Stand-off Armor Module with Claw Elements for RPG Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional armored systems for protecting vehicles and structures from RPG attacks are often heavy due to the use of dense materials, which can be inefficient and impractical for widespread implementation.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight stand-off armor module utilizing carvable polymeric materials with embedded armor elements, featuring a front portion with armor elements seated in carved seats and a rear portion providing a stand-off distance, which can be customized to fit various vehicle shapes, and includes a support construction for maintaining the operative layer at a distance from the body to be protected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional armored plates are used to protect vehicles from RPG attacks, then protection effectiveness is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The armor system is divided into multiple discrete armor elements (such as blocks or tiles) that are individually positioned within the polymeric material matrix. This segmentation allows the protective function to be distributed throughout the volume of the material rather than concentrated in a single heavy plate, reducing overall weight while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material system consisting of a polymeric material matrix (such as rubber or elastomer) embedded with discrete armor elements. This composite structure combines the high impact resistance of the armor elements with the lightweight and energy-absorbing properties of the polymeric matrix, achieving protection against RPG attacks without the excessive weight of conventional solid metal plates.
2Reliability
If armor elements are densely packed to improve protection coverage, then neutralization effectiveness is improved, but material usage and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric material matrix provides localized protection throughout its volume by containing and distributing the impact energy of RPG warheads. The armor elements are strategically positioned within this matrix to create zones of enhanced protection where needed, rather than requiring uniform dense packing throughout the entire structure. This localized approach improves neutralization effectiveness while reducing overall material usage.
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 solution effectively neutralizes RPG warheads by deforming the conical liner and short-circuiting the fuze mechanism, achieving a high percentage of silent neutralizations while maintaining structural integrity and reducing the overall weight and complexity of the armor system.
Implementation Method 1
The polymeric material is configured for providing protection to the body against effects of a warhead of a rocket propelled grenade by deforming upon impact with the warhead
Implementation Method 2
neutralizes the warhead, either by deforming the conical liner, or by short-circuiting the fuzing mechanism of the warhead
Implementation Method 3
an electric trigger, which can be for example a piezoelectric fuze, is mounted at the top of aerodynamic cover and is coupled to the edge of the conductive cone. The warhead further includes a body filled with explosive and a conductor, electrically coupled to conductive cone
Data Source
AI summary
A stand-off armour module for mounting to a body (B) to be protected, said armour module comprising a front portion with armour elements (36) disposed in seats (38) formed in said front portion, said armour elements constituting an operative armour layer, and a rear portion providing a stand-off between the operative layer and the body. The armour element (50) is formed with a base portion (52) and a claw portion (54) oriented perpendicular to the base portion, said claw portion comprising a number of claws (56).