Film Hard Point Shield for RPG Protection
Solution Overview
Problem
Current countermeasures against rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) are ineffective, expensive, complex, and unreliable, as they fail to prevent detonation and are difficult to install and remove, while existing armor solutions are heavy, cumbersome, and do not adequately protect vehicle occupants.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight film-based shield system with a spaced array of hard points designed to dig or tear into the nose cone of an RPG, featuring a film with intersecting members and hard points fixed at select nodes, which can be easily manufactured and deployed to dud the RPG.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static armor such as bar/slat armor is used to protect vehicles from RPGs, then protection effectiveness is improved, but vehicle weight increases significantly and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into multiple hard points distributed across the vehicle surface, each hard point being a small, lightweight component rather than a single large armor plate. This segmentation allows the vehicle to maintain maneuverability while providing distributed protection against RPG threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin film or flexible material as the base structure for the protective system, which is then reinforced with hard points. This flexible base layer provides protection without the weight penalty of traditional rigid armor plates, allowing the vehicle to maintain its original weight characteristics and maneuverability.
2Reliability
If heavy bar/slat armor is installed on vehicles, then protection against RPG detonation is improved, but ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system consists of multiple small, modular hard points that can be independently installed and removed, rather than a single large armor assembly. This modular approach significantly improves ease of installation and removal while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of flexible film as the base material allows the protective system to be easily conforming to vehicle surfaces and simplified installation procedures, making it much easier to install and remove compared to rigid bar/slat armor.
3Weight of moving object
If chain link fence type shields are used instead of bar/slat armor, then vehicle weight is reduced, but ability to prevent RPG detonation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using uniformly thick armor throughout, the system applies hard points with concentrated protective quality at specific locations where RPG threats are most likely to impact. This local reinforcement provides effective detonation prevention while keeping overall weight low.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective system combines flexible film material with discrete hard point elements to create a composite structure that leverages the weight advantages of flexible materials while incorporating the detonation-prevention capabilities of hardened elements.
4Reliability
If detection and deployment systems are added to intercept RPGs, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hard points are pre-installed on the vehicle before any threat is detected, eliminating the need for complex real-time deployment mechanisms. This preliminary positioning simplifies the system while maintaining protection effectiveness, as the protective elements are already in place when needed.
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 film-based shield system effectively duds RPGs by breaking upon impact, preventing detonation and maintaining maneuverability and ease of installation, while being cost-effective and lightweight, thus providing enhanced protection for vehicles and structures.
Implementation Method 1
The film-based shield system effectively duds RPGs by breaking upon impact
Data Source
AI summary
A shield includes a film with members intersecting at spaced nodes, a hard point fixed at least at select nodes, and a frame at least partially about the film for spacing the film from a vehicle or structure to be protected.