AUTO-RESET BELLY FOR A MILITARY VEHICLE

Abstract

An auto-reset belly for a military vehicle capable of controlled deformation upon receiving a explosive force and automatic reformation upon dissipation of the force is disclosed. The device includes a top panel, first and second side panels, and first and second lower panels, all sequentially connected to form a hexagonal barrier. Along the connected panel edges in some embodiments, the panels are crenellated, interlocking to form hinged joints which are held together by a plurality of hinge rods. The hexagonal configuration has an initial apex and defines an interior volume with a biasing support within the interior volume. In some embodiments, the initial apex is adjustable and the biasing support automatically returns the hexagonal configuration to the initial apex.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present device relates to V-shaped underbelly armor for military vehicles. Specifically, the device relates to deformable V-shaped underbelly armor for military vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Tactical armored patrol vehicles, and in particular military support vehicles, are usually designed so as to protect passengers located within a vehicle cabin from threats. Such threats are not only from above or the sides of the vehicle, but also from below in the form of explosive devices. In places like Iraq and Afghanistan, mines and explosive devices are commonly placed on roadways, buried under dirt, gravel, or sand, in vehicular wheel pathways, such that when a vehicle crosses over them, they detonate. The detonations can cause catastrophic damage to the underbelly of the vehicle, thereby endangering passengers within the cabin. To protect against such threats, the underbelly of the vehicle is typically reinforced with, e.g., steel plates, reinforcing ribs, a V-shaped underbelly or a combination of these features.

The use of a V-shaped underbelly is intended to reduce deformation of the belly of the vehicle as a result of an explosion beneath the vehicle. The V-shape underbelly concept is a successful design which first deflects a portion of the explosive energy away from the vehicle and second, structurally absorbs the explosive energy through the permanent deformation of the underbelly inward toward the floor of the passenger cabin. However effective this design has been, there are still circumstances in which the vehicle is rendered disabled by the explosion. Accordingly, the increased survivability of the passengers from the explosion is potentially negated by the inability of the vehicle and its passengers to escape the zone of attack.

The present device is intended to provide that extra measure of protection where the prior art devices have failed. The present device not only protects the passengers within the vehicle, but also allows the vehicle to remain mobile for escape from the zone of attack. Further, if in the act of such an escape the vehicle should encounter additional explosive devices, the present device continues to deflect and absorb the explosive force of each detonation so that the passengers may be delivered to safety.

SUMMARY

There is disclosed herein an improved system and method for an automatic reset underbelly for a military vehicle which avoids the disadvantages of prior systems while affording additional structural and operating advantages.

Generally speaking, an auto-reset underbelly for a military vehicle is disclosed which comprises a top panel, first and second side panels, and first and second lower panels, all sequentially connected to form a hexagonal barrier. Along the connected panel edges, the panels are crenellated, interlocking to form hinged joints which are held together by a plurality of hinge rods. The hexagonal configuration has an initial apex and defines an interior volume with a biasing support within the interior volume. In some embodiments, the initial apex is adjustable and the biasing support automatically returns the hexagonal configuration to the initial apex.

In various embodiments of the present device, the biasing support comprises one of either at least one piston attached to the third and fourth hinged joints, at least one piston attached to the first and second side panels, at least one piston attached to the top panel and the fifth hinged joint, or at least one pair of pistons with an end of each attached to the fifth hinged joint and another end of one of each piston attached to the first and second hinged joints. The pistons are one of either push cylinders, pull cylinders, or a combination of the two.

In other embodiments of the device, reinforcement in the form metal structures are used on the first lower panel and on the second lower panel, and/or attached to the top panel. In some embodiments, the panels, hinge rods, and the reinforcements are comprised of high-strength ballistic steel. To minimize overall weight, the reinforcements on the first and second lower panels may have holes therein.

A method for protecting a personnel cabin and/or the propulsion system of a military vehicle is also disclosed. In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of attaching a deformable device to the belly of the vehicle, wherein the device comprises a plurality of panels defining an interior space, generally as described above. The device is located, in some embodiments, parallel or transverse to the vehicle frame and directly below the personnel cabin. Alternatively, the device may enclose the propulsion system of the vehicle, or parts thereof.

When an explosive device is encountered and detonated by the vehicle, the device deforms by operation of the hinged joints to absorb the force of the explosion. Further, the V-shaped surface of the device deflects a portion of the force as well. Through operation of the biasing support, the panels are automatically returned to the original hexagonal configuration after the explosion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a five-plate underbelly made in accordance with an embodiment described herein;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternate embodiment described herein;

FIG. 4 is a side view of another alternate embodiment described herein; and

FIG. 5 is a side view of still another alternate embodiment described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, there are illustrated several embodiments of a five panel underbelly device, generally designated by the numeral 10, as well as the various steps or components thereof. The method and device 10 are designed for use in combination with a military vehicle, particularly a vehicle which is used in war-zones for transporting personnel or cargo. However, other military vehicles may also be retro-fitted with embodiments of the present device to protect both military personnel as well as components of the propulsion system (e.g., drive axles, engine, etc.). The V-shaped configuration of the lower surfaces of the device 10 provide a deflective feature used in prior art underbelly devices.

Generally speaking, the device 10 includes a plurality of panels 12 hinged together and affixed to the belly or cabin floor 14 of a military vehicle (not shown). The panels 12 are connected along crenellated sides 16, 17 by hinge pins 18 and are configured to define an interior space 20 which houses a biasing member 22 attached to a hinged joint 26, a panel 12, or a combination of the two. The combination of hinged joints 26 and an internal biasing member 22 provides articulated deformation and automatic reset of the device 10.

FIG. 1 is an embodiment having five panels, top panel 12A, first side panel 12B, second side panel 12C, first lower panel 12D, and second lower panel 12E. Each panel has first and second crenellated edges 16, 17, respectively, which interlock to form hinges between adjacent panels and are held together by hinge pin 18. The five-panel device 10 forms a hexagonal configuration with an interior space 20. Two biasing members, which in the present embodiment are pull-cylinders 23, mount within the space 20. The pull-cylinders 23 may be powered pneumatically, hydraulically, or by coil-springs or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the top panel 12A of the device 10 is positioned adjacent and mounted to a cabin floor 14 of the vehicle (not shown). The floor section for attachment of the device 10 may be below a personnel cabin, a cargo area, an engine compartment, or components of a propulsion system, including the fuel tank. The attachment (not shown) may be accomplished in any known manner, such as bolting, welding, clamping or the like. Connecting in an interlocked manner to the first crenellated side 16A of the top panel 12A is the first side panel 12B via a first crenellated side 16B. The connection forms a first hinged joint 26A including hinge pin 18A. Likewise, a first crenellated side 16C of the second side panel 12C is connected in an interlocked manner with the second crenellated side 17A of the top panel 12A. The connection forms a second hinged joint 26B, including hinge pin 18B. The second crenellated side 17B of the first side panel 12B is connected in an interlocked manner with the first crenellated side 16D of the first lower panel 12D. Likewise, the second crenellated side 17C of the second side panel 12C is connected in an interlocked manner with the first crenellated side 16E of the second lower panel 12E. These two connections form a third hinged joint 26C and a fourth hinged joint 26D, respectively, including hinge pins 18C and 18D. Finally, the second crenellated side 17D of the first lower panel 12D is connected in an interlocked manner with the second crenellated side 17E of the second lower panel 12E to form a fifth hinged joint 26E and complete the hexagonal configuration of the device 10.

The multiple-paneled device 10 defines an interior space 20 the entirety of which may be deformed by operation of the hinged joints 26 in response to an exterior force. An example deformation is illustrated by the broken-lined device 10 of FIG. 2. A biasing member, such as pull-cylinder 23, is positioned within the interior space 20 of the device 10 to effect the automatic return of the device configuration. In the present embodiment, the pull-cylinder 23 is attached by one end to the third hinged joint 26C and by another end to the fourth hinged joint 26D. The biasing member acts as a damper as well, controlling through resistance the maximum upward articulation 30—i.e., degree of deformation—of the device 10.

Each hinged joint includes a plurality of grease fittings 28 to facilitate keeping the joints well-lubricated and properly reactive.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate alternative embodiments of the device 10. In each of these embodiments, a vehicle drive shaft 32 is housed within the interior space 20 of a longitudinally-mounted device 10. Vehicle axels (not shown) may also be housed in the interior space of a transversely-mounted device 10. Such internally mounted devices are protected from the destructive forces of explosive devices. Each of FIGS. 3-5 also includes a configuration in broken lines which illustrates the approximate maximum articulation 30—i.e., deformation—of the device 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment having structural reinforcement 34 on the top panel 12A and both first and second lower panels, 12B and 12C, respectively. The top panel reinforcement 34A comprises lightening holes 36 which help reduce the weight of the reinforcement 34A without significantly reducing the structural integrity. The lower panel reinforcements, 34D and 34E, are hollow and asymmetrical, as shown. These dynamic-shaped structures significantly increase the strength of the device 10 and provide improved energy dissipation capacity.

FIG. 5 illustrates another alternate embodiment having where the biasing members are pneumatic, hydraulic or spring-loaded push-cylinders 24. The push-cylinders 24 alternate along the length of the device, attaching one end to the fifth hinged joint 26E and the other end alternately to the first hinged joint 26A and the second hinged joint 26B.

Each of the disclosed embodiments comprises a five panel device. However, with the desire to provide a V-shaped lower surface, other configurations using more or less than five panels are possible. Further, the hinged joints of the present device are the product of interlocked crenellated sides and a securing hinge pin. Again, alternative designs are possible to produce similar articulated joints which respond properly to the exterior force of an explosion.

List of Elements

• Underbelly device 10
• Panels 12

Top panel 12A

First side panel 12B

Second side panel 12C

First lower panel 12D

Second lower panel 12E

• Belly (cabin floor) 14
• First crenellated side 16

Top panel first side 16A

First side panel first side 16B

Second side panel first side 16C

First lower panel first site 16D

Second lower panel first side 16E

• Second crenellated side 17

Top panel second side 17A

First side panel second side 17B

Second side panel second side 17C

First lower panel second site 17D

Second lower panel second side 17E

• Hinge pins 18A-18E
• Interior space 20
• Biasing member 22

pull cylinder 23

push cylinder 24

• Hinged joint 26A-26E
• Grease fittings 28
• Maximum articulation 30
• Vehicle shaft 32
• Structured reinforcement 34

on Top panel 34A

on First lower panel 34D

on Second lower panel 34E

• Structure holes 36

Claims

1. An auto-reset underbelly for a military vehicle comprising: a top panel having first and second crenellated sides;a first side panel having first and second crenellated sides and attached via the first crenellated side interlocked to the first crenellated side of the top panel to form a first hinged joint;a second side panel having first and second crenellated sides and attached via the first crenellated side interlocked to the second crenellated side of the top panel to form a second hinged joint;a first lower panel having first and second crenellated sides and attached via the first crenellated side interlocked to the second crenellated side of the first side panel to form a third hinged joint;a second lower panel having first and second crenellated sides and attached via the first crenellated side interlocked to the second crenellated side of the second side panel to form a fourth hinged joint and attached via the second crenellated side interlocked to the second crenellated side of the first lower panel to form a fifth hinged joint;a plurality of hinge rods, with at least one hinge rod passing through interlocked crenellations of adjacent connected panels forming a hexagonal configuration having an initial apex and defining an interior volume; anda biasing support within the interior volume;wherein, the initial apex is adjustable and the biasing support automatically returns the hexagonal configuration to the initial apex.

2. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1, wherein the biasing support comprises at least one piston attached to the third and fourth hinged joints.

3. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1, wherein the biasing support comprises at least one piston attached to the first and second side panels.

4. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1, wherein the biasing support comprises at least one piston attached to the top panel and the fifth hinged joint.

5. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1, wherein the biasing support comprises at least one pair of pistons with an end of each attached to the fifth hinged joint and another end of one of each piston attached to the first and second hinged joints.

6. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcement on the first lower panel and a reinforcement on the second lower panel.

7. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 2, wherein the at least one piston is a pull cylinder.

8. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 3, wherein the at least one piston is a pull cylinder.

9. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 4, wherein the at least one piston is a push cylinder.

10. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 5, wherein the at least one pair of pistons are push cylinders.

11. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1, wherein the biasing support comprises one of either a push cylinder or a pull cylinder.

12. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1, further comprising reinforcement attached to the top panel.

13. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1, wherein the five panels are comprised of high-strength ballistic steel.

14. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1, wherein the hinge rods are comprised of high-strength ballistic steel.

15. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 6, wherein the reinforcements on the first and second lower panels are solid.

16. An auto-reset underbelly armor system comprising: a plurality of solid panels connected to one another to enclose a volume;a plurality of articulated joints, each joint being positioned between two adjacent panels;a biasing member positioned within the enclosed volume of the solid panels and attached to at least one of either one of the panels, one of the joints, or a combination of a panel and a joint.

17. The auto-reset underbelly armor system of claim 16, wherein the number of panels is in the range of three to nine.

18. The auto-reset underbelly armor system of claim 16, wherein the number of articulated joints is equal to the number of panels.

19. The auto-reset underbelly armor system of claim 17, wherein the number of articulated joints is equal to the number of panels.

20. The auto-reset underbelly armor system of claim 16, wherein the biasing member comprises at least one of either a push-cylinder and a pull-cylinder.

21. The auto-reset underbelly armor system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of articulated joints comprises interlocking edges on adjacent panels.

22. The auto-reset underbelly armor system of claim 21, wherein the interlocking edges on adjacent panels are crenellated.

23. The auto-reset underbelly armor system of claim 22, wherein the articulated joints further comprise hinge pins passing through the interlocking edges.

24. An underbelly armor system for attachment to a military vehicle having a cabin floor and a propulsion system, the armor system comprising: a top panel having first and second crenellated sides and attached to the cabin floor of the military vehicle;a first side panel having first and second crenellated sides and attached via the first crenellated side interlocked to the first crenellated side of the top panel to form a first hinged joint;a second side panel having first and second crenellated sides and attached via the first crenellated side interlocked to the second crenellated side of the top panel to form a second hinged joint;a first lower panel having first and second crenellated sides and attached via the first crenellated side interlocked to the second crenellated side of the first side panel to form a third hinged joint;a second lower panel having first and second crenellated sides and attached via the first crenellated side interlocked to the second crenellated side of the second side panel to form a fourth hinged joint and attached via the second crenellated side interlocked to the second crenellated side of the first lower panel to form a fifth hinged joint;a plurality of hinge rods, with at least one hinge rod passing through interlocked crenellations of adjacent connected panels forming a hexagonal configuration having an initial apex and defining an interior volume; anda biasing support within the interior volume;wherein, the initial apex is adjustable and the biasing support automatically returns the hexagonal configuration to the initial apex.

25. The armor system of claim 24, wherein at least a portion of the propulsion system is enclosed within the interior volume.

26. The armor system of claim 24, wherein a length of the apex is parallel to an axel of the military vehicle.

27. The armor system of claim 24, wherein a length of the apex is transverse to an axel of the military vehicle.