Dual-Mode Grenade Projectile Safety Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand grenades and rifle grenades have limitations in their dual functionality, as they either cannot be inserted into a firearm chamber or have fuses actuated by hand or rifle, lacking a unified mechanism for both hand-thrown and firearm-launched operations.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose projectile with a body containing pyrotechnic material, a rear cap, a pyrotechnic unit, a striker biased by a device, a safety lever, and an external safety keeper, allowing it to be used both as a hand grenade and a firearm projectile by altering the safety mechanism based on insertion into a weapon chamber or manual throwing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hand grenade is designed to be thrown manually, then it can be used as a hand grenade, but it cannot be inserted into a firearm chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The grenade is designed with a universal safety mechanism that serves both hand-thrown and firearm-launched operations. The safety lever can be restrained by either an external safety keeper (for hand use) or by engagement with the firearm chamber walls (for firearm use), allowing the same device to function in multiple modes without requiring separate safety systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety mechanism transitions dynamically between two operational states: when inserted in a firearm chamber, the chamber walls restrain the safety lever; when removed from the chamber, an external safety keeper can restrain the lever for hand-thrown use. This dynamic adaptation allows the same mechanical structure to respond appropriately to different usage contexts.
2Reliability
If a safety mechanism is designed for hand-thrown grenades, then it prevents accidental ignition during manual handling, but it does not account for firearm-launched operation
Solution Approach 1:
The safety lever mechanism is designed to be universally applicable to both hand-thrown and firearm-launched operations. In firearm mode, the chamber walls themselves act as the restraining element, eliminating the need for an external safety keeper during firearm operation. This universal design ensures reliable safety function across both operational modes while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The firearm chamber acts as an intermediary element that provides the restraining function normally performed by an external safety keeper. When the grenade is inserted into the chamber, the chamber walls engage with the safety lever, transferring the safety function from a dedicated component to the firearm structure itself, thereby enabling compatibility without adding complexity.
3Reliability
If the striker is constantly biased towards the pyrotechnic unit, then ignition is reliable upon release, but accidental ignition may occur during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device applies a preliminary restraining force to the striker, preventing it from contacting the pyrotechnic unit during normal handling. This preliminary anti-action counterbalances the striker's natural tendency to move forward, ensuring that ignition only occurs when the safety lever is deliberately released and the striker is allowed to overcome the biasing force and strike the pyrotechnic composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing device acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and controls the striker's movement. By maintaining constant bias against the striker, it prevents sudden or uncontrolled movement that could lead to accidental ignition, while still allowing controlled release for intended ignition. This beforehand cushioning ensures safe handling while preserving ignition reliability.
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 seamless transition between hand-thrown and firearm-launched modes, ensuring reliable ignition of pyrotechnic material through a consistent mechanism, enhancing versatility and safety in both applications.
Implementation Method 1
a striker arranged to strike a primer of the pyrotechnic unit, the striker being biased by a biasing device
Implementation Method 2
the striker is urged by the biasing device to strike the primer of the pyrotechnic unit to cause ignition of the pyrotechnic material
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile includes a body containing pyrotechnic material. A rear cap closes a rear end of the body. A pyrotechnic unit includes an ignitor in communication with the pyrotechnic material. A striker is arranged to strike a primer of the pyrotechnic unit. A safety lever is arranged initially to restrain movement of the striker towards the pyrotechnic unit. An external safety keeper is arranged initially to clamp a portion of the safety lever to the body.