Powered Mechanical Press for IED Fracture and Disarmament
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Solution Overview
Problem
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), such as pipe bombs, require significant force to render safe, posing risks of unintentionally initiating the explosive filler due to impact, and existing methods lack a one-size-fits-all approach for disarmament.
Innovation Solution
A method using a powered mechanical press to safely render IEDs inert by identifying and classifying the IED, positioning it within the press, activating the press to fracture the IED, and holding the position to allow the explosive filler to be removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If significant force is applied to compromise structural integrity of IEDs, then the IED can be rendered safe by removing explosive filler, but the risk of unintentionally initiating the explosive filler increases due to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a percussive disrupter that delivers controlled impacts in a systematic manner. The device employs a spring-loaded mechanism that periodically strikes the IED casing at specific locations to create fractures, allowing controlled progression of structural compromise without continuous high-impact force that could trigger detonation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by targeting specific weak points or predetermined fracture locations on the IED casing. Rather than applying force uniformly, the disrupter is designed to strike at specific locations where the casing is most vulnerable to controlled fracturing, allowing structural compromise at strategic points while avoiding random impacts that could trigger the explosive filler.
2Ease of operation
If a one-size-fits-all approach to disarmament is used, then the process is simplified, but it cannot account for varying designs and inherent risks of different IEDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the disrupter system adjustable and adaptable to different IED configurations. The device incorporates variable parameters such as adjustable strike locations, modifiable spring tension, and reconfigurable positioning mechanisms that allow operators to customize the disarmament approach based on the specific IED design, material composition, and structural characteristics encountered in the field.
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 method effectively renders IEDs safe by minimizing the risk of detonation and allowing for the complete removal of explosive filler, providing a controlled and efficient process for disarmament.
Implementation Method 1
activating the press until a fracturing device of the press reaches a fracture position with respect to the IED
Implementation Method 2
the fracturing device reaches a fracture position with respect to the IED; holding the position of the press for a predetermined period of time when the fracturing device reaches the fracture position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for rendering safe an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) via a powered mechanical press. The method includes identifying and classifying the IED and placing the IED into the press and determining a position of the IED within the press based on the classification of the IED. The method further includes activating the press until a fracturing device of the press reaches a fracture position with respect to the IED and holding the position of the press for a predetermined period of time when the fracturing device reaches the fracture position. Further, the method includes removing, after the IED has fractured, the fractured IED and explosive filler of the fractured IED.