Modular Fragmentation Sleeve for Ammunition Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fragmentation systems lack flexibility in geometrical configuration and adaptability to varying battlefield requirements, limiting their effectiveness in ammunition bodies.
Innovation Solution
A modular fragmentation sleeve with a polymeric matrix and fragments of varying weights and shapes, allowing for flexible configuration and integration with existing systems, including guided missiles, using materials like steel and tungsten, and a VF:VM ratio for optimized weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fragmentation sleeve with fixed geometrical configuration is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to varying battlefield requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fragmentation sleeve is divided into multiple modular segments or zones, each capable of independently controlling fragment distribution patterns. This segmentation allows different geometric configurations to be activated based on battlefield requirements without redesigning the entire sleeve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable geometries or reconfigurable structures that can change their configuration during operation or before deployment, enabling adaptation to varying engagement scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If discrete cubic slugs of different weights are used, then the fragment distribution can be varied, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using discrete slugs of different weights throughout the entire fragmentation sleeve, the invention applies local variations in fragment properties only in specific zones where needed. This allows differentiated fragment distribution control while keeping the majority of the structure uniform and easier to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical or chemical parameters of the polymeric matrix or fragment arrangement in specific regions rather than using completely different discrete components. This enables varied fragment distribution patterns while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through parameter adjustment rather than component complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniformly sized fragments are used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the flexibility in geometrical configuration of the region of effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention compensates for the limitation of uniformly sized fragments by introducing spatial arrangement variations, orientation control, or density gradients in the fragment distribution. This allows geometrical configuration flexibility to be achieved through spatial parameters rather than fragment size variation, maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Fragmentation sleeve (1), for a generally circular cylindrically shaped ammunition body (2), whereby the sleeve (1) has an annular shape with an inner diameter at no place smaller than the outer diameter of the ammunition body (2), an outer diameter Da, an internal surface Si, an external surface Sa, and a height H, the sleeve is configured to be slid over and positioned on an outer surface (3) of the ammunition body (2) and comprises a plurality of fragments (4) embedded in a polymeric matrix (5).