Circular Magnetic Launcher With Tangential Projectile Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic projectile launching systems are limited by the length of their system pathway, as projectiles stop accelerating once they exit the pathway, and are constrained by external physical limits, preventing multiple passes and achieving high velocities.
Innovation Solution
A closed accelerator pathway with movable electromagnets and capacitors that allow a projectile to accelerate through multiple revolutions and transition tangentially to a launch pathway, enabling continuous acceleration and extended system length without physical constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a linear accelerator pathway is used, then the projectile can be accelerated in a straightforward manner, but the system length is limited by external physical constraints and the projectile can only pass through once
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear accelerator pathway into a closed circular pathway. This curvature allows the projectile to continuously accelerate through multiple revolutions around the circle rather than being limited to a single linear pass. The circular configuration enables the system to achieve much higher velocities within a compact footprint, effectively resolving the contradiction between limited system length and the need for extended acceleration distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a temporal dimension to the acceleration process by enabling multiple passes through the same spatial pathway. Instead of extending the system linearly in one dimension, the closed circular pathway allows the projectile to reuse the same acceleration zones repeatedly over time, achieving extended acceleration distance without proportionally increasing system length.
2Speed
If the system pathway length is extended to allow multiple passes, then higher velocities can be achieved, but the system becomes constrained by external physical limits such as housing size
Solution Approach 1:
The circular closed pathway configuration achieves extended acceleration distance within a compact circular footprint. This allows the system to maintain flexibility and adaptability while enabling multiple revolutions for higher velocity acceleration, as the circular geometry efficiently packs the acceleration path into a small area that can be easily housed.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed electromagnets are used in the accelerator pathway, then the system structure is simple, but the projectile cannot be launched tangentially from the circular pathway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces movable electromagnets that can dynamically change position between two configurations: (1) positioned to accelerate the projectile around the circular pathway, and (2) positioned to allow tangential launch of the projectile. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to perform both acceleration and launch functions, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnets operate in periodic cycles, alternating between acceleration mode and launch mode. During each cycle, the movable electromagnets first accelerate the projectile through the circular pathway, then reposition to enable tangential extraction. This periodic switching between functions allows the system to maintain relative simplicity while achieving complex operational capabilities.
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
Enables continuous acceleration of projectiles through multiple revolutions, achieving high velocities and overcoming length limitations, allowing for efficient and flexible launching without physical constraints.
Implementation Method 1
Each capacitor is operable to conduct a current through the coil to switch on a magnetic field of the electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
a coilGun or a Gauss rifle, is a type of mass driver system that includes one or more coils used as electromagnets in the configuration of a linear motor that accelerates a ferromagnetic or conducting projectile
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic projectile launching system includes an accelerator having a plurality of electromagnets positioned around a circular accelerator pathway. Each electromagnet includes a frame supporting a core having a passageway surrounding the pathway. A conductive coil is wound around an outer surface of the core. A plurality of capacitors are mounted on the frame and electrically connected to the coil. The capacitors are operable to switch from an on-state to an off-state sequentially to form a moving magnetic field which accelerates a projectile around the pathway. At least one of the electromagnets is a movable electromagnet operable to be moved from a first position to a second position. When the movable electromagnet is in the first position, the accelerator is operable to accelerate the projectile around the pathway. When the movable electromagnet is in the second position, the accelerator is operable to launch the projectile tangentially from the pathway.