Deformable Solid Electrolyte for Tracking Ammunition Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking ordnance systems face challenges in scaling down complexity to small-caliber ammunition, reliability issues due to complex mechanisms, and require modifications to both the ordnance and firing weapons, leading to increased risk of failure and altered flight characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A tracking bullet with a deformable solid electrolyte component that contacts isolated anode and cathode terminals upon firing or impact, establishing an electrical circuit to power location-tracking systems, allowing for wireless position data transmission without pre-activation or external modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery is electrically coupled with location-tracking hardware during storage, then the tracking system can function immediately upon deployment, but battery power is slowly drained during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is segmented into isolated anode and cathode components that are physically separated during storage. The electrolyte component acts as a barrier preventing electrical contact, thus eliminating battery drain while maintaining the ability to complete the circuit when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The anode and cathode are pre-positioned in isolated chambers with the electrolyte already in place. The system is prepared in advance with all components ready, but the electrical circuit remains incomplete until the electrolyte is deformed during deployment to connect the terminals.
2Loss of energy
If complicated mechanisms are used to delay circuit closing until deployment, then battery drain during storage is prevented, but system complexity and risk of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex switching mechanisms are extracted and replaced with a simple deformable electrolyte barrier. The electrolyte itself serves as the control element that naturally responds to deployment forces, eliminating the need for additional mechanical switching components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte component automatically responds to deployment forces by deforming and completing the circuit without requiring external control mechanisms. The system uses the deployment energy itself to activate the circuit, eliminating the need for separate switching mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If liquid electrolyte is used to complete the electrical circuit, then the battery can be activated upon deployment, but there is risk of premature puncturing or leakage during firing or impact
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte is changed from liquid to solid state. This parameter change gives the electrolyte structural integrity and resistance to premature deformation while maintaining the ability to deform under the specific conditions of deployment, thus eliminating leakage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of solid electrolyte materials combines the electrical conductivity needed for circuit completion with the mechanical strength required to resist premature deformation. The solid state provides both functionality and reliability.
4Reliability
If external modifications are made to the ordnance for tracking functionality, then location tracking can be achieved, but flight characteristics are negatively influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system components (battery, electronics, electrolyte) are nested within the existing ordnance structure. The battery occupies the central cavity, and all components are integrated into the existing shell, minimizing disruption to the external dimensions and aerodynamic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable electrolyte component serves multiple functions: it acts as a barrier during storage, a switch during deployment, and a structural element within the battery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components that would affect flight characteristics.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the ordnance is scaled down to small-caliber bullets, then versatility is improved, but the complexity of existing tracking systems makes scaling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte is changed from liquid to solid state, which allows for miniaturization. Solid electrolytes require less volume and do not require complex containment structures, making them suitable for small-caliber applications where space is limited.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical switching mechanisms are extracted and replaced with the simple deformable electrolyte barrier. This reduction in component complexity enables scaling down to small-caliber bullets while maintaining functionality.
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 solution enhances reliability, simplifies power supply components, and enables tracking of small-caliber ammunition without altering the weapon's functionality, ensuring accurate and efficient tracking without premature battery drain during storage.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable solid electrolyte component that, when the bullet is fired, is deformed by the acceleration to complete the electrical circuit
Implementation Method 2
an ampoule is filled with an electrolyte that, when the ampoule is punctured, the electrolyte is released to contact battery cells to generate electrical voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An electronically tracked ordnance having a positioning component, a power supply, and a transmitter. The power supply includes a deformable electrolyte component such that both an anode and a cathode are contacted by the deformable electrolyte component when subjected to acceleration upon firing of the ordnance from a firearm or from deceleration from striking a target. This closes the electrical circuit, thus powering the positioning component and transmitter for transmitting the position of the ordnance.