SMP Venting Mechanism for Munition Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current munition containers and venting systems face challenges in maintaining bullet/fragment impact resistance while effectively venting during thermal events, and existing solutions lack durability and ease of use, often requiring multiple components and complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Integration of shape memory polymer (SMP) based, thermally activated fasteners into venting systems that allow containers to vent to atmospheric conditions upon reaching a critical temperature, maintaining impact resistance and enabling reusable and passive/active venting capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermally-activated panel venting using thermoplastic materials is used, then venting effectiveness during thermal events is improved, but bullet/fragment impact resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the container closure. The closure includes a body portion and a closure portion with different glass transition temperatures, creating local quality variations. The body portion maintains higher impact resistance while the closure portion provides thermal venting, resolving the contradiction between overall strength and localized venting effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction with multiple portions having different thermal and mechanical properties. The closure system integrates materials with different glass transition temperatures to achieve both impact resistance and thermal venting functions simultaneously, rather than using a single material that would compromise one property for the other.
2Reliability
If multiple components and complex mechanisms are used in venting systems, then venting functionality is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the venting mechanism directly into the closure structure itself, eliminating the need for separate venting components. The closure portion's material properties enable it to automatically respond to thermal conditions, integrating multiple functions into a single component and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is designed to automatically respond to thermal conditions without external control mechanisms. The material's glass transition properties enable self-actuated venting based on temperature conditions, eliminating the need for complex control systems, sensors, or external actuation mechanisms.
3Reliability
If conventional venting mechanisms are used, then venting capability is achieved, but durability and reusability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in material parameters (glass transition temperature) to enable reversible venting behavior. The closure material transitions between rigid and flexible states based on temperature, allowing it to maintain sealing under normal conditions and vent during thermal events, then return to sealed position, enabling multiple use cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system incorporates dynamic material properties that change with temperature conditions. The glass transition behavior allows the material to dynamically adjust its mechanical properties, transitioning from a sealed state at lower temperatures to a venting state at elevated temperatures, and back again, enabling reusability across multiple thermal cycles.
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 SMP-based venting system enhances munition safety by ensuring effective venting without compromising impact resistance, providing a durable and reusable solution for various containers, including munitions and building structures, and can be tailored for specific applications and stimuli.
Implementation Method 1
The vent cover panel is attached with SMP or SMP composite fasteners that release upon a thermal stimulus
Implementation Method 2
The SMP or SMP composite fasteners are activated by any number of various mechanisms which will depend on the type of SMP used. Such activation means include, but are not limited to heat
Data Source
AI summary
The presently disclosed device provides a method and means for ensuring that containers of all types and sizes are vented or purged to atmospheric or environmental conditions upon the interior or exterior of the container reaching a critical temperature pressure, or humidity. Specifically, the presently disclosed invention integrates shape memory polymer (SMP) based, thermally activated fasteners into the venting systems. The result is a venting system that increases munitions safety without compromising the venting effectiveness, structural integrity, or the required bullet/fragment impact resistance requirements of the system.