Cylindrical Hollow Charge Flange for Angular Fragment Dispersal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hollow charges primarily generate splinters in the direction of the sting, lacking the capability to effectively distribute splinters in an angular range, which limits their effectiveness as a penetrating and dispersing mechanism.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a radially extending annular flange with numerous linear or figurative embossings and/or deformations, allowing fragments to be generated in various directions by controlling the pressure load from the explosive charge, with the option to incline or arrange the flange perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, creating a splinter circle around the spike.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a simple annular flange is used without embossings, then the device structure is simple, but splinters cannot be generated in angular directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular dispersal capabilityVSAvoidflange structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is segmented into multiple embossings and deformations distributed around its circumference. Each embossing acts as an independent fragment generation point, enabling angular dispersal of splinters while maintaining a relatively simple overall flange structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flange transitions from uniform simplicity to localized complexity through the strategic placement of embossings and deformations at specific locations. These local modifications create angular splinter generation capabilities without requiring the entire flange structure to be complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If the flange is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, then splinters are generated in a circular pattern, but the splinter circle diameter is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplinter circle diameterVSAvoidflange orientation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The solution moves from a two-dimensional perpendicular arrangement to a three-dimensional inclined configuration. By tilting the flange at an angle to the longitudinal axis, the splinter generation pattern expands from a simple circle to a larger elliptical or circular pattern with increased diameter, utilizing the additional angular dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The flange orientation angle is changed from 90 degrees (perpendicular) to a specific inclined angle. This parameter change in the flange's angular position relative to the longitudinal axis directly influences the splinter circle diameter, allowing optimization of the dispersal area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices are arranged radially adjacent to create multiple splinter circuits, then the dispersal pattern is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersal pattern complexityVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple splinter-generating functions are merged into a single flange structure through the integration of multiple embossings and deformations. Instead of requiring separate radial devices, one flange with multiple localized features achieves the same multi-circuit dispersal pattern, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flange is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously generates multiple splinter circuits through its various embossings and deformations. This single component performs the work of multiple separate devices, enhancing dispersal patterns while minimizing the number of individual components required.

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

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

This design enables the generation of splinters not only in the direction of the sting but also in an angular range, allowing for a controlled diameter and width of the splinter circle, enhancing the dispersal pattern and effectiveness of the hollow charge.

Implementation Method 1

due to the pressure acting on the shell and the flange from the inside, a material weakening occurs first, which leads to cracks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure load from explosive detonation: Explosion

Implementation Method 2

these points turn out to be the points at which, due to the pressure acting on the shell and the flange from the inside, a material weakening occurs first, which leads to cracks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress concentration at embossings: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 3

A hollow charge has become known from US Pat. No. 4,474,113 A which, in addition to a shaped insert, an ignition device and an explosive charge, also has a casing surrounding the charge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHollow charge effect: Shaped Charge

Data Source

PatentEP2966398B1Device on a cylindrical hollow charge
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 TDW GES FR VERTEIDIGUNGSTECHN WIRKSYST MBH
  • EP2966398B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2966398B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The casing of a warhead with a shaped charge is extended by means of a flange surrounding the insert, which has devices for generating fragments, in such a way that the shaped charge emits a ring of fragments in addition to the spike in the direction of the target.