Linear Explosive Disruptor with Foam Chamber for Robot Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing explosive disruption tools cause significant collateral damage and are not suitable for precise operations, especially when forensic evidence preservation is required, as they often result in high recoil and are not ideal for use with robots in underwater or terrestrial environments.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, compact linear explosive disruption tool with a protective chamber using foam-based materials and clapper plates to absorb energy and reduce recoil, allowing for precise projectile propulsion without damaging robotic platforms, and incorporating a system to diffuse explosive gases and fragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If explosive disruption tools are used to disrupt hazardous devices, then high kinetic energy and velocity are achieved, but collateral damage increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive charge is segmented into multiple smaller charges arranged in a linear array, each propelling individual projectiles. This segmentation allows the explosive energy to be distributed across multiple targeted projectiles rather than concentrated in a single high-velocity charge, reducing collateral damage while maintaining effective disruption capability
Solution Approach 2:
A linear explosive charge acts as an intermediary mechanism between the propulsion system and the projectiles. The linear charge progressively propels multiple projectiles through a containment tube, providing controlled acceleration to each projectile in sequence, which reduces the peak velocity and associated collateral damage compared to a single explosive charge
2Power
If traditional explosive disruption tools are used, then high kinetic energy is achieved, but recoil effects become unmanageable for robotic platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive power is segmented into multiple smaller charges fired in sequence rather than one large charge. This distributes the recoil impulse across multiple smaller events, making the net recoil manageable for robotic platforms while still delivering sufficient kinetic energy to disrupt hazardous devices
Solution Approach 2:
The linear explosive charge creates periodic action by sequentially detonating multiple segments along the barrel length. This periodic propulsion of multiple projectiles distributes the recoil force over time, preventing the sudden large recoil impulse that would damage robotic platforms
3Measurement precision
If shotgun type tools with multiple projectiles are used, then precision targeting is improved, but projectile velocity decreases below effective disruption levels
Solution Approach 1:
The linear explosive charge creates a controlled gas pressure environment that progressively accelerates multiple projectiles through the containment tube. This pneumatic-like mechanism provides sustained acceleration to each projectile, maintaining high velocities while enabling multiple projectile deployment for precision targeting
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple projectile types (water, clay, metal) within a single linear explosive disruption tool, allowing the operator to select the appropriate material for the specific hazardous device. This composite approach maintains high velocity for all projectile types while providing precision targeting through material selection
4Object-affected harmful factors
If explosive tools are used to minimize collateral damage, then precision is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linear explosive disruption tool is designed as a universal platform that can fire multiple types of projectiles (water, clay, metal) by simply changing the projectile load. This multi-functionality allows the same complex device to address various hazardous device scenarios, justifying the complexity through versatile application
Solution Approach 2:
The linear explosive charge and containment tube structure act as intermediaries that enable precise control of multiple projectiles. This intermediary mechanism provides the complexity needed for precision and low collateral damage, while the modular design allows the system to be integrated onto various robotic platforms
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 tool effectively reduces collateral damage and recoil, enabling safe and precise operations on both land and underwater, while maintaining the integrity of forensic evidence and allowing for versatile use on various platforms, including robots.
Implementation Method 1
a linear explosive charge to propel a variety of projectiles
Implementation Method 2
protective chamber around a barrel that prevents explosive gases and fragmentation from penetrating the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A lightweight linear explosive disruption tool that may be used to fire a high speed projectile at a hazardous device in order to separate the components of the explosive train, thereby rendering it safe. The linear explosive disruption tool utilizes open cellular foam materials to prevent collateral damage of explosive gases and fragmentation that would otherwise prevent the device from being fired from a robot. An internal clapper tube distributes forces to the ligaments of cellular foam material and an external support tube contains the explosive fragmentation and blast overpressure. An internal barrel provides projectile travel in a single precision oriented direction and also reduces recoil which also enables the device to be fired from a robot as well. Such a tool prevents explosive gases and fragmentation from causing unnecessary collateral damage to the surroundings or supporting robot with reduced recoil effects.