Projectile Flange Counter-Torque Anti-Ricochet Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional projectiles experience undesired ricochets at shallow angles of impact due to unbalanced loading, causing them to deviate from their path and fail to penetrate targets effectively.

Innovation Solution

The projectile features radially outward projections with a flange that generates a counter-torque upon impact, ensuring the penetrator aligns and penetrates the target by detaching at a specific phase of the penetration process, with a multi-part flange design and predetermined breaking points to manage stress and maintain trajectory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional projectile geometry is used, then perpendicular impact penetration is optimized, but ricochets occur at shallow impact angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration reliabilityVSAvoidricochet effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The projectile is divided into functionally distinct segments: a penetration body for penetrating the target and a separate flange for generating counter-torque. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flange acts as an intermediary element between the penetration body and the target material. It temporarily contacts the target to generate aligning counter-torque, then detaches to allow the penetration body to complete the penetration process without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If the penetrator geometry is optimized for perpendicular impact, then penetration depth is maximized, but unbalanced loading causes deviation at shallow angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration depthVSAvoidtrajectory stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flange functions as a counterbalancing element that generates counter-torque opposite to the destabilizing torque produced by unbalanced loading during shallow angle impact. This counter-torque stabilizes the penetration body's trajectory and prevents deviation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The flange provides preliminary anti-action by generating counter-torque before the penetration body completes its penetration. This preemptive stabilizing action prevents trajectory deviation from occurring in the first place, rather than correcting it afterward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If a flange is added to generate counter-torque, then ricochets are prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-ricochet performanceVSAvoidprojectile structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is designed as a dynamic component that is present during impact to provide counter-torque but is intended to detach and be discarded after serving its purpose. This dynamic approach adds complexity only when needed, rather than permanently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flange is designed to be discarded after serving its counter-torque function. It detaches from the penetration body after generating the necessary aligning moment, allowing the simpler penetration body to complete penetration without the added complexity of the flange structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 effectively prevents ricochets and ensures penetration at non-perpendicular angles by utilizing a counter-torque mechanism, allowing the projectile to penetrate targets even at shallow impact angles, enhancing military ammunition performance in urban terrain.

Implementation Method 1

the flange provided according to the invention touches the target material with one side during the penetration phase, as a result of which the counter-torque is generated. Accordingly, the bullet is rotated so that it penetrates the target material.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCounter-torque mechanism: Torque

Implementation Method 2

the pressure generated by the propellant gases is transmitted through the flange to the protrusions of the indenter, accelerating the sub-caliber indenter.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

the explosive contained in the interior of the penetrator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Data Source

PatentEP3034988B1Projectile
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 DIEHL DEFENCE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3034988B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3034988B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3034988B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Projectile (1) with a projectile casing forming an indenter (2) which has an interior (3) filled with explosive (4) and a front section with an outer diameter decreasing towards the front end, wherein the indenter (2) has radially outwardly projecting protrusions (9) spaced apart from the front end, on which a flange (6) surrounding the indenter (2) is positively retained, which counteracts a ricochet of the projectile at a shallow angle of impact.