Two-Part Expanding Bullet Core for Controlled Fragmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deformation and partial fragmentation projectiles, particularly those without lead, suffer from inconsistent fragmentation and detachment of the core from the jacket upon impact, leading to reduced performance and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A two-part core design is implemented, where the rear core section is more strongly attached to the jacket than the nose core section, using different connection techniques such as soldering and frictional locking, ensuring reliable deformation and fragmentation upon impact, with the rear core remaining attached and the nose core detaching as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the core is pressed into the bullet jacket, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the bond between jacket and core is not durable and strong

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidbond durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The core is divided into two distinct parts: a rear core section that is strongly bonded to the jacket and a nose core section that is less strongly attached. This segmentation allows each section to serve different functions - the rear section provides reliable attachment while the nose section enables controlled detachment and fragmentation upon impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different attachment strengths are applied to different parts of the core. The rear core section has strong bonding (through soldering, diffusion bonding, or mechanical interlocking) while the nose core section has weaker attachment (through pressing or frictional locking). This local differentiation in bond quality enables the desired performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If lead-free materials are used for the core, then the bullet is environmentally friendly, but the core fractures upon impact without leaving a deformed fragment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidfragmentation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bullet employs composite material construction with a lead-free core (tin, zinc, or their alloys) combined with a copper or copper alloy jacket. The core materials are selected for their environmental benefits and non-toxic properties, while the harder jacket provides structural integrity and controlled deformation characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and mechanical parameters of lead-free materials through alloying (combining tin and zinc in specific proportions) and controlled deformation design. The core is designed with specific geometric features and attachment characteristics that enable it to deform controllably rather than simply fracture, achieving reliable fragmentation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the core is strongly attached to the jacket, then the structural integrity is high, but the core does not detach upon impact for controlled fragmentation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcontrolled fragmentation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The core is segmented into two parts with different attachment characteristics. The rear core section is strongly attached to maintain structural integrity during flight, while the nose core section is less strongly attached to enable controlled detachment and fragmentation upon target impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The bonding strength varies along the core length and can change under different stress conditions. The rear section maintains strong bonding under normal conditions while the nose section allows for controlled detachment when impact forces are applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design ensures a defined residual fragment is left upon impact, enhancing energy transfer and reliability, while eliminating the need for additional structural measures like retaining grooves, thus simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

The core section at the rear of the projectile is soldered to the adjacent jacket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Implementation Method 2

The core section at the nose of the projectile is frictionally locked, in particular pressed, in the jacket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3948153B1Procedure to manufacture a expanding and/or partially fragmenting bullet and expanding and/or partially fragmenting bullet manufactured according to said procedure
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 RWS GMBH
  • EP3948153B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3948153B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3948153B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an expanding and/or partially fragmenting bullet (1) comprising a jacket (3) and a two-part core arranged inside the jacket and having a bullet-point core part (31) and a bullet-base core part (9), the core being attached to the jacket such that the bullet-base core part is attached more firmly to the jacket than the bullet-point core part.