Electrical Discharge Weapon Cartridge Arc Path Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ammunition cartridges for electrical discharge weapons have a limited arc path due to their design, which can prevent the shocking current from penetrating through clothing, and are prone to damage from repeated use, leading to ejection issues.
Innovation Solution
The improved ammunition cartridge features electrical contacts on opposed side surfaces, a rear plate with increased arc tracking paths, and a flanged portion with an aperture to absorb energy, preventing ejection, while maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ammunition cartridge uses a conventional design with primer on the rear surface, then the cartridge structure is simple, but the arc path is too short to penetrate clothing effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the electrical contact from the traditional rear surface (2D plane) to the side surface of the cartridge housing, utilizing the lateral dimension to extend the arc path. This dimensional shift allows the arc to travel along the side surface to the primer, significantly increasing the effective arc length without proportionally increasing cartridge dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conductive path along the side surface of the housing as an intermediary between the electrical contact and the primer. This intermediary pathway extends the arc length by utilizing the housing surface itself, allowing the current to travel a longer distance through air gaps that can effectively bridge clothing materials.
2Productivity
If the ammunition cartridge is fired repeatedly, then the weapon can be used multiple times, but the cantilever strikes the receiver wall causing damage and potential ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resilient element (such as a rubber or polymer cushion) positioned between the cantilever and the receiver wall. This cushioning element is installed in advance to absorb the impact forces generated during repeated firings, preventing damage to the receiver wall and eliminating the risk of cartridge ejection while allowing multiple shots to be fired.
3Reliability
If the arc path is extended to penetrate clothing, then the shocking current can disable the target, but the cartridge size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the side surface of the cartridge housing to extend the arc path in a lateral direction rather than increasing the overall length, width, or height of the cartridge. This dimensional approach allows the arc to travel a longer distance along the housing surface without proportionally increasing the cartridge volume, maintaining compact dimensions while achieving effective penetration capability.
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 extends the arc path to effectively penetrate clothing and reduces the risk of cartridge ejection, ensuring consistent performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
electrical current travels from a power supply electrode to the primer and sparks through the propellant where it arcs therefrom to the conductor in the wire chamber
Implementation Method 2
the higher voltage is needed to ionize air paths, so electrical currents can penetrate otherwise insulated garments worn by the human target
Implementation Method 3
The propellant contained in the primer detonates and launches the darts from the cartridge
Implementation Method 4
the force of explosion of a chemical propellant (primer fired)
Implementation Method 5
The current then travels through the conductor to the attached dart assembly and arcs therefrom across the exit surface to the second dart assembly
Implementation Method 6
positioned within the ammunition cartridge is a resilient element between the cantilever and the opposing wall of the receiver port to prevent damage to the weapon and ejection of the cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
A primer-fired ammunition cartridge for an electrical discharge weapon having a housing with an exterior surface and two wire-tethered darts positioned within dart chambers in the housing and two electrical contacts positioned on opposite surfaces of the housing for lengthening an electrical arc path across the exterior surface of the housing. The housing can include a flange portion for engaging a chamber in an electrical discharge weapon wherein the flange portion includes an aperture thereby allowing the flange portion to bow and absorb resultant forces between the ammunition cartridge and the chamber of the electrical discharge weapon during firing of the cartridge.