Vehicle Shield Hard Points for RPG Dud
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current countermeasures for Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) are ineffective, expensive, complex, and unreliable, and existing armor systems are heavy, difficult to install, and do not prevent detonation, posing a persistent threat to military vehicles and structures.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, easy-to-install vehicle and structure shield featuring a net with spaced hard points designed to dig into the RPG nose cone, preventing detonation by using a flexible net with intersecting lines and nodes, where the hard points are pivotally secured to the net, allowing the system to be easily adapted to various platforms and reducing the vehicle's signature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static armor is added to vehicles, then protection against RPGs is improved, but weight increases and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The armor system is divided into modular panels that can be selectively installed on different vehicle zones. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized mounting hardware, allowing incremental protection without requiring complete vehicle armoring. This segmentation enables commanders to optimize protection levels based on specific mission requirements and threat assessments.
Solution Approach 2:
The armor system incorporates movable and adjustable components including removable panels, adjustable mounting positions, and flexible installation configurations. This dynamic design allows the armor to be adapted to different vehicle types and mission profiles, enabling rapid reconfiguration without permanent modifications to the vehicle structure.
2Reliability
If bar/slat armor is installed, then RPG detonation is prevented, but vehicle portability and air transportability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The armor system uses divided, panel-based construction rather than continuous bar/slat structures. This segmentation reduces overall weight while maintaining detonation prevention capability through strategic placement of hard points and energy-dissipating features at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs controlled variations in material density and structural configuration - using lighter materials where full protection is not critical and concentrating heavier protective elements at key vulnerability points. This parameter optimization maintains RPG countermeasure effectiveness while reducing total weight for air transport compatibility.
3Weight of moving object
If chain link fence shields are added, then weight is reduced compared to bar/slat armor, but RPG detonation prevention capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines lightweight netting or fencing materials with strategically positioned hard points made of denser, more protective materials. This composite approach creates a hybrid structure that maintains low overall weight while incorporating localized high-protection zones capable of preventing RPG detonation through controlled energy disruption.
4Reliability
If heavy armor is installed, then RPG protection is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the armor into modular panels that can be selectively installed, the system allows vehicles to carry only the protection level necessary for specific missions. This reduces unnecessary weight and associated fuel consumption while maintaining adequate protection through strategic placement of armor panels on high-value targets and vulnerable zones.
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 system effectively duds RPGs with an effectiveness of 60-70%, outperforming traditional chain link fencing and slat/bar armor in terms of weight, cost, and ease of installation, while maintaining a low vehicle signature and preventing occupant injury or death.
Implementation Method 1
the hard points are designed to dig into the nose cone of an RPG and dud it
Implementation Method 2
destroy and interrupt the electrical energy produced by the piezoelectric crystal in the firing head of the RPG
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A protection system includes a net made of flexible, low breaking strength intersecting lines connected at nodes. A frame supports the net and spaces the net from a vehicle and/or structure. Hard points are disposed at least at select net nodes and feature a multi-sided body with a cavity therein behind a front face thereof. The body includes a lip extending into the cavity. A protrusion extends outwardly from the front face. A tapered plug is received in the cavity and includes a ledge engaged by the lip locking the plug and a net node in the cavity and securing the hard point to the net node in a pivotable fashion.