Dynamic Shockwave Attenuation via Projectile-Deployed Medium
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shockwave attenuation devices require pre-deployment and are not capable of providing complete protection, as they are structural and cannot be dynamically interposed between an explosion source and a defended object, limiting their effectiveness in attenuating shockwave energy across entire vehicles or persons.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a sensor to detect shockwave-producing events and launch a projectile to create a second medium between the shockwave and the defended object, allowing for dynamic interposition and attenuation of shockwave energy through reflection, absorption, refraction, or momentum exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-deployed structural attenuation devices are used, then shockwave energy can be reduced, but the devices cannot be dynamically interposed and cannot provide complete protection of entire vehicles or persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static pre-deployed attenuating panels to a dynamic system that launches attenuating material only when a shockwave event is detected. The launcher system activates on-demand, propelling attenuating material to the precise location where protection is needed, enabling the system to adapt to various threat scenarios and protect different areas of a vehicle or person dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a launcher system that delivers attenuating material as a mobile intermediate barrier between the shockwave source and the protected target. This intermediary material can be dynamically positioned to intercept shockwaves, providing flexible protection that can cover entire vehicles or persons rather than fixed localized areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If attenuating panels are used, then shockwave energy is reduced, but the panels are bulky and heavy, negatively impacting vehicle performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the attenuating material from large, heavy pre-deployed panels and delivers it only when needed through a launcher system. Instead of having bulky attenuating panels permanently mounted on the vehicle, the system stores compact attenuating material and propels it to the required location only during shockwave events, significantly reducing the vehicle's weight and improving performance while maintaining protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable or consumable attenuating material that is launched only when needed to intercept shockwaves. Rather than using permanent, heavy protective structures, the system uses temporary attenuating barriers that are deployed on-demand and can be replaced or replenished, reducing the overall weight and improving vehicle performance while providing effective shockwave protection.
3Reliability
If pre-positioned attenuating material is used, then some shockwave protection is provided, but the material must be fixed in place before the shockwave is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the launcher system and storing attenuating material in readiness, but delaying the actual deployment until a shockwave event is detected. The sensor system monitors for threats and triggers the launcher only when needed, combining advance preparation with on-demand response to provide both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a sensor system that detects shockwave-producing events and provides information to the launcher control system. This feedback loop enables the system to respond dynamically to actual threats, adjusting its protective action based on real-time detection of shockwave events rather than relying on pre-positioned static barriers.
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 effective dynamic attenuation of shockwave energy, providing comprehensive protection to defended objects by intercepting and reducing the intensity of shockwaves before they reach the protected area, improving safety and adaptability compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor senses electromagnetic indicia associated with the event and produces an output signal
Implementation Method 2
The projectile is detonated to create the second medium, thereby causing the shockwave to be attenuated in intensity
Implementation Method 3
Shockwaves are traveling discontinuities in pressure, temperature, density, and other physical qualities through a medium
Implementation Method 4
This attenuating material typically may be designed or selected to absorb the energy from the shockwave by utilizing a porous material that distorts as the energy of the shockwave that is absorbed
Implementation Method 5
attenuation of shockwave energy through reflection, absorption, refraction, or momentum exchange
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for attenuating a shockwave propagating through a first medium. The method may include the steps of detecting a shockwave-producing event, determining a direction and distance of the shockwave relative to a defended target, and interposing a second medium between the shockwave and a defended object. The second medium is different from the first medium and the shockwave is attenuated in energy as it passes through the second medium prior to reaching the defended object.