Army 14. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions
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| Manuals TM 4-48.09 and FM 3-55.93 have specific inspection criteria that each helicopter sling load (HSL) component must meet in order to be deemed safe for use. Recent deployments have demonstrated the susceptibility of damage to textile ropes, slings and pendants due to sand penetration in desert environments. During storage, transport and usage, sand has been shown to work its way into the core, strength-bearing fibers of textile slings where the sand can cause microscopic damage to these fibers. This damage leads to reduced strength and safety. The current inspection practices are acceptable for metallic components; however these inspection techniques cannot accurately determine the disposition of the internal fibers of the ropes.
Since the current inspection process for ropes, slings and pendants is subjective, it produces different results with different inspectors. In most cases the equipment is removed from service prior to reaching the minimum breaking strength of the double braided rope. This means that the inspection process is generating a false positive result for unserviceable equipment. In other cases the slings break in flight leading to the loss of payload and possible loss of life. About seven years ago, tests were conducted on HSL sling legs in an effort to correlate rope break strength to the visual inspection. The test results were inconclusive as the breaking strengths did not correlate to the external condition of the sling. A visual inspection can only verify the surface conditions while the primary load bearing element is within the sling and not visible. This SBIR proposes to use methods, such as but not limited to electro textiles, sling barrier coats, and/or low stretch fibers to indicate overload conditions that could alert the inspector to significant strength loss, etc., to allow for non-destructive testing and data gathering during testing. This would transform the current subjective inspection process into something quantifiable, significantly advancing the state of the art. This technology, when developed, could be embedded into the Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction System (SPIES), Fast Rope Insertion/Extraction System (FRIES), Helicopter Sling Load (HSL) equipment and climbing/ rappelling ropes. In the cases where personnel are attached to these ropes, the enhanced inspection techniques would also provide a safety improvement. The most successful proposal will present a technology end state of “go/no-go” for a sling based on the proof load values in Table IV drawing 38850-00009 “Rope Assy. – Sling” (attached) regardless of the type of damage (fiber breakage, UV degradation, chemicals, etc.). This most successful proposal would determine the overall health of the entire sling with reference to the proof load values. While the entire length of the sling must be examined, the areas approximately one inch beneath each eye splice (end of splice taper) are the most likely candidates for damage. The device that will measure/determine the sling health should be portable, use DoD-approved batteries, and have an option for AC and DC power inputs. PHASE I: Develop innovative theoretical approaches to determine and display current break strength of a textile sling or rope without destroying it. Develop an initial concept design and model key elements. Define and develop key component technological milestones. Phase I deliverables include a report detailing theoretical approaches to the research, an initial concept design and modeling key elements, key component technological milestones, a first order prototype design, and a recommended path forward. PHASE II: Design, construct and demonstrate the operation of a prototype that can accurately and non-destructively determine and display the strength of a sling or other textile. Validate accuracy of prototype. Conduct life cycle and environmental testing of prototype. Phase II deliverables include the physical prototype(s) produced, the prototype design (CAD files, technical drawings), and a report detailing Phase II work and a recommended path forward. PHASE III: Refine and improve Phase II prototype design to be more user friendly and size/cost efficient. Manufacture at least one of the refined/improved prototypes. Conduct user evaluations in the field. Write training/operator manual. One specific military application would be to use this prototype for HSL sling inspections prior to a mission. The most likely path for transition to operational capability, in the absence of a formal requirements document, would be for an air assault unit to formally request the ability to non-destructively test/inspect their slings. Potential commercial applications could include helicopter sling load but would most likely center around inspection of crane slings or climbing ropes. PHASE III DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Military and civilians using any kind of textile, especially a sheathed one like a sling, are under the same subjective inspection restrictions. An objective strength inspection without pull testing is not currently possible. Therefore, any product that is produced through this SBIR work would be viable in both military and commercial applications (crane slings and rock climbing rope). REFERENCES: 1. CI-2001 “Fiber Rope Inspection and Retirement Criteria.” The Cordage Institute, 2004. http://www.ropecord.com/cordage/publications/CI2001.pdf.
A14-057 TITLE: Innovative Anti-Fog Technology for Personal Protection Eyewear TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Human Systems OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative anti-fog technology concepts compatible with impact resistant transparent materials and associated coatings that can be applied to optically corrected complex curvature lenses. DESCRIPTION: Fogging of eyewear has been a long standing issue regardless of the eyewear purpose. Protective eyewear is only effective when worn properly; however, if the user cannot see through the protective eyewear due to fogging, the eyewear is most often removed to accomplish the tasks and thus negates the protection. There are many commercial anti-fog coatings available, however the anti-fogging performance is still highly variable and subject to trade-offs with other performance objectives such as compatibility with the lens material, anti-scratch coatings, and resistance to chemicals among the chief concerns. An innovative new approach to prevent fogging is needed. Ideas such as highly durable superhydrophilic surfaces or coatings, oleophobic coatings to aid in self-cleaning and other unique approaches are desired. Concepts should be compatible with the various impact resistant transparent materials in use today, such as polycarbonate and nylon, and the associated anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings used with those materials as determined by tests described in ANSI Standard Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-32432. Permanent and re-applied approaches are considered, however treatment/coatings lasting longer than 6 weeks of continued anti-fog usage would be highly desired. The new concepts must maintain the lens materials ability to meet ANSI Z87.1 standard and military ballistic fragment protection requirements, and ultimately to meet performance tests described in MIL-PRF-32432, and be able to be applied to optically corrected complex curvature lenses. Powered concepts must minimize power consumption, be nearly inaudible (15 dB or less) when worn, self-contained for power, minimize wearer vibration, and maintain compatibility with helmet fit, and not prone to snagging. Powered concepts should have a goal of being able to last a full 72 hour mission without needing a battery change/recharge. Anti-fog effectiveness should be evaluated according to the established international standards, such as ASTM F659 Appendix A, EN 168, and others as acceptable, with an ideal goal of having a change in Haze (ASTM Standard D1003-00) of less than 2%. PHASE I: Identify candidate anti-fog concepts and demonstrate anti-fog effectiveness. Demonstrate the ability to incorporate concept and show compatibility with impact resistant transparent materials in optically corrected complex curvature lens geometry. Identify partnerships with an eyewear manufacturer for guidance on manufacturability. Mitigate risk by identifying and addressing the most challenging technical barriers in order to establish viability of the concept. PHASE II: Refine the anti-fog technology concept to improve anti-fog effectiveness and address ability for high volume manufacturing. For powered concepts, optimize the size/power consumption with a goal of lasting for a 72 hour mission without requiring a battery change/recharge. Minimize sound and vibration to the user. Conduct initial ballistic fragment protection tests and rework design as necessary. Provide at least 50 final version working prototypes for government testing and initial Warfighter acceptance testing. PHASE III: Further develop concept anti-fog technology for a final technology able to be incorporated into manufacturing lines of protective eyewear manufacturers. Conduct full acceptance tests in accordance with MIL-PRF-32432 on an Authorized Protection Eyewear List (APEL) approved product. PHASE III DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The initial use for this technology will be to improve anti-fog performance of military protective eyewear. Additional dual-use applications will naturally cover the commercial protective eyewear markets. Depending upon the applicability of the technology, additional dual-use applications would cover any commercial market needing anti-fog protection for transparent materials such as recreational SCUBA divers, automotive windows, aircraft windows, instrument panel windows, etc. REFERENCES: 1) ASTM F659 Appendix A, ASTM International 2) ANSI Z87.1 3) MIL-PRF-32432 4) Authorized Protective Eyewear List, https://peosoldier.army.mil/equipment/eyewear/ KEYWORDS: anti-fog, protective eyewear, haze, fogging, lens A14-058 TITLE: Novel Power Solutions for Fuzing and Munitions Applications TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO Ammunition The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative and cost effective power source solutions for fuzing and munitions applications that will improve reserve battery technology, improve energy harvesting capabilities and/or enable utilization of active battery technologies. DESCRIPTION: Munitions power sources, traditionally reserve batteries (liquid and thermal), are a critical component of fuzing technologies which require electrical energy for providing mission power to electronic systems. The size and power reduction advancements that have been realized in the supported electronics enable performance functionality traditionally associated with larger munition fuzing (155mm and 105mm Howitzer) to extend to smaller munitions platforms such as medium caliber munitions (e.g 40mm, 30mm, etc.). These largely-consumer-electronics-driven technology advances from circuit integration and smaller die sizes have not progressed proportionally for the DOD-unique reserve batteries that are needed for power, resulting in unique DoD solutions. The complex mechanical design and manufacture of these miniature high power devices are driven by the performance requirements of medium caliber munitions (30mm and 40mm), including a twenty year shelf life, flight times less than a minute, and temperature ranges that include storage at high (165°F) temperatures, an operating temperature range that extends as low as -45°F, and very fast turn-on (rise time) performance which demands the use of highly-reactive electrochemical materials. The power sources must activate reliably at setback levels while providing sufficient drop safety and reliability, and also survive extreme gun launch conditions. Specifically, these power sources should meet the following requirements: 2.9 V minimum, 40 mA, rise times of 10 ms@2 mA and 100 ms @ 40 mA, active life of 20 sec under max load, setback forces up to 100 kg's, spin rates of 1000 rps, size of .255" dia x .275" length. As a result, munitions designers are facing challenging integration problems with no readily available power source. Additionally, the uniqueness of current power sources has created a supply issue and a dwindling industrial base. When successful, this SBIR will provide a more universal power source that meets the above requirements and applies to all current and future electronic fuzing regardless of caliber. The Government is seeking cost effective innovative solutions, including but not limited to improving existing reserve battery technology. Novel power source solutions/architectures would incorporate energy harvesting devices with increased efficiencies. All of these proposed solutions would be subject to meeting the requirements described above. Present power source technical challenges are experienced for the medium caliber munitions allotted volume, but this topic is not limited to this form factor. PHASE I: Investigate concepts and approaches for novel power source solutions that address current technical challenges for fuzing and munitions applications. Deliver an engineering study that identifies the key components or technologies that will be demonstrated in Phase II and technical risks associated (e.g. but not limited to performance, manufacturing, volume, etc). PHASE II: Develop prototype hardware based on Phase 1 findings for solutions to the identified power source technical challenges. The prototype shall at a minimum be demonstrated in a simulated environment (demonstrating compliance to the requirements listed above) and shall be easily verified to show increased performance over legacy technology. Government facilites may be needed to perform verification testing, specifically to simulate gun launch environment. A cost analysis will also be delivered to estimate unit production costs. PHASE III: Assuming success, this power source technology could be used in existing and planned munitions, either as a pre-planned product improvement or insertion into development efforts. The technology will enable a new generation of munitions power sources that are applicable to direct and indirect fire applications, to include medium caliber, tank, mortar, artillery, rocket, missiles, and consumer electronic devices and smart phones. REFERENCES: 1. Technology Trends in Fuze and Munitions Power Sources; 19 May 2010; Oliver Barham http://www.dtic.mil/NDIA/2010armament/WednesdayLandmarkAOliverBarham.pdf
http://www.dtic.mil/NDIA/2008fuze/VBAmabile.pdf KEYWORDS: Fuzing, Munitions, Precision Munitions, Smart Munitions, Novel Power Sources, Battery, Batteries, Energy Harvesting, electronics A14-059 TITLE: Printed Low Voltage Munition Ignition Bridge TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO Ammunition The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. OBJECTIVE: Develop a printed low voltage Ignition Bridge for munition detonators and igniters that can be mass produced on standard/current production equipment. DESCRIPTION: Detonators and Igniters are used in munitions to initiate energetic materials to detonate or burn, resulting in propulsion or explosion. Since printed electronics and energetics is a relatively new technology, current printed igniters are produced in laboratory scale, not maximizing efficiencies of mass production. Additionally, the very small size of printed micro initiators may facilitate the use of additional energetics to enhance performance and lethality and may facilitate the integration of ‘smart fuzing’ electronics within the warhead. Smart fuzing can increase munitions lethality effectiveness significantly. Recent advances in printing techniques demonstrate the capability for low-cost, mass produced ignition bridges. These techniques include, but are not limited to, screen and inkjet printing. This topic encourages new and novel mass fabrication approaches for low cost and variable volume production of ignition bridges with that will accommodate adaptable design changes. Designs should be amiable to inclusion of other manufacturing processes to construct complete detonators. Proposed technologies should investigate the utility of the process for deposition onto or into various flexible and rigid substrates, including but not limited to polymers, paper, circuit boards and ceramics. The ability to change the deposition process and/or equipment is an important design criterion, in this context "flexible" means that the processes and equipment can be used for many different purposes, not just for the prescribed design. This will facilitate lower production costs for smaller production runs because the equipment can be used for multiple products. This topic will result in a mass producible (in the range of 14,000 units per year) material solution that will provide ignition of MEMS based medium caliber fuzing as well as indirect fire cannon artillery post launch propulsion systems, resulting in increased reliability and performance of the fuze and/or post launch propulsion system. PHASE I: Perform an engineering study of current and future electronic printing production techniques that will demonstrate the feasibility of applying mass fabrication techniques to printed bridges in ammunition fuzes and boosters (medium and large caliber). The study shall include a product performance and heat transfer analysis, weight saving analysis, and a manufacturing cost analysis; and will conclude with production of generic design prototypes. Goals for the study are as follows: 1. Demonstrate by analysis that the technology can survive and perform safely and reliability in the high heat (160+ degrees F) and high shock (20,000+ g’s) environment of the ammunition and gun tube. 2. Realize a weight savings of at least 10 percent from the current designs (for example, the current Multi Option Fuze for Artillery (MOFA) weighs 1.85 pounds, application of this technology should reduce the weight to 1.67 pounds) 3. Realize a cost savings of at least 20 percent of the current unit costs (for example, the unit cost of the MOFA is approximately $300, application of this technology should reduce the cost to $240) 4. Demonstrate by analysis and prototype fabrication the feasibility of a pilot production run of 100 units in a 24 hour period
1. Explosives Engineering, Published by John Wiley & Sons Inc, New York, 1996; Cooper, Paul W. 2. The Chemistry of Inkjet Inks, World Scientific, 2010; Magdassi, Schlomo 3. Inkjet Printing of Nanocomposite High-Explosive Materials for Direct Write Fuzing, presentation to the 54th Fuze Conference 13 May 2010; Ihnen, Andrew, Lee, Woo, Fuchs, Brian, Petrock, Anne, Samuels, Phillip, Stepanov, Victor, and Di Stasio, Anthony. 4. MEMS-BASED ARCHITECTURE TO IMPROVE SUBMUNITION FUZE SAFETY AND RELIABILITY, December 2004; Robinson, C. H., Gelak, M. R., Hoang, T. Q., and Wood, R. H. 5. Direct-Write Technologies for Rapid Prototyping Applications, Academic Press. 2002; Pique, Alberto and Chrisey, Doulas B. KEYWORDS: Detonators, Mass Fabrication, Polymers, Low Voltage, Printing, manufacturing cost, printed electronics, Manufacturing Engineering, manufacturing processes, process improvement, fuze, fuzing, MEMS A14-060 TITLE: OH-58F Flight Control Authority and Architecture Investigation TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO Aviation The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. OBJECTIVE: Investigate and determine the optimal control law architecture and required amount of Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) partial authority needed to achieve ADS-33E-PRF Level 1 in the Degraded Visual Environment/Usable Cue Environment-2 (DVE/UCE-2) handling quality ratings with flight control augmentation on the OH-58F platform. DESCRIPTION: The cornerstone of a good degraded visual environment strategy and fixed design requirement per ADS-33E-PRF, is a Attitude Command Attitude Hold - Height Hold (ACAH-HH) augmentation mode to reduce the inner-loop workload of DVE pilotage. Traditionally, full authority systems have been employed to achieve DVE augmentation, but it has been proven that partial authority systems can also meet this requirement which saves on system weight and cost due to the removal of redundancy requirements. The key to implementing partial authority augmentation for DVE is to ensure target Handling Quality Ratings (HQRs) can be achieved while still meeting the emergency hard over recovery requirement. The intent of this effort is to determine the feasibility and limitations of a partial authority system as a DVE solution on the OH-58, predict and measure the actual authority amount required to meet Level 1 HQRs in the DVE/UCE-2, and derive a technical architecture model to be employed in a potential follow on program of record. |