Vehicle Hull Floor Structural Vent Channels for Blast Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Armed vehicles face significant threats from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and explosively formed penetrators, which can cause severe damage and harm to occupants due to the inability of existing designs to effectively dissipate blast energy and debris.
Innovation Solution
The integration of structural channels within the vehicle that extend vertically through the hull, allowing blast energy and debris to be vented out, while also providing structural support to the hull floor, thereby reducing the impact of explosions and enhancing the vehicle's rigidity and protection for occupants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional armored vehicle designs are used, then structural strength is maintained, but blast energy and debris cannot be effectively dissipated, causing severe damage to occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle hull is segmented by incorporating vertical channels that divide the internal space into separate zones. These channels create distinct pathways that allow blast energy to be directed away from the crew compartment, segmenting the harmful effects throughout the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful blast energy and debris are extracted from the crew compartment by routing them through dedicated vertical channels. These channels serve as extraction pathways that remove explosive forces from the protected interior space and discharge them through the vehicle's exterior surfaces.
2Reliability
If the vehicle structure is made more rigid to withstand explosions, then occupant protection improves, but the vehicle becomes heavier and less mobile
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical channels serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as structural reinforcement elements that enhance hull rigidity, serve as blast energy dissipation pathways, and function as debris redirection conduits. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive protection without requiring additional separate systems that would increase vehicle weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structures can be constructed using composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratios, maintaining structural integrity and blast resistance while minimizing the additional weight imposed by the protective features.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vertical channels are added to dissipate blast energy, then occupant safety improves, but the vehicle's structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blast dissipation channels are merged with the vehicle's existing hull structure rather than being added as separate external components. The channels are integrated into the floor and ceiling panels, combining the protective function with the structural framework already present in the vehicle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structures are nested within the existing hull framework, with channels positioned within the depth of the floor and ceiling panels. This nesting approach allows the blast dissipation system to be embedded within the vehicle's existing structural envelope without requiring additional external space or complex external modifications.
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 reduces the transfer of explosive energy to the vehicle and its occupants, minimizing damage and improving survivability by redirecting and dissipating blast forces, even in scenarios where the explosion is centered beneath the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The channel thereby provides a passage through the vehicle for blast energy and gas and debris from an explosion beneath the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes one or more structural vent channels for blast energy and gas and debris dissipation. The structural enclosure of a vehicle includes a hull floor and encloses or defines a compartment for crew, cargo, or crew and cargo. The channel provides a passage through, around, or through and around the vehicle, by which blast energy and debris can be dissipated from explosions beneath the vehicle.