Modular Penetrator with Interchangeable Tips for Target Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing KE penetrators lack adaptability to various targets such as inclined targets, semicircular plates, and reactive armor, resulting in unwanted specialization and limited customization.

Innovation Solution

A modular penetrator design where a basic penetrator with a geometric interface in the front area can be upgraded with interchangeable penetrator tips, allowing for on-site customization based on the target, using a bayonet or adhesive connection, and allowing for varying materials and lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If KE penetrators are specialized for specific targets (inclined targets, semicircular plates, reactive armor), then penetration effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to various targets deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration effectivenessVSAvoidadaptability to various targets
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The penetrator is divided into two separable parts: a basic penetrator and interchangeable penetrator tips. Each tip is specialized for different target types (inclined targets, semicircular plates, reactive armor), allowing the system to maintain high penetration effectiveness for specific targets while gaining versatility through tip exchangeability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different penetrator tips have different geometric parameters (shape, length, material properties) optimized for specific target types. By changing the tip parameter set according to the target type, the penetrator maintains optimal penetration performance across diverse targets without requiring completely different penetrator designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable penetrator tips are introduced for customization, then adaptability to different targets is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidmodular structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The basic penetrator serves as a universal component that can accommodate multiple different penetrator tips through a standardized interface. This universal basic penetrator design reduces overall system complexity by using a common platform rather than requiring completely separate penetrator designs for each target type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The penetrator tips are pre-configured with specific geometries and materials for different target types before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows for quick on-site exchange without requiring complex assembly procedures, thereby reducing operational complexity despite the modular structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If penetrator tips are exchanged on-site for target-specific optimization, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveon-site customizationVSAvoidtime for tip exchange
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The penetrator tips are pre-manufactured with target-specific optimizations and pre-attached to the basic penetrator or kept ready in the ammunition system. This preliminary preparation enables rapid on-site exchange without requiring time-consuming assembly procedures, minimizing the time loss associated with customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The interface design ensures that all penetrator tips can be exchanged with equal ease and speed, regardless of the specific tip type. This equipotential exchange capability means that the time required for tip exchange is consistent and minimized across all tip variations, making on-site customization efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentEP3359910B9Penetrator and sub-caliber projectile
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
  • EP3359910B9 patent drawingFigure 1~1c
  • EP3359910B9 patent drawingFigure 2~2c
  • EP3359910B9 patent drawingFigure 3~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a penetrator (10) and to a sub-caliber ammunition or projectile (2) accommodating said penetrator (10). The penetrator (10) according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the penetrator has an interface (14) in the front area (13). Via said geometric interface (14), a basic penetrator (11) devised in according to the invention can be provided having different penetrator tips (15, 16, 17) and completed to form an individual KE penetrator (10).