Carrier Projectile Aerodynamic Payload Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrier projectiles for barrel weapons rely on pyrotechnics or chemical energy for payload release, which can be unsafe and inefficient, and may result in premature disassembly during firing, leading to undesirable payload release.
Innovation Solution
A carrier projectile design that utilizes aerodynamic forces, specifically air pressure generated during flight, to separate the payload casing from the base without the need for ejection charges or timers, ensuring safe and controlled payload release after leaving the barrel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pyrotechnics or chemical energy are used for payload release, then payload can be ejected from the projectile, but safety risks increase and premature disassembly may occur during firing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pyrotechnic/chemical energy systems with a purely mechanical aerodynamic system. A weight is suspended inside the projectile by a retaining structure that fails at a specific force threshold. During firing, the projectile experiences high g-forces that keep the weight retained; after muzzle exit, aerodynamic forces reduce below the retention threshold, allowing the weight to drop and trigger payload release. This eliminates all chemical energy storage while maintaining reliable controlled release.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the projectile's own flight dynamics to trigger payload release. The changing aerodynamic forces during flight—high retention forces during barrel transit followed by lower forces after muzzle exit—automatically activate the release mechanism without external control systems. The weight's position relative to the aerodynamic center creates a self-regulating system that responds to the flight environment.
2Productivity
If pyrotechnic ejection charges are used, then payload can be dispersed, but premature release in the barrel may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system exploits the time-varying nature of aerodynamic forces during projectile flight. The retaining structure is designed with a specific force threshold that corresponds to the transition from barrel transit to free flight. During barrel transit, high acceleration forces exceed the retention threshold; after muzzle exit, aerodynamic forces drop below the threshold, automatically triggering release at the optimal moment without risk of premature activation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If aerodynamic forces are used for separation, then chemical energy storage is eliminated, but the separation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the projectile into functionally independent segments: the projectile body, the internal weight, the retaining structure, and the payload. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall system. The retaining structure can be a simple mechanical feature rather than a complex pyrotechnic system, and the weight serves as both a counterbalance and the release trigger.
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 prevents premature payload release in the barrel, eliminates the risk of chemical energy storage, and allows for efficient delivery of active agents like flechettes or splinters from rifled barrels, enhancing safety and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The release force is generated aerodynamically on the projectile during its flight
Implementation Method 2
The release force is generated by the air surrounding the fired projectile or through which it flies
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
A projectile carrier (2) for a cannon (20) with a barrel (22) extending along a central longitudinal axis (4) comprises a projectile base (8), a casing (14) which is connected to the projectile base (8) in an initial state (A) and which is detachable in an axial direction from the projectile base (8) when a release force (L) acts in the axial direction between the projectile base (8) and the casing (14) which exceeds a limiting force (G), wherein the projectile base (8) and the casing (14) enclose a receiving space (16) for a payload (17), and a separation device (18), wherein the release force (L) is generated by the separation device (18) after leaving the barrel (22) without the use of an ejection charge and/or without the use of a fuze.