Modular Vehicle Blast Venting and Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current military vehicles lack versatility, adaptability, and protection in hostile environments, and their designs do not efficiently address the needs for both military and non-military uses, such as disaster response and civilian applications, requiring a vehicle that is modular, adaptable, and capable of withstanding rugged terrain and explosive blasts.
Innovation Solution
A modular vehicle design featuring a central driver module and engine module forming a central chassis module, with detachable pods that can be easily swapped for different functions, incorporating blast-deflecting V-shaped hulls, a frangible coupling system, and a tubular frame to isolate kinetic forces and enhance survivability, while also being lightweight and aerodynamically efficient for improved fuel economy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional military vehicle designs are used, then protection and durability are improved, but versatility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into a permanent central chassis module and detachable mission-specific pods. The central chassis contains the engine, transmission, and driver station, while separate pods can be attached for different functions such as troop transport, cargo, or specialized military operations. This segmentation allows the protected chassis to remain while mission pods are swapped, achieving both protection and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The central chassis module is designed as a universal platform that can support multiple different pod configurations. The standardized attachment interface and common chassis architecture allow the same base vehicle to perform multiple missions by simply changing the attached pod, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple dedicated vehicles.
2Reliability
If heavy armor plating is added to protect against blasts, then protection is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Armor protection is segmented and applied only where absolutely necessary - primarily on the central chassis module that contains critical systems and the driver. The detachable pods can be configured with appropriate protection levels for their specific missions, allowing optimization of protection versus weight without unnecessarily armoring the entire vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
Different levels of protection are applied to different parts of the vehicle based on their specific requirements. The central chassis receives heavy armor plating for blast and ballistics protection, while the detachable pods can have varying protection levels depending on their mission - cargo pods may have minimal protection while troop transport pods have enhanced protection, optimizing the overall protection-to-weight ratio.
3Reliability
If the vehicle is designed for military use with heavy armor, then protection is improved, but ease of manufacture and adaptability for civilian use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is segmented into a standardized central chassis module and interchangeable pods. The central chassis can be manufactured once with military-grade protection features, while different pods are manufactured separately and attached as needed. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing specialized components to be produced independently and assembled through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The central chassis is designed as a universal platform that can serve both military and civilian applications. The same protected chassis can be used with different pods for military operations or with civilian-oriented pods for disaster response, cargo transport, or other peaceful purposes, thereby simplifying manufacturing through platform sharing while maintaining protection capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with detachable pods is used, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system is segmented into standardized modules with well-defined interfaces. The central chassis and pods are designed as discrete, independently manufacturable units that connect through standardized mechanical and structural interfaces. This segmentation manages complexity by allowing each module to be optimized and manufactured separately, then assembled into complete vehicle configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows configuration parameters such as pod type, number of pods, and attachment positions to be changed to match mission requirements. The standardized interfaces and common chassis architecture ensure that changing these parameters does not fundamentally alter the vehicle's core systems, managing complexity while providing versatility.
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
The modular vehicle design enhances survivability by isolating blast effects, reduces damage from explosions, and improves fuel efficiency through weight reduction and aerodynamic shape, allowing for versatile use in various roles from military to civilian applications.
Implementation Method 1
The CCM and side pods present three V-shaped hulls on their underside. Such a blast-deflecting design along with side pod frangibility and engine module open framework should significantly increase the venting of the blast reducing the penetration and deformation of the area where people are sitting.
Implementation Method 2
The disclosed modular vehicle is compartmentalized through modular, severable, frangible sub-systems or components with a view to isolating effects of ballistic shock/blast and other undesirable kinetic forces.
Implementation Method 3
It is intended that this engine module be manufactured with a tubular frame allowing significant blast venting between the two-crew side modules increasing survivability of the crew.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular, wheeled vehicle suitable for military use, includes a driver module having a width for seating one person and having length for seating a second (and optional third) person therebehind, and an engine module disposed behind the driver module containing an engine for powering the modular vehicle. The engine module has a rear surface adapted to receive a storage module. The driver module and the engine module form a central element having a pair of sides, a bottom, and a top. The central element is adapted to receive the modules on both of the central element sides. The central element has air inlet for personnel and for the engine disposed atop the central element. The bottom of the central element and troop side pods generally are V-shaped with slanted, upward extending sides.