Net Patching Device for RPG Shield Hard Points

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current countermeasures for Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) are ineffective, expensive, complex, and unreliable, and existing armor systems are heavy, difficult to install, and do not prevent detonation, leaving vehicles and structures vulnerable to RPG impacts.

Innovation Solution

A patching device for a hard point style net shield that quickly and intuitively repairs broken net cords, ensuring correct spacing of hard points to effectively dud RPGs by using sockets with retention mechanisms and flexible fingers to secure and align hard points, and a method involving flexible members like Velcro to reconnect broken cords.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bar/slat armor is used to prevent RPG detonation, then protection effectiveness is improved, but weight increases significantly and installation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRPG detonation preventionVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The armor system is segmented into modular hard points that can be independently attached to the vehicle. Each hard point is a discrete unit that can be easily installed and removed, replacing the need for heavy continuous bar/slat armor while maintaining RPG protection capability through distributed hard point coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flexible netting material stretched between hard points to create a lightweight protective barrier. This thin film approach replaces heavy rigid armor, significantly reducing vehicle weight while maintaining the ability to disrupt RPG shaped charges through the flexible net structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Weight of moving object

If chain link fence type shields are used for RPG protection, then weight is reduced compared to bar/slat armor, but the shielding effectiveness decreases and detonation prevention becomes unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshield weightVSAvoidRPG detonation prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system concentrates protective capability at specific locations (hard points) rather than distributing uniform protection across the entire surface. Each hard point is a localized reinforcement that disrupts RPG charges, while the flexible netting between points provides additional disruption opportunities without adding significant weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protective system combines rigid hard points with flexible netting material to create a composite structure. The hard points provide localized disruption capability while the flexible netting adds layers of disruption opportunity, creating a multi-layered protection system that is lighter than traditional armor yet more effective than simple chain link fencing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If static armor is installed on vehicles, then RPG protection is improved, but installation time increases and maneuverability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRPG protectionVSAvoidvehicle maneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The armor system transitions from static fixed armor to a dynamic modular configuration. Hard points can be quickly installed and removed based on operational requirements, allowing the vehicle to be armored when needed and unarmored for maneuverability when protection is not required. The flexible netting also allows for dynamic adjustment and rapid deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The armor system is divided into separate modular hard points that can be independently installed on different vehicle surfaces. This segmentation allows selective armor placement only where RPG threats are most likely, maintaining vehicle maneuverability in unarmored areas while providing protection where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If bar/slat armor is used to dud RPGs, then detonation prevention is achieved, but the armor blocks vehicle doors, windows, and access hatches when damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRPG detonation preventionVSAvoidvehicle access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The modular hard point system allows individual units to be positioned away from vehicle openings. Each hard point is a discrete element that can be strategically placed to provide RPG protection while maintaining clear access to doors, windows, and hatches. When one hard point is damaged, others remain functional and accessible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible netting material used between hard points can conform to vehicle contours and does not rigidly block access points. The flexible nature allows personnel to move through and access vehicle features while the netting maintains its protective function, unlike rigid bar/slat armor that permanently blocks openings when damaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS20150000085A1Net patching devices

Publication Date: 2015.01.01 FOSTER MILLER INC

AI summary

A patching system for a net in a frame with hard points at select nodes of the net includes a patching device with a pair of spaced sockets each configured to receive a hard point therein. A member interconnects the pair of spaced sockets and is configured to properly space the hard points. Another patching device is for reconnecting hard points to the net frame.