Miniature Torpedo Using Flammable Elements for UAV Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torpedoes are too heavy and large to be carried and launched from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) due to their size and weight, primarily attributed to the use of heavy plastique explosives, which exceeds the payload capacity of small UAVs and larger aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A miniature torpedo with an overall length of approximately 18.5 inches and a weight of less than 10 pounds, featuring a contact and attachment assembly, a chamber with flammable elements, an ignition assembly, a propulsion and steering assembly, and a navigation and guidance system, allowing it to be carried and launched from UAVs and larger aircraft, and capable of attaching to a ship's hull and igniting flammable elements to melt through the hull.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional torpedoes use heavy plastique explosives to achieve sufficient destructive power, then the torpedo's payload capability is improved, but the torpedo's weight and size increase beyond what small UAVs can carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition and physical state of the explosive material from conventional plastique to flammable elements (magnesium, titanium, aluminum) that burn at extremely high temperatures. This parameter change enables the explosive to achieve destructive power while reducing weight and size, allowing carriage by small UAVs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite flammable element structures combining magnesium, titanium, and aluminum in specific configurations. These composite materials provide both the necessary explosive power and weight reduction, resolving the contradiction between payload capability and torpedo weight
2Strength
If conventional torpedoes are designed with sufficient explosive mass to penetrate and damage ship hulls, then the destructive power is improved, but the torpedo dimensions exceed the payload capacity of small UAVs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the explosive mechanism from conventional detonation to high-temperature combustion, allowing sufficient destructive power in a compact form factor. The flammable elements burn at temperatures exceeding 3000°C, enabling hull penetration without requiring large explosive masses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional conventional explosive charges to two-dimensional flammable element strips or wires that are driven into the hull. This dimensional change reduces the overall torpedo length while maintaining destructive capability through concentrated thermal energy
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the torpedo uses flammable elements with combustion temperature higher than the melting temperature of target vessel hull metal, then the ability to melt through the hull is improved, but the risk of premature ignition and safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flammable elements into separate segments or sections within the torpedo, each contained in its own compartment with independent ignition systems. This segmentation prevents premature ignition of the entire explosive load and allows controlled sequential activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates safety mechanisms that are activated only upon confirmation of target engagement, such as magnetic release systems or electrical triggers that remain inert during transport. The flammable elements are pre-positioned but not pre-ignited, ensuring safety during carriage and launch
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 the carriage and launch of torpedoes from smaller UAVs and increases the payload capacity of larger aircraft, effectively damaging ship hulls by melting through with high-temperature flammable elements, while maintaining structural strength and lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one flammable element 132 being constructed to oxidize when ignited by the ignition assembly 74
Implementation Method 2
the high temperature heat of the burning element(s) may melt a hole through the ship's hull
Implementation Method 3
an ignition assembly 74 connected to the contact and attachment assembly 22, the ignition assembly 74 being operable to ignite the at least one flammable element 132
Implementation Method 4
the chamber 24 containing a drive mechanism 128 that is operable to drive the at least one flammable element 132 from the chamber 24 and toward the ship's hull
Implementation Method 5
the contact and attachment assembly 22 includes a permanent magnet assembly 32 comprising at least one permanent magnet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A lightweight, miniature torpedo (12) has a contact and attachment assembly (22) that is operable to hold the torpedo (12) to a ship's hull in response to contact with the ship's hull, a chamber (24) containing a plurality of flammable elements (132) that are sequentially ignited and burn against the ship's hull at a combustion temperature that is higher than a melting temperature of the material of the ship's hull, and a propulsion and steering assembly (26) that propels and directs the torpedo (12) through water to the ship's hull. The torpedo (12) is constructed with a size and weight that enables it to be carried by and launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle.