Auto-segmenting Spherical Projectile Impact Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bullet designs are not applicable to spherical projectiles like birdshot or buckshot, as they lack predictability in impact orientation, making it difficult to control expansion and retention within soft tissue targets, which affects energy deposition and lethality.
Innovation Solution
Development of auto-segmenting spherical projectiles with segments connected by a separable element that separates upon impact, allowing controlled energy deposition and retention within soft tissue targets, regardless of orientation, using a powder metallurgy method to create troughs defining the segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bullet designs are applied to spherical projectiles, then expansion control is improved, but predictability of impact orientation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical projectile is divided into multiple segments that are separably connected, allowing the projectile to maintain its spherical shape during flight while enabling controlled segmentation upon impact. This segmentation approach allows expansion control to be achieved through the separation of segments rather than through traditional bullet tip designs, resolving the contradiction between expansion control and impact orientation predictability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spherical projectiles are used, then adaptability to different orientations is improved, but control of expansion and retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile transitions from a static spherical shape during flight to a dynamic segmented structure upon impact. The separably connected segments remain intact during flight but are designed to separate under impact conditions, providing both orientation adaptability and controlled expansion/retention through the dynamic transition rather than static design features.
3Use of energy by moving object
If segments are separably connected, then energy deposition is improved, but structural integrity during flight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segments are pre-connected through separable connections that are designed to remain intact during flight but separate upon impact. This preliminary connection ensures structural integrity during the flight phase while pre-configuring the projectile for controlled segmentation and energy deposition upon target impact, resolving the contradiction between maintaining flight integrity and enabling energy deposition.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are spherical projectiles such as used in birdshot, buckshot, or single ball spherical projectiles, including slugs, muzzle loading projectiles, or any close-to-bore diameter projectile, that is auto-segmenting or self-segmenting upon impact with a target. The projectile or shot disclosed herein retains its shape and structure during flight until impact with soft tissue, whereupon its individual sections separate or segment in a controllable manner, each portion of the projectile imparting or depositing a high amount energy to the tissue and target. The auto-segmenting spherical projectiles can be frangible or non-frangible. This disclosure also provides cartridges such as shotshells that are loaded with the projectiles described herein.