Versatile low-yield device

Abstract

A versatile low-yield device may include a nose, a body and a tail connected to the body. The body housing a low-yield payload and a triggering mechanism attached to the nose, such that impact on the nose causes detonation of the low-yield payload. The low-yield device may be used in training exercises for infantry and other vehicle-mounted personnel in relation to bombs dropped by drones in battlefields and other operational theatres.

Description

Versatile Low-Yield DeviceFIELD

[0001] The present specification relates generally to controlled explosive devices and more particularly relates to a versatile low-yield device.BACKGROUND

[0002] In the realm of military and law enforcement training, simulations often fall short in accurately replicating the complex and unpredictable conditions found in real-world operational environments. This gap presents challenges in preparing personnel for the diverse scenarios they might encounter, impacting the efficacy of their training. Furthermore, conducting realistic training exercises in a manner that considers the safety of participants and observers remains a persistent challenge. Additionally, the need to balance the realism of these exercises with environmental considerations and regulatory compliance adds complexity to the training process.SUMMARY

[0003] An aspect of the specification provides a low yield device including: a nose; a body connected to the nose; a tail connected to the body; the body housing a low-yield payload; and, a triggering mechanism connected to the payload, for detonating the low-yield payload.

[0004] An aspect of the specification provides a device wherein the triggering mechanism is a plunger connected to the nose; the plunger having an extended position for transit and storage of the device, and a compressed position driving the plunger into the body for detonating the payload.

[0005] An aspect of the specification provides a device further including a safety mechanism for securing the plunger in the extended position and for removal for arming the device.

[0006] An aspect of the specification provides a device wherein the body is made of cardboard.

[0007] An aspect of the specification provides a device wherein at least one of the nose and the tail is made from a low-density polyurethane foam.

[0008] An aspect of the specification provides a device wherein the charge of the payload is between about 0.3 grams to about 0.5 grams.

[0009] An aspect of the specification provides a device wherein the payload is a sound emitting charge that activates on triggering.

[0010] An aspect of the specification provides a device wherein the payload is a whistle that activates on triggering prior detonation.

[0011] An aspect of the specification provides a device wherein the whistle activates for between about 5 and about 8 seconds.

[0012] An aspect of the specification provides a device wherein the payload is a dye or a bio-luminescent fluid that is dispersed on detonation.

[0013] An aspect of the specification provides a device further including an attachment point to a drone.

[0014] An aspect of the specification provides a device wherein the triggering mechanism is attached to the nose and the impact on the noses causes the detonation.

[0015] An aspect of the specification provides a device wherein the safety mechanism includes a handle that projects perpendicular from the body.

[0016] An aspect of the specification provides a device wherein the handle includes a hinge for folding the handle to a position that is parallel with the body. 15.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 shows a perspective view a versatile low-yield device.

[0018] Figure 2 shows a front elevation view of the device of Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 3 shows a rear elevation view of the device of Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 4 shows a left elevation view of the device of Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 5 shows a right elevation view of the device of Figure 1 .

[0022] Figure 6 shows a top elevation view of the device of Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 7 shows a bottom elevation view of the device of Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 including a warning tag

[0025] Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the device of Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 10 shows a further exploded view of the device of Figure 1 with hidden lines showing the interior of the device.

[0027] Figure 11 shows another perspective view of the device of Figure 1 in the armed position during deployment.

[0028] Figure 12 shows the device of Figure 1 in a triggered position during impact.

[0029] Figure 13 shows a plurality of armed devices suspended vertically from a drone ready for deployment.

[0030] Figure 14 shows a plurality of armed devices suspended horizontally from a drone ready for deployment.

[0031] Figure 15 shows a plurality of armed devices suspended vertically from a drone ready for deployment over a battlefield simulation.

[0032] Figure 16 shows a plurality of armed devices suspended vertically from a drone ready for deployment over a snow-covered mountain for avalanche triggering.

[0033] Figure 17 shows a plurality of armed devices suspended vertically from a drone ready for deployment over a light armoured vehicle during a simulation.DESCRIPTION

[0034] Referring now to Figures 1-10, a versatile low-yield device is indicated generally at 100. Device 100 includes a nose 104, a body 108 and a tail 112. The materials used to construct device 100 are not particularly limited but in a present embodiment, nose 104and tail 112 can be made from a porous polyurethane foam rubber while body 108 is made from cardboard.

[0035] The foam rubber for nose 104 and tail 112 is typically lightweight and porous, composed of organic units joined by urethane links to provide flexibility, resilience, and durability. Typically the foam is low density, providing a relatively light-weight and a high air content. This porosity contributes to the foam's deformability, reducing the likelihood or severity of harm or injury during impact with the human body even when used at close range or high speeds. Such foam rubber exhibits high elasticity and resilience, meaning it can deform under impact or pressure and then return to its original shape. The foam surface is typically smooth, reducing friction and allowing device 100 to glide through the air more easily. This texture also makes device 100 more comfortable to handle and less likely to cause abrasions. The foam rubber is chosen to be durable, so that it can withstand compression and impact. If desired, the foam can be manufactured in various colors for ready identification, without significantly affecting the physical properties of the foam.

[0036] Body 108 is typically made from cardboard. As best seen in Figure 9 and Figure 10, body 108 is also configured to house a payload 116 for device 100. In a present embodiment, payload 116 is a low-yield explosive or pyrotechnic device designed to produce an auditory noise lasting several seconds followed by a loud noise and a bright flash, to represent the detonation of a high-yield explosive but without the destructive force. Payload 116 can also be referred to as a much-reduced yield “thunderflash” or a “flashbang” as commonly used in military training exercises. (In variants, payload 116 may have a slightly higher yield for triggering avalanches. Alternatively, payload 116 may be a “dyepack” or bio-luminescent fluid other type of staining fluid or module for marking an area, or individual, within the vicinity of the payload 116 when it is detonated, thereby indicating in the training exercise that the individual or other asset would likely have faced actual injury in the event of an actual battlefield event.) The payload 116 may also simply emit an auditory signal, such as a whistle sound lasting about 5 to about 8 seconds upon activation. Combinations of the foregoing are contemplated, with the detonated payload 116 comprising one or more of low-yield explosive, smoke, chaff simulation, noise (such as whistling or a bang) and / or staining. Additional and / or substitute types of low yieldpayloads will now occur to those of skill in the art, such as a payload that can actually propel device 100.

[0037] Device 100 can thus also include an exhaust port 118 on the centre of tail 112 to expel gases generated by detonation of payload 115.

[0038] Where payload 116 is a low-yield explosive, in a presently preferred embodiment, the charge can be from about 0.3 grams to about 0.5 grams, significantly lower than standard artillery simulators. (The use of the term “about” refers to the fact that 0.3 should not be construed as a degree of precision, rather a reflection of accuracy. For example, 0.25 would round up to 0.3. Likewise, 0.544 grams would round to 0.5 grams. A person of skill in the art will appreciate these and other examples, and that in general any amount of low-yield explosive that does not cause injury is contemplated.). A non-limiting example thunderflash for payload 116 can be the “SC-809 Thunderflash” from HFI Pyrotechnics Inc. of Prescott, Ontario Canada K0E 1T0, having the following technical specifications:

[0039] Technical Data

[0040] Dimensions 3.3 cm diameter x 21.3 cm long

[0041] Weight 70 g

[0042] Explosive Weight 2 g

[0043] Ignition Friction match with 6-8 s delay

[0044] Audibility 100 dB at 6 m

[0045] Shelf Life Three (3) years; Service Life One (1) year

[0046] The arrangement of nose 104, body 108, tail 112 and payload 116 within device 100, particularly in the section closer to nose 104, can be designed to ensure a specific center of gravity to enable stable descent and correct orientation upon deployment.

[0047] As seen in Figure 9, Figure 10 and Figure 12, payload 116 includes an ignition initiator 120. When manually struck, the ignition initiator causes the charge of the payload 116 to detonate. (If another type of low yield payload is used, such as a sound emittingcharge, then the ignition initiator 120 can trigger the other type of payload, such as causing the emission of sound.)

[0048] The choice of cardboard for body 108 can be advantageous in that it is low-cost, relatively lightweight for flight and can have characteristics F sufficient structural integrity to support flight and payload 116, but also facilitates safe disposal and / or neutralization of device 100 by immersion. To elaborate, if device 100 has been armed but has failed to detonate, then device 100 can be simply immersed in water, such that the cardboard of body 108 will saturate and / or deteriorate, leading to penetration of water within body 108 and rendering the sound emitting charge (or other payload 116) inert. However, even a detonation underwater, if it occurred, would be relatively safe. Cardboard is also biodegradable.

[0049] Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is to be understood that nose 104, and / or body 108 and / or tail 112 can be manufactured from different materials from each other and / or materials other than cardboard or foam rubber. For example, molded plastic can be used.

[0050] Referring now to Figure 9 and Figure 10, device 100 also includes a detachable safety mechanism 124 including a triangular handle 128 and a partial collar 132. When the mechanism 124 is secured to the remainder of device 100, triggering of payload 116 is restrained, whereas removal of mechanism 124 arms device 100, such that impact on the nose 104 will lead to triggering and detonation of payload 116.

[0051] While not shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10, safety mechanism 124 can be configured with a hinge between handle 128 and collar 132, such that handle 128 can be oriented parallel to body 108 for transit or storage, and oriented perpendicular to body 108 (as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10) for removing collar 132 and thereby arming device 100. Such a folding mechanism can enhance compactness for easier packaging and transport.

[0052] Figure 10 shows the various components of device 100 in greater detail. Notably, Figure 10 shows a plunger 136 and a split ring 140. A boss 144 on plunger 136 aligns with the gap 148 on split ring 140. Plunger also includes a hollow central shaft 152 which can receive ignition initiator 120 of payload 116. Split ring 140 thus sits at the end of body 108 closest to nose 104 and accepts plunger 136 when boss 144 aligns with gap 148.

[0053] Thus, securing collar 132 of safety mechanism 124 around plunger 136 restricts travel of plunger 136 into body 108, thereby preventing detonation of payload 116. When safety mechanism 124 is removed, impact on nose 104 can drive plunger into body 108, thereby striking ignition initiator 120 causing detonation of payload 116.

[0054] Referring now to Figure 11 , device 100 is shown with safety mechanism 124 removed and in a state of free fall. Thus, in Figure 11 device 100 is armed and gravity is actively pulling device 100 towards the ground 156. Figure 12 shows device 100 at the moment of detonation, whereby nose 104 is shown striking the ground 156, forcing plunger 136 into body 108 to mechanically activating ignition initiator 120. Note that Figure 12 is idealized, in that device 100 may not be perfectly normal to ground 156 in order to cause detonation.

[0055] Figure 13 presents a drone 160 transporting three devices 100 in a vertical arrangement. While this depiction is for illustrative purposes, various configurations are possible, accommodating different quantities and orientations of devices 100. For instance, as shown in Figure 14, drone 160 is equipped to carry three devices 100 horizontally. This illustration again suggests the versatility in drone configurations, each capable of carrying one or more devices 100. A vertical orientation may be favored to maximize the number of devices 100 carried, whereas a horizontal arrangement might be preferred to enhance the aerodynamic efficiency of drone 160.

[0056] Figure 15 shows one example use of device 100 in a battle simulation for infantry 164 who are entrenched in a defensive position. Deploying device 100 onto infantry 164 can be used to train infantry 164 (or other personnel) to respond to threats of small bombs delivered by drones. Figure 16 shows another example of use of device 100, whereby the size of payload 116 is chosen to have a sufficient yield to cause an avalanche for purposes of avalanche control or avalanche mitigation, but to have a small enough yield to make devices 100 relatively “safe” during transport. Figure 17 shows a further example of use of device 100, where the type of low-yield payload is used to train for operation of tanks or light armoured vehicles in military theatres that include the use of high yield small bombs. In the example of Figure 17, the payload may favour the use of dyes or markers to evidence that the vehicle had been struck.

[0057] While the foregoing discusses certain embodiments, it is to be understood that variations, combinations, and / or subsets of those embodiments are contemplated. For example, besides military training, device 100 can be used in triggering controlled avalanches, indicating its versatility. Payload 116 can also be varied, including pressure vessels for dyes, and / or low-yield explosives, and / or sound generation, suggest a high degree of adaptability for different use cases.

[0058] The present specification provides certain advantages over the prior art especially in view of the ability to train infantry or other personnel (l.e. armoured units) to respond to threats of small bombs being delivered by drones. The device 100 can thus be dronedropped, indicating its use in modern training or operational scenarios where drones are employed. Furthermore, the use of cardboard for body 108 and potential for future biodegradable components for nose 104 and tail 112 suggests an awareness of environmental impact, which is valuable for training exercises or operational uses in sensitive areas, and to allow for rapid safe disposal of devices 100 that are armed but have not detonated. Safety mechanism 124 can also be coloured brightly, for safety and visibility. The nose 104 and or tail 112 can also be brightly colored for visibility and safety given their training function.

[0059] The scope of the monopoly of this specification is defined by the claims, properly construed in relation to the narrative and drawings. Any limiting phrases should not be viewed in isolation but in view of the broader context of the entire teachings and advantages afforded by the specification.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . A low yield device comprising: a nose; a body connected to the nose; a tail connected to the body; the body housing a low-yield payload; and, a triggering mechanism connected to the payload, for detonating the low-yield payload.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the triggering mechanism is a plunger connected to the nose; the plunger having an extended position for transit and storage of the device, and a compressed position driving the plunger into the body for detonating the payload.

3. The device of any preceding claim further comprising a safety mechanism for securing the plunger in the extended position and for removal for arming the device.

4. The device of any preceding claim wherein the body is made of cardboard.

5. The device of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the nose and the tail is made from a low-density polyurethane foam.

6. The device any preceding claim wherein the charge of the payload is between about 0.3 grams to about 0.5 grams.

7. The device any preceding claim wherein the payload is a sound emitting charge that activates on triggering.

8. The device any preceding claim wherein the payload is a whistle that activates on triggering prior detonation.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the whistle activates for between about 5 and about 8 seconds.

10. The device of any preceding claim wherein the payload is a dye or a bio- luminescent fluid that is dispersed on detonation.

11. The device any preceding claim further comprising an attachment point to a drone.

12. The device of any preceding claim wherein the triggering mechanism is attached to the nose and the impact on the noses causes the detonation.

13. The device of any preceding claim wherein an included safety mechanism includes a handle that projects perpendicular from the body.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the handle includes a hinge for folding the handle to a position that is parallel with the body.

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