Compact Explosive Device Using Perforated Sheet for Container Penetration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing explosive devices for penetrating pressurized gas containers are bulky and complex, with high weight and multiple components, which poses challenges in space-constrained applications such as military and rescue equipment.

Innovation Solution

A compact explosive device is created using a sheet of material with holes filled with explosive material and igniting stimuli connected between conductive surfaces, allowing for efficient ignition and penetration with minimal components and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional explosive devices are used for penetrating pressurized gas containers, then penetration function is achieved, but device size becomes bulky and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional components (explosive material, ignition system, structural support, and electrical connections) into a single integrated sheet structure. The sheet contains holes filled with explosive material and conductive traces patterned directly on the sheet surface, eliminating the need for separate housings, mounting brackets, and connection assemblies used in traditional devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The explosive device is segmented into discrete functional zones within the sheet: explosive-filled holes for penetration, conductive traces for electrical connection, and insulating regions for safety. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compactness through the flat sheet geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Weight of moving object

If traditional explosive devices are used, then penetration capability is provided, but weight becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice weightVSAvoidfunctionality reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin flexible sheet as the primary structural component that provides both mechanical support and electrical connectivity. This thin-film approach dramatically reduces weight compared to rigid housings and separate components while maintaining structural integrity and functional reliability through the distributed pattern of explosive holes and conductive traces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If complex explosive devices with multiple components are used, then penetration function is achieved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, explosive containment, electrical insulation, and signal transmission. The conductive traces perform both structural and electrical functions, while the holes provide both mechanical penetration and explosive material reservoirs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and distribution of materials within the sheet structure. Explosive material is contained in discrete holes rather than distributed throughout a bulk structure, and conductive traces are patterned in specific geometries to achieve both mechanical strength and electrical connectivity. These parameter changes enable simplified manufacturing through standard PCB-like fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution results in a lightweight, easy-to-manufacture, and stable explosive device that is significantly smaller and simpler than prior art devices, with reduced weight and complexity, enabling easier handling and effective penetration of pressurized containers.

Implementation Method 1

one or more igniting stimuli configured to ignite the explosive material when activated are arranged on the first side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical ignition: Electric Spark

Implementation Method 2

The region of interest includes one or more circuit components, including an actuator, such as a bridgewire, thereon or therein. The perforation accommodates energetic material that is selectively ignited via the actuator.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExplosion: Explosion

Data Source

PatentEP2376862B1An explosive device and method for manufacturing such a device
Publication Date: 2017.02.22 ERNSTROM TECH
  • EP2376862B1 patent drawing
  • EP2376862B1 patent drawing
  • EP2376862B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an explosive device comprising an explosive material, and at least one igniting stimulus configured to ignite the explosive material when activated. The explosive device further comprises a sheet of material provided with at least one hole at least partially filled with the explosive material, each hole forms an opening in a first side of said sheet material and said at least one igniting stimuli is arranged on said first side. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an explosive device.