited area and may not impact maneuvering ordnance
Solution Approach 1:
The single point explosion is segmented into multiple explosion points arranged linearly. This segmentation extends the coverage area from a single point to a linear array of explosion zones, creating a larger effective engagement volume that can intercept maneuvering threats even if they attempt to dodge a single-point explosion
Solution Approach 2:
The explosive capability is extended from a zero-dimensional point explosion to a one-dimensional linear array of charges. This dimensional expansion creates a volumetric engagement zone rather than a point impact, significantly increasing the probability of intercepting maneuvering threats while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall device architecture
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 cloud-based explosion provides continuous pressure changes over a larger area, ensuring effective disruption of the threat even if it maneuvers, and can neutralize threats from all sides, extending the effective range beyond the proximity of traditional point explosions.
Implementation Method 1
A cloud of explosive material, such as an aerosol of fuel or other energizing agent, optionally accompanied by an oxidizer... is dispersed along the predicted path of the threat and detonated at the right moment
Implementation Method 2
The cloud-based explosion provides continuous pressure changes over a larger area, ensuring effective disruption of the threat
Data Source
AI summary
Device for interception of incoming ordnance, comprises a dispersion unit to disperse an explosive cloud in an expected path of the incoming ordnance, a proximity detector to detect proximity of the incoming ordnance in relation to the explosive cloud; and an ignition unit associated with said proximity detector that ignites the explosive cloud to disrupt the incoming ordnance.