Repositionable Shaped Charges for Target Penetration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current linear shaped charges are limited in engaging thick or irregular composite targets, requiring significant explosive amounts and pre-existing knowledge of target geometry, leading to inefficiencies in penetration and collateral damage.

Innovation Solution

A repositionable explosive device with an attachment collar and transparent charge container, featuring a semi-spherical penetrator, wave shaper, and booster, allowing precise placement and repositioning of explosive charges with minimal collateral damage, using magnets or interchangeable connectors for attachment to targets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional linear shaped charges are used to penetrate thick or irregular composite targets, then penetration capability is limited, but increasing explosive amount increases collateral damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration capabilityVSAvoidcollateral damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating explosive energy at the specific penetration point through a focused shaped charge geometry. The charge is positioned directly against the target surface at the desired penetration location, directing all explosive force locally rather than dispersing it broadly. This enables penetration of thick or irregular composite targets with minimal explosive material and no collateral damage to surrounding areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If traditional shaped charges require pre-existing knowledge of target geometry for effective use, then operational flexibility is reduced, but gaining such knowledge requires time and resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidtime for target assessment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a camera and imaging system that allows the operator to visually assess target geometry and select the optimal penetration point in real-time. The operator can see the target surface, evaluate its geometry and thickness variations, and position the charge accordingly without requiring pre-existing knowledge or separate survey operations. The system serves its own assessment function through integrated imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If explosive charges are positioned for precise penetration, then penetration accuracy is improved, but repositioning capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration accuracyVSAvoidrepositioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a magnetic attachment system that allows the shaped charge to be dynamically positioned and repositioned on ferromagnetic target surfaces. The charge can be attached at the optimal penetration point for precision, then easily detached and repositioned if target conditions require adjustment. This dynamic attachment method provides both precise positioning capability and full repositioning flexibility without permanent fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Force

If large amounts of explosive are used to penetrate thick targets, then penetration power is increased, but device weight and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration powerVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of explosive energy delivery from dispersed bulk blasting to focused shaped charge penetration. By confining the explosive in a shaped charge geometry with a wave shaper and liner, the system achieves high penetration power through focused energy concentration rather than increased explosive quantity. This maintains penetration capability for thick targets while keeping the device lightweight and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables controlled and precise penetration of composite targets with reduced explosive usage and collateral damage, facilitating rapid and accurate placement and repositioning of explosive charges for efficient demolition.

Implementation Method 1

using magnets or interchangeable connectors for attachment to targets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

enables controlled and precise penetration of composite targets with reduced explosive usage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Implementation Method 3

Systems and methods for penetrating structures with repositionable shaped charges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShaped Charge: Shaped Charge

Data Source

PatentUS10969204B2Systems and methods for penetrating structures with repositionable shaped charges
Publication Date: 2021.04.06 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
  • US10969204B2 patent drawing
  • US10969204B2 patent drawing
  • US10969204B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to using at least one explosive device to enable rapid and accurate positioning and repositioning of at least one explosive charge for controlled penetration of targets. A penetrator allows effective demolition with minimal explosive load. An attachment collar with magnetic inserts allows quick repositioning of explosive devices. A plurality of explosive devices allows a demolition profile to be rapidly created and adjusted on-site to adapt to changes in structural or environmental conditions.