Nonfragmentation Missile Radial Collar for Directional Blast Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fragmentation munitions suffer from limitations in directionality and timing of detonations, leading to indiscriminate blast and collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A nonfragmentation munition with a hollow collar and radial ports for controlled expulsion of ammunition in specific directions, utilizing a flight control system and ignition source for precise detonation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fragmentation munitions are used to maximize lethal effect, then the destructive power is improved, but directionality and control over blast pattern deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The munition is segmented into multiple individual ammunition units arranged radially around a central axis, each capable of independent ignition and firing. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific ammunition units to achieve directional control while maintaining the destructive power of multiple simultaneous discharges
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fragmentation to dynamic controlled discharge by using individual ignition sources for each ammunition unit. The controller can selectively ignite ammunition in specific sequences or patterns, enabling dynamic control over the blast direction and timing while preserving lethal effectiveness
2Area of stationary object
If fragmentation munitions detonate in all directions to maximize coverage, then the area affected is improved, but collateral and unintended damage worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Different ammunition units are positioned at different radial locations around the longitudinal axis, allowing localized discharge in specific directions. This enables concentration of destructive effect on the target area while minimizing blast in directions where collateral damage would occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system can activate only the necessary portion of ammunition units required to achieve the desired effect, rather than detonating all units simultaneously in all directions. This partial action reduces waste and collateral damage while maintaining effectiveness against the target
3Device complexity
If conventional fragmentation warheads are used to simplify design, then device complexity is reduced, but control over timing and direction of detonation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow collar structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework, holds multiple ammunition units, and acts as the containment vessel. This multi-functionality reduces overall design complexity while enabling sophisticated control capabilities through the modular ammunition arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
Each ammunition unit is self-contained with its own ignition source, eliminating the need for complex external ignition systems. The ammunition units themselves provide the timing and direction control through selective ignition, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability
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 solution provides a controlled, directional blast pattern with reduced collateral damage and efficient use of munitions, allowing for targeted and sequential firing.
Implementation Method 1
an ignition source for expelling each ammunition of the first plurality of ammunitions outwardly from the collar
Data Source
AI summary
A missile for delivering a payload and having a longitudinal axis. The missile comprises a nonfragmenation multi-directional munition having a hollow collar. The hollow collar has an inner surface and an outer surface opposed thereto and a first plurality of ports extending therebetween in a substantially radial direction. An ammunition is disposed in each port of the first plurality of ports, oriented outwardly from the longitudinal axis with an ignition source for expelling such ammunition from the collar. The missile also has at least one flight control surface for controlling a trajectory of the missile during flight and a controller for controlling the flight of the missile and the ignition source.