Flexible Film Linear Shaped Charge Underwater Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear shaped charges face challenges when used underwater due to rigid vessels that restrict cutting flexibility and performance, particularly at deeper depths, as they are bulky and inefficient against water pressure and penetration.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating at least one film between the liner and the face of the shaped charge, which provides structural support and prevents water ingress, allowing for flexible operation and efficient cutting even at greater depths without the need for an external vessel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid vessel is used to enclose the linear shaped charge when operating underwater, then the charge is protected from water penetration and pressure effects, but the vessel becomes bulky and awkward to manipulate, and prevents cutting where the ends of the vessel contact the target object

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from water penetration and pressure effectsVSAvoidmanipulability and cutting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid vessel with a flexible membrane that encloses the explosive charge. This membrane provides protection from water penetration and pressure effects while being flexible and non-bulky, allowing easy manipulation and cutting along curved lines. The flexible nature of the membrane eliminates the constraints of rigid vessel geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If a rigid vessel is used to enclose the linear shaped charge, then the charge is protected from water penetration, but the vessel is ineffective at deeper diving depths due to water pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from water penetrationVSAvoidwater pressure resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane is specifically designed to withstand water pressure at diving depths while remaining flexible. Unlike rigid vessels that become bulky and ineffective under pressure, the membrane can conform and distribute pressure forces, maintaining protection from water penetration even at greater depths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a rigid vessel is used to enclose the linear shaped charge, then the charge is protected from water penetration, but the cutting charge has to expend energy cutting through the wall of the vessel between the charge and the target

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from water penetrationVSAvoidenergy expenditure for cutting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane provides water penetration protection while being thin and flexible enough to allow the cutting jet to pass through with minimal energy loss. Unlike thick rigid vessel walls that absorb cutting energy, the membrane allows efficient energy transfer from the explosive charge to the target object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Productivity

If the space between the liner and the face is kept free of material, then the cutting jet trajectory and efficiency are optimized, but the liner lacks structural support and is vulnerable to pressure deformation and water contamination when submerged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidstructural support and pressure resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane is positioned to provide structural support to the liner and protect against pressure deformation and water contamination, while being thin and permeable enough to allow the cutting jet to pass through with minimal interference. This resolves the contradiction by providing both structural protection and cutting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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-enhanced linear shaped charge achieves improved underwater performance by maintaining cutting efficiency and structural integrity, enabling flexible cutting configurations and operation up to common diving depths without external vessel constraints.

Implementation Method 1

when the explosive element is detonated, wherein the linear shaped charge comprises at least one film between the liner and the face

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Implementation Method 2

A linear cutting charge is an explosive device for cutting a target object. A type of linear cutting charge is termed a linear shaped charge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShaped charge: Shaped Charge

Data Source

PatentEP2526370B1Shaped charge and element

Publication Date: 2017.08.16 JET PHYSICS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a shaped charge (1), including a linear shaped charge (1) comprising an explosive element (2), a liner (4), a face (6) for application to a target object (8) and a space (14) between the liner (4) and the face (6), the liner (4) being arranged for projection through the space (14), towards the face (6), when the explosive element (2) is detonated, wherein the linear shaped charge (1) comprises at least one film between the liner (4) and the face (6). The invention further relates to an element for a shaped charge (1) and a method of modifying a shaped charge (1).