Field-Fillable Flexible Linear Charge for Lower Carry Mass
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible linear charges used for explosive cutting are heavy and cumbersome, making them difficult for troops to carry, and the variety of explosives carried by military personnel is cumbersome and complex, requiring a reduction in mass and variety.
Innovation Solution
A field-fillable, flexible linear charge system comprising a closed cell foam carcass with a trough for explosive filling, clad with a composite liner and inertial mass tamping strips, allowing for on-site assembly and use, reducing the need for pre-fabricated charges and minimizing carried mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pre-fabricated flexible linear charges with rubberised dense metal carbides or rubberised dense metal liner and tamper are used, then cutting effectiveness is improved, but mass of the charge increases making it difficult for troopers to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The charge system is divided into separate components: a lightweight foam carcass structure and the explosive filler. The carcass provides the structural framework and cutting geometry without requiring heavy rubberised metal linings, while the explosive is contained separately in the foam trough, allowing the trooper to carry only the lightweight carcass structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a foam carcass with a trough structure that forms a flexible container for the explosive. This foam structure replaces the heavy rubberised dense metal carbide or rubberised dense metal liner and tamper, providing sufficient structural integrity and cutting geometry while dramatically reducing mass.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both flexible linear charges and plastic explosive are carried in inventory, then versatility of explosive options is improved, but number and quantity of explosive charges increases complicating inventory management
Solution Approach 1:
The foam carcass system is designed as a universal platform that can be filled with different explosive types (plastic explosive, flexible linear charge material, or other explosives) depending on the mission requirements. This single carcass design replaces the need to maintain separate inventories of multiple specialized charge types, as the same carcass structure can accommodate various explosive fillers.
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 system enables efficient cutting through materials with reduced mass and complexity, allowing for lighter, more versatile explosive tools that can be tailored to specific tasks, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing logistical burdens.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible linear charge system for cutting through material by explosive detonation
Implementation Method 2
The side walls of the trough may be lined with inertial mass tamping strips
Implementation Method 3
the upwardly curved projection is flanked by respective first and second side channels along each side of the upwardly curved projection. Preferably, the upwardly curved projection is clad with a liner formed as a composite of an elastomer and a metal or metal compound
Data Source
AI summary
A field filled, flexible linear charge system for cutting through material by explosive detonation; the system including a flexible carcass for application to a surface; the carcass adapted for filling with an explosive compound at a site of use.