Modular Armouring System for Self-Propelled Work Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing armoured self-propelled work machines have high purchase and maintenance costs, are inefficiently used due to limited deployment, and incur expensive and inconvenient transportation, with no cost-effective solution for damage repair.

Innovation Solution

A modular armouring system for self-propelled work machines that allows conversion between unarmoured and armoured configurations, with separable armouring elements for flexible use and transport, and a containerized system for logistics and reuse of intact armouring components after damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If armoured self-propelled work machines are used in dangerous areas, then driver protection is improved, but purchase and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver protectionVSAvoidpurchase and maintenance costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The armouring system is divided into separate, modular elements that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. Each armouring element corresponds to a specific cab component (front, rear, sides, roof), allowing selective replacement and reduced maintenance costs while maintaining driver protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the cab by removing and replacing armouring elements as needed. The cab can be transformed from a protected configuration to an unprotected one, enabling cost-effective deployment only when and where protection is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If armoured machines are deployed in dangerous areas, then driver protection is improved, but transport cost and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver protectionVSAvoidtransport cost and convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The armouring elements are separated from the main vehicle structure, allowing them to be transported independently in containers. This segmentation enables the heavy armouring components to be shipped separately from the lighter vehicle chassis, reducing transport costs and logistical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The armouring elements are extracted as removable components from the cab structure. This extraction allows the vehicle to be transported in an unarmoured state when protection is not needed, while the armouring elements can be separately transported to deployment locations and quickly installed when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a complete armoured cab is used, then driver protection is improved, but adaptability to different contexts deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver protectionVSAvoiddeployment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cab system is made dynamic and reconfigurable through removable armouring elements. The cab can be transformed between protected and unprotected configurations, allowing the same vehicle to adapt to different operational contexts (peaceful vs. dangerous areas) without requiring separate dedicated vehicles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle achieves multi-functionality by incorporating a universal cab structure that can accept both armoured and unarmoured configurations. This universal design allows a single vehicle platform to serve multiple purposes: peaceful operations, humanitarian missions, and dangerous area deployments, maximizing fleet utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If significantly damaged armoured machines are replaced, then operational reliability is maintained, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidreplacement costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The armouring system is segmented into replaceable elements, allowing only the damaged portions to be replaced rather than the entire vehicle. This modular approach significantly reduces replacement costs while maintaining operational reliability, as intact armouring elements can be reused.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables recovery and reuse of intact armouring elements after damage events. When a vehicle is damaged, only the affected armouring elements need replacement, while undamaged elements are recovered and can be reinstalled on the repaired vehicle or transferred to other vehicles, reducing overall system costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS10697737B2Armouring system for self-propelled work machines

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 MANITOU ITALIA SRL

AI summary

The armouring system for a self-propelled work machine (1) comprises: a cab frame (10) for the machine (1); and a plurality of armouring elements (21, 22, 23, 24, 25), made of armoured material, adapted to be fixed removably to respective portions of the frame (10), in order to define an armoured cab (2).