Sliding Armor Modules for Field Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shielding elements for structures, such as military vehicles, are difficult to maintain and replace in the field due to fixed and glued damping elements, making it complicated to replace degraded shielding modules without dismantling the entire system.

Innovation Solution

A shielding element with slidably mounted modules on integral rails within a casing, allowing for individual removal and replacement through a front opening, utilizing tongues and screws for secure positioning and a removable cover for easy access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If damping elements are fixed and glued to shielding modules, then structural stability is improved, but ease of replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding system is divided into modular shielding modules that can be independently replaced. Each module is separated by damping elements that are not permanently fixed, allowing individual module removal and replacement without affecting other modules or requiring complete system disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The damping elements transition from being permanently fixed (static) to being removable and repositionable (dynamic). This allows the system to adapt between providing stable structural support during operation and enabling easy maintenance through simple removal and reinstallation of modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If shielding modules are fixed in place, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding assembly is segmented into discrete modules that can be independently handled. This segmentation allows modules to be securely fixed for reliable operation while enabling individual module replacement without manipulating the entire shielding system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rails and positioning features are pre-configured in the casing to guide module installation and ensure proper positioning. This preliminary preparation allows modules to be quickly and easily installed by simple sliding motions without requiring complex alignment procedures during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If damping elements are glued to shielding modules, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping elements are designed as separate components positioned between modules rather than being permanently bonded to them. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure by eliminating glue joints while maintaining the damping function through the modular arrangement of elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2330376B1Armour element for a structure such as a vehicle
Publication Date: 2015.03.18 NEXTER MUNITIONS SA
  • EP2330376B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2330376B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an armor element (1) for a structure (8) comprising a housing (2) integral with the structure (8) and containing at least two passive or reactive armor modules (6) separated by a layer of damping material (7). The housing comprises two fixed side walls (2a, 2b) parallel to each other and integral with a bottom wall (3) intended to be positioned on the structure (8). This armor element (1) is characterized in that the armor modules (6) are mounted to slide on rails (11) integral with the side walls (2a, 2b) of the housing. The invention can be applied to the protection of military vehicles.