Shell Rocket Motor Charge Dual-Function Propulsion and Effect

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shell technologies do not optimize the use of rocket motor charge for both propulsion and effect at the target, leading to underutilization of the rocket motor, especially at short firing ranges where maximum effect is sought.

Innovation Solution

The rocket motor charge is initiated by the firing charge via the gas outlet, and can be shut off at a set time delay to maximize utilization, acting as both a propulsion agent and an explosive charge at the target, with a programmable activating device controlling the initiation of the active part to optimize firing range and effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the rocket motor is used to increase final velocity for maximum effect at short firing ranges, then the effect at target is improved, but the unused portion of the rocket motor charge is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffect at targetVSAvoidunused rocket motor charge
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The rocket motor charge is designed to serve dual functions: propulsion during flight and explosive effect at the target. The system enables the rocket motor charge to be completely utilized by allowing it to function as both a propelling agent and an explosive charge, eliminating waste and maximizing effectiveness regardless of firing range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the propulsion function and explosive effect function into a single integrated system. The rocket motor charge is combined with the active part such that the same charge serves both purposes - propelling the shell during flight and providing explosive effect at the target, thereby eliminating the need for separate propulsion and explosive components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Length of moving object

If the rocket motor propels the shell for a long period to achieve long firing range, then the firing range is improved, but the final velocity and effect at target are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiring rangeVSAvoidfinal velocity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the duration of rocket motor operation based on the required firing range. For long-range targets, the rocket motor operates for an extended period to achieve the necessary range. For short-range targets, the rocket motor operates for a shorter period to maintain high final velocity. This dynamic control allows optimization of both range and effect depending on the specific mission requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the rocket motor is used for both propulsion and effect, then the utilization of rocket motor charge is improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveutilization of rocket motor chargeVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to automatically manage the dual function of the rocket motor charge without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The rocket motor charge inherently serves both propulsion and explosive functions through the integrated design, reducing the need for additional control systems while maximizing utilization of the charge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures 100% utilization of the rocket motor charge for propulsion and effect, adapting firing range and effect to the target by allowing the rocket motor charge to be fully utilized in both phases, thereby enhancing the shell's impact at the target.

Implementation Method 1

a firing charge whereby the shell is fired from a launcher... in which the firing charge is initiated by a first initiating device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

a rocket motor comprising a rocket motor charge... whereby the shell is propelled in a trajectory towards a target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

an active part which takes effect at the target, in which the active part is initiated by a second initiating device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExplosion: Explosion

Data Source

PatentEP2203708B1Method of varying firing range and effect in target for shell and shell configured for this purpose
Publication Date: 2016.09.21 BAE SYSTEM BOFORS AB
  • EP2203708B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2203708B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and a shell (1) for achieving variable firing range and effect when firing from a launcher, which shell (1) contains a firing charge (10), a rocket motor charge (6) with gas outlet (8), a rocket motor nozzle (9) and an active part (5). According to the invention, this is achieved by virtue of the fact that the shell (1) also contains a release mechanism (15) for releasing the rocket motor nozzle (9) from the rocket motor charge (6) after a time delay determined with regard to firing range and effect, and that the rocket motor charge (6) comprises a propellant which is detonable.