Flexible Frame Net Shield for RPG Dud
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current countermeasures for Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) are ineffective, expensive, complex, and unreliable, and existing armor systems are heavy, difficult to install, and do not prevent detonation, posing a persistent threat to military vehicles and structures.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, inexpensive, and easily installable vehicle and structure shield featuring a net with spaced hard points that dig into the RPG nose cone to dud it, utilizing a flexible frame with tubular members connected via a flexure to absorb impact and a net with low breaking strength lines to prevent detonation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static armor is used to protect against RPGs, then protection effectiveness is improved, but vehicle weight increases and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic net structure that can deform and flex upon RPG impact, allowing the protective elements to move with the incoming threat rather than rigidly resisting it. This dynamic response enables the net to absorb impact energy through deformation, providing effective protection while maintaining significantly lower weight compared to static armor plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible net constructed from lightweight materials that can bend and conform to the impact force. The net's flexibility allows it to deform during RPG strike, dissipating energy through material deformation rather than requiring heavy rigid armor, thus achieving protection with reduced weight.
2Reliability
If bar/slat armor is installed to prevent RPG detonation, then RPG duds are improved, but installation complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into discrete, modular net panels that can be independently installed on different vehicle surfaces. Each panel is a self-contained unit with attached protective elements, allowing simplified installation compared to monolithic bar/slat armor systems. The segmented approach enables easy customization and rapid deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The net structure utilizes inexpensive, lightweight materials that can be easily replaced if damaged. Rather than employing heavy, permanent armor plates, the system employs affordable netting and protective elements that provide sufficient protection for the mission at hand and can be quickly replaced afterward, reducing both installation complexity and overall system weight.
3Weight of moving object
If chain link fence type shields are added to vehicles, then weight is reduced compared to bar/slat armor, but compliance is insufficient to prevent detonation
Solution Approach 1:
The net structure combines different material properties within a unified construction: lightweight yet sufficiently strong netting material, reinforced attachment points, and integrated protective elements. This composite approach allows the net to maintain adequate strength to prevent RPG detonation while keeping overall weight lower than traditional armor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The net's dynamic flexibility allows it to deform and absorb impact energy in a way that chain link fencing cannot. The flexible netting can conform to the RPG warhead shape and maintain contact during impact, enhancing the ability to dud the RPG while distributing forces more effectively than rigid or semi-rigid fencing structures.
4Reliability
If heavy armor is installed on vehicles, then protection against RPGs is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible net structure provides adequate protection through material deformation and energy absorption rather than relying on thick heavy armor. This approach reduces the mass of the protective system, thereby decreasing the vehicle's overall weight and associated fuel consumption while maintaining effective RPG protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic net structure absorbs impact energy through controlled deformation and flexing, providing effective protection without requiring the heavy mass of traditional armor. This dynamic energy absorption mechanism achieves adequate protection at lower weight, reducing fuel consumption while maintaining RPG defense effectiveness.
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 effectively duds RPGs with a high success rate, providing protection without the weight and installation challenges of existing systems, while maintaining a low vehicle signature and being adaptable to various platforms.
Implementation Method 1
select adjacent tubular members are connected via a flexure to prevent damage to the frame when impacted
Implementation Method 2
hard points attached to at least select nodes... designed to dig into the nose cone of an RPG and dud it
Implementation Method 3
net with low breaking strength lines to prevent detonation
Data Source
AI summary
A protection system includes a net with lines connected at nodes and hard points attached to at least select nodes. A frame supports the net and positions it in a spaced relationship with respect to a vehicle or structure. The frame preferably includes select adjacent tubular members connected via a flexure to prevent damage to the frame when impacted.