Vehicle Cell Hook-and-Loop Mounting for Blast Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle components, such as bulkheads and partitions, buckle under significant forces during explosions, causing equipment to accelerate and potentially act as projectiles, and existing solutions are complex, heavy, and do not guarantee absolute energy transfer prevention.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle cell with a connection and decoupling device using a hook-and-loop fastener to mechanically decouple additional components from structural components during deformation, preventing force and acceleration transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If additional components are rigidly connected to the structural component, then stability and support are improved, but energy transfer during blasting causes buckling and equipment acceleration

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidenergy transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A decoupling device is introduced as an intermediary element between the additional component and the structural component. This decoupling device includes a first connection element connected to the structural component and a second connection element connected to the additional component, allowing controlled energy absorption through deformation while preventing full energy transfer to the additional component and its equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The decoupling device is designed to change its mechanical parameters during blasting events. The connection elements are configured to deform plastically or elastically under extreme forces, changing their stiffness and strength characteristics to absorb energy while maintaining connection during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If additional components are decoupled from the structural component, then energy transfer is reduced, but connection reliability and support strength are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transferVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The decoupling device transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic connection that adapts to loading conditions. During normal operation, the connection elements maintain strong mechanical coupling to provide stable support. During blasting, the connection elements deform or yield to decouple the additional component, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its connection characteristics based on the applied forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If curved bulkheads or partitions are used, then energy transfer is controlled, but installation space requirements and design complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer controlVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decoupling device is segmented into separate connection elements that can be independently designed and manufactured. The first connection element is attached to the structural component while the second connection element is attached to the additional component, allowing for simpler, modular construction compared to complex curved bulkheads while achieving similar energy management goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 prevents equipment from becoming projectiles by automatically decoupling during explosions, ensuring no energy transfer and maintaining a simpler, lighter design.

Implementation Method 1

the connection and decoupling device is a hook and loop fastener

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the first connection and decoupling element and the second connection and decoupling element interlock positively to connect the additional component to the structural component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4479703B1Vehicle cell and protected vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 RHEINMETALL LANDSYSTEME GMBH
  • EP4479703B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4479703B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4479703B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Vehicle cell (2) for a protected vehicle (1), with an assembly (22) having a structural component (8-11), an auxiliary component (27) placed inside the vehicle cell (2), and connecting and decoupling device (35) by means of which the auxiliary component (27) is connected to the structural component (8-11), wherein the connecting and decoupling device (35) is configured to mechanically decouple the auxiliary component (27) from the structural component (8-11) in the event of a deformation of the structural component (8-11) resulting from an impact of the structural component (8-11), and wherein the connecting and decoupling device (35) is a hook and loop fastener.