Area-Denial Munition Self-Neutralization via Deflagration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing area denial munitions pose risks due to indiscriminant detonation during self-destruction, potentially harming civilians and allowing repurposing by enemy threats, and require complex human-operated systems for control and removal.
Innovation Solution
An area-denial munition with a housing that exposes its interior, featuring a detonation module for controlled detonation and a deflagration module for controlled combustion, allowing for safe self-neutralization without pressurized detonation, utilizing electronic circuitry for controlled operation and self-neutralization instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the munition uses traditional self-destruction mechanisms, then the munition can be removed after mission, but it causes indiscriminant detonation that harms civilians and friendly forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and combustion characteristics of the explosive material from high-speed detonation to low-speed deflagration. By controlling the combustion rate parameter, the system achieves self-neutralization through burning rather than explosion, thereby eliminating the harmful shockwave and fragmentation effects that cause collateral damage to civilians and friendly forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical detonation system with a controlled combustion system. Instead of using a detonation initiator that creates a supersonic shockwave, the system uses a deflagration initiator that sustains a subsonic burning front, substituting the violent mechanical explosion process with a controlled thermal combustion process that is safe for surrounding areas.
2Ease of operation
If the munition uses human-operated control systems, then remote control is possible, but the system complexity increases and removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the munition to autonomously execute self-neutralization without requiring continuous human operator intervention. The onboard controller automatically receives neutralization commands and executes the deflagration sequence, reducing the need for complex human-operated removal systems and simplifying post-mission handling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the munition maintains intact explosive material, then it remains functional for area denial, but it can be repurposed by enemy threats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by providing a controlled method to discard the explosive material through self-neutralization after the area denial mission is complete. The deflagration process consumes and destroys the explosive material in a controlled manner, preventing its recovery and repurposing by enemy forces while maintaining the munition's structural integrity for safe retrieval.
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 safe and controlled destruction of munitions post-mission, reducing risk to civilians and friendly forces, while maintaining functionality as an area-denial device, and preventing repurposing by enemy threats.
Implementation Method 1
a deflagration module configured to cause a deflagration of the explosive material
Implementation Method 2
a detonation module configured to cause a detonation of the explosive material
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for an area-denial munition configured for self-neutralization of an explosive ordnance. In one or more embodiments the munition including a housing including a chassis defining one or more openings such that the housing is an at least partially open structure exposing an interior to an ambient environment. In various embodiments the munition includes a detonation module including a detonation initiator and a deflagration module including a deflagration initiator coupled with a pyrotechnic primer, and munition control circuitry. In various embodiments the munition control circuitry receives instructions to deflagrate the explosive ordnance and instructs the deflagration module to activate the deflagration initiator. In various embodiments, the deflagration initiator causes a deflagration of the explosive ordnance for self-neutralization of the munition resulting in safe destruction of the munition's explosive charge and control electronics.