Underwater Ordnance Defusing Device with Detonator Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for defusing underwater duds with multiple detonators are inefficient and pose operational risks due to the complexity of complete dismantling and handling of explosives, especially considering corrosion and environmental constraints.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a closed and drainable underwater housing with localization means, cutting tools (like band saws or high-pressure water jets), and a gripper to safely remove and separate detonators from the dud, followed by storage in a protected compartment for later disposal, minimizing mechanical stress and reducing the number of moving parts for enhanced safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complete dismantling of unexploded ordnance is performed underwater using high-pressure water jet devices, then the ordnance can be defused, but the process becomes time-consuming and increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the defusing process into two distinct phases: (1) underwater phase where only the detonator is removed and separated from the main charge, and (2) surface phase where complete dismantling and disposal occur. This segmentation allows the time-consuming complete dismantling to be performed in a controlled surface environment rather than underwater, thereby reducing underwater operation time while maintaining defusing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detonator from the unexploded ordnance underwater and removes it from the housing before surfacing. By taking out only the critical detonator component rather than the entire ordnance, the method reduces the amount of material that needs to be handled and processed underwater, thus reducing operation time while ensuring safe defusing.
2Reliability
If complete dismantling and separation of explosives is performed underwater, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to more moving parts and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the disposal process between underwater and surface environments. Underwater, the device performs only the essential detonator removal and separation functions. The complex complete dismantling and explosive separation operations are segmented out to the surface environment, reducing the number of moving parts and processing steps that must operate underwater, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex processing functions from the underwater operation. By taking out the detonator and separating it from the main charge underwater, the method removes the most critical safety function from the complex dismantling process, allowing simpler device architecture underwater while maintaining high operational safety through the separation of hazardous components.
3Reliability
If detonators are handled and processed separately from the main charge, then safety is improved, but the number of processing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing timeline into two phases: underwater phase for detonator removal and separation, and surface phase for complete dismantling and disposal. This temporal segmentation allows safety-critical detonator separation to be performed efficiently underwater without requiring additional complex processing steps, as the remaining main charge can be disposed of more simply at the surface after detonator removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detonator from the main charge underwater, performing the critical safety function of separation in a single efficient operation. By taking out the detonator early in the process, the method reduces the number of subsequent processing steps required, as the remaining main charge can be handled and disposed of more simply without the risk of detonator contamination.
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
This approach allows for quicker and safer defusing of duds by isolating detonators, reducing the risk of accidents and enabling faster device reuse, while the protected compartment design mitigates explosion risks and simplifies the process, enhancing operational reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
cutting means, and a gripper for removing and separating the at least one detonator from the remaining dud. Known camera and/or sensor systems are used as localization means, and a band saw or a high-pressure water jet cutting system, for example, together with a commercially available gripper are used as cutting means.
Implementation Method 2
a method and a corresponding device with a housing that can be closed and drained underwater
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for deactivating unexploded ordnance located under water having at least one fuse. In order to improve a known method and the efficiency of a corresponding apparatus, it is proposed that an apparatus (1) comprises a housing (2) which can be closed under water and from which water can be removed, a holder (4) for receiving the unexploded ordnance (5), which holder is fixed in position in the housing (2), locating means for precisely determining the location of the fuse (8) of the unexploded ordnance (5), a manipulator (10) having cutting means, and a gripper for removing and isolating the cut-free fuse (8) from the rest of the unexploded ordnance (5').