Flexible Net Shield with Hard Points for RPG Dud
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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, posing a persistent threat to military vehicles and structures.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, inexpensive, and easily installable vehicle and structure shield featuring a flexible net with spaced hard points that dig into the RPG nose cone to dud it, preventing detonation, while the net material is designed to break upon impact to avoid causing detonation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static armor is used to protect against RPGs, then protection effectiveness is improved, but vehicle weight increases and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible net structure instead of rigid static armor. The net is made of flexible material that can deform upon RPG impact, absorbing energy while preventing detonation. This flexible approach provides protection without the excessive weight of traditional rigid armor plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining net material with hard points (metal inserts or protrusions). This composite design integrates the flexibility of net material with the penetrating capability of hard points, achieving effective RPG protection with reduced weight compared to solid armor.
2Reliability
If bar/slat armor is used to prevent RPG detonation, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective structure into discrete hard points distributed across the net surface, rather than using continuous bar/slat armor. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing and easier installation/removal operations while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible net substrate with embedded hard points replaces complex rigid bar/slat structures. The net can be easily deployed and removed without the installation complexity associated with heavy armor systems, while still preventing RPG detonation through the hard points.
3Weight of moving object
If chain link fence type shields are used, then weight is reduced compared to bar/slat armor, but protection effectiveness deteriorates as RPGs can still detonate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure where flexible net material is combined with hard points (metal inserts or protrusions). The hard points provide the necessary rigidity and penetrating capability to prevent RPG detonation, while the net material keeps the overall structure lightweight. This composite approach overcomes the limitations of chain link fences that lack sufficient hardness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire shield structure heavy or rigid, the patent applies hard points only at specific locations where RPG impact is most likely to occur. This localized reinforcement provides effective protection while maintaining overall lightweight characteristics.
4Strength
If net material with high breaking strength is used, then structural integrity is improved, but the net may cause RPG detonation upon impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects and optimizes the breaking strength parameter of the net material. The net is designed with sufficient strength to maintain structural integrity during normal conditions and deployment, but with controlled breaking characteristics that prevent RPG detonation. The hard points compensate for any energy transfer that might cause detonation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hard points act as intermediaries between the RPG warhead and the net material. When an RPG impacts the net, the hard points absorb and dissipate the energy, preventing direct transmission of detonation forces through the net material to the warhead.
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 shield system effectively duds RPGs with a high success rate, providing protection without the weight, cost, or installation challenges of existing solutions, and is adaptable to various platforms with a low vehicle signature.
Implementation Method 1
a hard point is pivotably attached to at least select nodes... the hard points each includes a post portion and a base portion... configured to impact a projectile
Implementation Method 2
The net material is designed to break upon impact of an RPG fuse with the line for a predetermined percentage of RPG fuse impacts
Data Source
AI summary
A shield system for an ordnance includes a frame and a flexible net subsystem supported by the frame. Diagonal lines of net material intersect at nodes forming diamond shaped mesh openings and a hard point is attached to at least select nodes.