Detachable Bullet Tracking Device for Crime Scene Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bullet identification systems are ineffective due to damage from penetration, debris accumulation in gun barrels, and the inability to recover and read markings on bullets, leading to unsolved crimes and reduced evidence availability.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a detachable tracking device, such as passive transponders or foil tags, within bullets that remain attached to objects upon penetration, allowing for immediate retrieval of information about the bullet's origin and purchaser, even if the bullet passes through the object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If markings are placed on the bullet to identify the firearm, then bullet identification capability is improved, but the markings may be damaged during penetration making identification ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebullet identification informationVSAvoidmarking legibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is segmented into two independent components: markings on the bullet (which may be damaged) and markings on the barrel (which remain intact). This segmentation ensures that even if the bullet markings are destroyed during penetration, the barrel markings preserve the identification information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barrel markings serve as an intermediary that preserves identification information. Instead of relying solely on the bullet markings that are directly exposed to damage, the system uses the barrel markings as a mediator to maintain and transfer the identification capability when the bullet is recovered or when only barrel evidence is available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If additional grooves are added to the barrel for markings, then bullet identification capability is improved, but debris accumulates in the grooves affecting barrel function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification capabilityVSAvoiddebris accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The barrel markings are applied to specific localized areas (such as the muzzle crown or specific portions of the barrel) rather than requiring grooves throughout the entire barrel. This localized approach provides sufficient identification capability while minimizing the creation of debris-trapping grooves that would affect barrel function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the bullet is significantly damaged during penetration, then the bullet may pass through the object, but the markings become illegible rendering identification ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration effectivenessVSAvoidmarking integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is divided between the bullet and the barrel, so that damage to the bullet does not necessarily destroy the identification capability. The barrel markings remain intact and can be used for identification even when the bullet is severely damaged or cannot be recovered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7621062B2Bullet identification and tracking device

Publication Date: 2009.11.24 CUGLIARI GREGORY ANTHONY

AI summary

An identification and tracking device (110b) for use in combination with a firearm bullet (100) comprising a means for detaching the device (110b) from the bullet (100) during penetration of the target. In this manner, the tracking device (110b) and/or identification device (110b) will be attached to an object when the bullet (100) penetrates the object.