Ballistic Slug Adapter for Bullet Capture and Less-Lethal Firearm Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing less-lethal tools for law enforcement require additional equipment, compromising safety and usability, and lack immediate conversion to lethal force capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A ballistic slug system that captures bullets from firearms, converting them into less lethal projectiles while maintaining firearm safety and usability, and allows immediate return to lethal state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If entirely new less-lethal tools are created, then less-lethal capability is provided, but the number of tools officers must carry increases and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ballistic slug adapter enables a single firearm to perform both lethal and less-lethal functions by accepting different types of projectiles (bullets and slugs). The adapter itself is a universal interface that can be attached to various firearms, providing less-lethal capability without requiring separate dedicated less-lethal weapons for each officer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines lethal and less-lethal capabilities into a single firearm system through the adapter mechanism. The adapter merges the function of a lethal firearm with less-lethal projectile delivery, allowing officers to carry one tool that can deliver both types of ammunition rather than requiring separate weapons.
2Adaptability or versatility
If entirely new less-lethal tools are created, then less-lethal capability is provided, but officer safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The firearm adapter provides universal access to both lethal and less-lethal capabilities through a single reliable platform. Officers can immediately switch between bullet and slug modes without transitioning between different weapon systems, ensuring that lethal force remains immediately available if less-lethal options prove ineffective.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a firearm is converted to less-lethal mode, then less-lethal capability is provided, but the ability to immediately return to lethal state is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable. The adapter can be quickly removed or repositioned to allow immediate transition from less-lethal slug mode back to lethal bullet mode. This dynamic design enables officers to adapt their force level in real-time based on the evolving situation without being locked into a single mode.
4Strength
If mounting holes with tapered sidewalls are used, then the mounting device secures firmly to the firearm, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting holes are designed with specific taper angle parameters (first apex angle and second apex angle) that optimize both security and manufacturability. By carefully selecting and standardizing these angular parameters, the design achieves strong mechanical engagement while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing processes. The tapered geometry provides self-centering and secure retention without requiring ultra-precise tolerances.
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 provides a less lethal alternative that maintains firearm safety and usability, allowing immediate conversion to lethal force when needed, with captured bullets traveling at reduced speed and ensuring accurate projectile delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a center-bored hole having circular cross-sections, where the center-bored hole comprises center-bored hole tapered sidewalls, and the center-bored hole tapered sidewalls taper according to a second apex angle
Implementation Method 2
Each mounting post is configured to couple with each mounting hole by pressure fit
Implementation Method 3
Each mounting post is configured to couple with each mounting hole by pressure fit
Data Source
AI summary
The inventive subject matter is directed to systems and apparatuses that are designed to work in cooperation with a firearm such that the firearm can fire a less lethal projectile. Systems can include a mounting device that clips onto a firearm, where that mounting device also include mounting posts. The mounting posts protrude from an end of the mounting device, and the mounting posts are designed to couple with mounting holes on an associated slug. Slugs of the inventive subject matter thus feature mounting holes and a center-bored hole that is designed to capture a bullet that is fired from a firearm that the system is coupled to. When a bullet is captured by a slug, an inelastic collision takes place that causes the slug to leave the firearm at around 20% of the bullet's original speed.