Switchable Cylindrical Explosive Charge for Target Versatility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ammunition technologies fail to effectively target both point and area targets while minimizing collateral damage, requiring a multifunctional active system that can selectively switch between different types of action in axial and radial directions.

Innovation Solution

A switchable cylindrical active charge with a tubular and disk-shaped holder for pellets, featuring multiple ignition devices along the main axis and in the center of the disk-shaped part, allowing for adaptable effect development and direction by adjusting the ignition device locations and using a damping layer to control detonation propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-type holder (disk-shaped or tubular) is used for pellets, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to target different types (point and area targets) is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to target typesVSAvoidholder structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both disk-shaped and tubular holders into a single integrated holder structure. The disk-shaped holder component provides radial fragmentation capability for area targets, while the tubular holder component provides axial fragmentation capability for point targets. This merging allows the single holder to deliver multiple types of effects without requiring separate holder structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated holder is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate radial fragments for area targets, axial fragments for point targets, and control fragmentation patterns through selective ignition. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized holders for different target types.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ignition devices are arranged at different positions, then the switchability between different effects is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitchability between effectsVSAvoidignition device arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ignition system is segmented into multiple independent ignition devices positioned at different locations (first ignition device in the tubular holder, second ignition device in the disk-shaped holder, and third ignition device in the center). Each ignition device can be activated independently to produce different fragmentation patterns, allowing selective switching between effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ignition device positions are made adjustable along the main axis through recesses and sliding mechanisms. This dynamic positioning capability allows the ignition devices to be moved to optimal locations for different target types and engagement scenarios, enhancing switchability without permanent complex wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the holder components are fixed at specific distances, then the fragmentation control is precise, but the adaptability to different engagement ranges is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to engagement rangesVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder components are designed with adjustable positioning capabilities. The tubular and disk-shaped holder components can be moved relative to each other along the main axis, and ignition devices can be slid within recesses to different positions. This dynamic adjustment allows optimization for different engagement ranges while maintaining precise fragmentation control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tubular holder component is nested within or adjacent to the disk-shaped holder component, with both components sharing the same central axis. This nested arrangement allows compact integration while maintaining the ability to adjust relative positions for different engagement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 flexible fragmentation patterns in both axial and radial directions, allowing for controlled splinter formation and EFP projectile generation, enhancing targeting versatility and minimizing collateral damage.

Implementation Method 1

a damping layer is arranged at the end of the recess facing the insert. As a result, the propagation of the detonation front, which originates from the ignition device ignited in the recess, is delayed before it arrives at the ignition device located in the disc-shaped part of the holder and the amplitude is reduced.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

at least two ignition devices for an explosive charge with a shaped

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Implementation Method 3

at least two ignition devices for an explosive charge with a shaped

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShaped charge: Shaped Charge

Data Source

PatentEP2154470B1Switchable cylindrical explosive charge
Publication Date: 2012.01.04 TDW GES FR VERTEIDIGUNGSTECHN WIRKSYST MBH
  • EP2154470B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2154470B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2154470B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The charge (1) has a set of pellets (4a, 4b) tubularly arranged in a form of a disk and provided with a holder, where a tubular part (2) and a disk-shaped part (3) of the holder are interconnected. A perpendicular part (3) is arranged in a pre-determined distance from an insert (5), and the tubular part is arranged on the insert relative to a lying side of the disk-shaped part. A set of ignition mechanisms (ZK1, ZK2) is arranged along a main axis (6) of the charge at different areas (7a, 7c) depending upon intended effect within the tubular part or at the perpendicular part of the holder.