Gripless Clamshell Launcher for Non-Lethal Self-Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a compact, non-lethal personal protection device that can effectively deter aggression without the risks associated with firearms, such as accidental discharge or legal restrictions, and is suitable for various environments and user groups.

Innovation Solution

A grip-less, hand-held self-defense system using interchangeable cartridges with compressed gas to launch projectiles like gel or frangible balls containing irritants, which can be easily concealed and operated, providing a powerful yet temporary deterrent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a firearm is used for personal protection, then lethal effectiveness is improved, but the risk of accidental discharge and legal restrictions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidaccidental discharge risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical firing system of traditional firearms with a compressed gas-powered launch mechanism. The compressed gas cartridge system eliminates the need for traditional gunpowder ignition, triggering, and firing pin mechanisms, thereby eliminating the risk of accidental discharge associated with mechanical firearms while maintaining projectile launch capability for personal protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the energy delivery parameter from lethal kinetic energy (firearms) to non-lethal but painful kinetic energy combined with irritant delivery. The compressed gas system launches projectiles at controlled velocities that are sufficient to startle and deter attackers without the lethal force of traditional firearms, fundamentally altering the effectiveness parameter from lethal to non-lethal deterrence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional firearms are used, then protection capability is improved, but device size and concealability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the protection system into separate interchangeable components: a reusable handheld launcher and replaceable compressed gas cartridges. This segmentation allows the main device to remain compact and concealable while providing multiple shots through cartridge replacement, solving the contradiction between protection capability and device size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld launcher is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different types of compressed gas cartridges (varying in power, projectile type, and irritant content). This multi-functionality allows a single compact device to provide diverse protection options without increasing device size, addressing both protection capability and concealability requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-lethal devices like pepper spray are used, then safety is improved, but effectiveness against determined attackers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddeterrent effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs compressed gas pneumatics to deliver projectiles and irritants with force sufficient to overcome determined attackers. The pressurized gas system provides consistent, high-velocity projectile delivery and forceful irritant dispersion that is more effective than passive spray mechanisms, maintaining safety while improving reliability against persistent threats

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses composite projectiles combining kinetic impact materials with irritant coatings, and composite cartridge structures integrating multiple functions (propellant, projectile, irritant reservoir). These composite solutions provide both the safety of non-lethal materials and the effectiveness of combined kinetic and chemical delivery mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 effectively impairs attackers with intense pain and vision impairment, is easy to use and conceal, and meets the safety requirements of diverse user groups without the risks of lethal weapons, while being compliant with legal standards.

Implementation Method 1

cartridges with compressed gas to launch projectiles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed gas: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11519700B2Non-lethal self-protection weapon

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 HERO DEFENSE SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A gripless, non-lethal, self-protection weapon comprises a clamshell with top and bottom shells pivotally coupled together about a rear hinge and defining a cavity therein. The clamshell has a forward opening and the top shell has a top opening. A panel is slidably carried by the top shell and selectively covers the top opening. A nozzle is carried by the clamshell at the forward opening. A cartridge is removably positioned in the cavity. The cartridge comprises a barrel with an outlet positioned at the forward opening of the clamshell; a compressed gas vessel; and a diverter to redirect compressed gas from the compressed gas vessel in a rearward direction towards an inlet of the barrel in a forward direction.