Maritime Payload Repositioning With a Compressible Impact Hull
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing maritime vehicles face challenges in efficiently and stealthily delivering payloads, such as military explosives, to targets while minimizing damage to the vehicle and ensuring precise detonation proximity.
Innovation Solution
A maritime vehicle design with a hull comprising a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion includes a crumple zone made of a softer material that collapses upon impact, reducing the distance between the payload and the target, and a payload re-positioning system that moves the payload closer to the impact zone, optionally using a securement mechanism and a controller to manage the payload's detonation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the payload is positioned at the front of the hull, then the distance to the target is reduced, but the vehicle's structural integrity and survivability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hull is divided into multiple sections with the payload positioned in a specific compartment rather than at the extreme front. This segmentation allows the payload to be close to the impact zone while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed hull design.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload is pre-positioned in the hull before impact occurs, allowing it to be optimally located relative to the impact zone without requiring last-minute maneuvers that could compromise structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a crumple zone is added to reduce impact forces, then vehicle damage is minimized, but the overall vehicle length and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hull is designed with differentiated local properties - a reinforced impact zone at the front and a crumple zone with controlled weakness behind it. This local quality variation allows impact forces to be managed systematically, protecting the payload while controlling overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The crumple zone is pre-designed as a sacrificial structural element that is intended to deform first during impact, absorbing energy before it reaches the payload. This beforehand cushioning design protects the payload while integrating smoothly into the overall hull structure.
3Productivity
If the payload is detonated immediately upon impact, then the timing is optimized for maximum effect, but the precision of detonation proximity to the target is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The payload is pre-positioned and pre-timed for detonation, with the timing mechanism set to activate at the optimal moment relative to impact. This preliminary action ensures precise detonation proximity to the target while maintaining efficient delivery timing.
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
Enables precise delivery and detonation of payloads near the target while minimizing vehicle damage, enhancing mission effectiveness and stealth.
Implementation Method 1
a crumple zone arranged to reduce an initial length of the first portion to a reduced length in response to impact with a target external to the maritime vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the payload is detonated within the hull and at least partially disposed within a submerged portion of the maritime vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A payload re-positioning system for a maritime vehicle that includes a hull having a first portion and a second portion. The maritime vehicle includes a payload disposed within the second portion. The first portion may include an impact zone and a compressible zone. The impact zone is arranged to engage a target external to the maritime vehicle. The compressible zone is arranged to reduce the initial length of the first portion to a compressed length in response to the impact zone engaging the target external, thereby reducing a distance between the payload and the impact zone.