Flexible Net Shield for RPG Protection

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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 net shielding system with hard points and cables that can be easily deployed and stowed, featuring a design where hard points on the net dig into the RPG nose cone to dud it, preventing detonation, and a tensioning mechanism for easy installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static armor such as bar/slat armor is used to protect against RPGs, then protection against RPG penetration is improved, but the vehicle becomes heavy and difficult to maneuver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against RPG penetrationVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible net shield made of lightweight material that can be deployed over vehicle openings to protect against RPGs. The net uses flexible cables and nodes to create a protective barrier that is significantly lighter than traditional rigid bar/slat armor, allowing the vehicle to maintain maneuverability while still providing protection against shaped charge penetration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protective system is divided into modular segments including individual net panels, cable elements, and node components that can be independently deployed and configured. This segmentation allows the protection system to be applied only where needed on the vehicle, reducing overall weight compared to full-coverage static armor while maintaining adequate protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Weight of moving object

If chain link fence type shields are added to vehicles, then weight is reduced compared to bar/slat armor, but the shields are still fairly heavy and not sufficiently compliant to prevent detonation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshield weightVSAvoidprevention of RPG detonation

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The net shield uses flexible cable elements and node structures that can deform and comply with the impact of an RPG nose cone. This flexibility allows the net to absorb the shock and prevent the rigid chain link fence from causing detonation, while still providing sufficient protection to dud the warhead. The flexible construction reduces weight compared to rigid fencing while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the protective barrier by using flexible, compliant materials instead of rigid chain link fence. The cable elements and node structure provide a compliant surface that can deform under impact, changing the interaction dynamics between the RPG and the shield to prevent detonation while reducing weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If bar/slat armor is used to protect against RPGs, then protection is improved, but installation and removal become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against RPGsVSAvoidinstallation and removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The net shield system is divided into modular panels and components that can be independently installed and removed from vehicle openings. The cable and node structure allows for quick deployment and stowing without requiring complex installation procedures, making it much easier to operate than traditional bar/slat armor while maintaining protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective system transitions from a static, fixed installation to a dynamic, deployable structure. The net shield can be quickly deployed over openings when protection is needed and easily removed when not needed, providing operational flexibility that static armor cannot match while maintaining adequate protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If steel grille armor is used to interrupt electrical energy in the firing head, then RPG detonation is prevented, but the armor becomes heavy and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of RPG detonationVSAvoidarmor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The net shield uses a flexible cable and node structure that can be deployed to protect against RPGs without requiring complex steel grille armor. The flexible net provides sufficient protection to interrupt the electrical energy in the firing head through its compliant structure, achieving the same protective function with simpler, lighter components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS8468927B2Vehicle and structure shield with a cable frame

Publication Date: 2013.06.25 FOSTER MILLER INC

AI summary

An ordinance, such as a rocket propelled grenade, shield includes a net with hard points at select nodes of the net and cable guides on the side of the net. Cables under tension extend through the cable guides supporting the net typically in conjunction with a top cross bar, spaced top struts, and spaced bottom struts. This framis design facilitates entering and exiting the vehicle or structure.