Electromagnetic Projectile Launcher for Vehicle Windshield Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for launching projectiles against motor vehicle windshields, such as using a simple tube, fail to control the speed of the projectile effectively and do not allow for tests at various angles without modifying the tube's inclination, which affects the launching speed.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hollow tube with solenoids generating a magnetic field to drive the projectile, speed detectors, and a control module that calculates and applies the necessary power signal to maintain consistent launching speed independently of the tube's inclination, allowing for precise control of the projectile's speed and angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple tube is used to launch the projectile, then the device complexity is reduced, but the speed control precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gravity-based launch system with an electromagnetic propulsion system using solenoids. The solenoids generate magnetic fields that directly drive the ferromagnetic projectile along the tube, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms while providing precise electronic control over launch speed through programmable power signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls launch speed by dynamically adjusting the power signal parameters supplied to the solenoids. The control module varies the electrical parameters (voltage, current, pulse duration) of the power signal based on detected tube inclination and desired launch speed, enabling precise speed control without mechanical modifications to the tube structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tube inclination is modified to change the launch angle, then the adaptability is improved, but the speed stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates speed detectors that continuously monitor the actual launch speed and feed this information back to the control module. The control module compares the detected speed with the target speed and adjusts the solenoid power signals accordingly, compensating for speed variations caused by different tube inclinations and ensuring consistent launch performance across various angles.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on mechanical gravity-based launch where speed depends on tube inclination, the system uses electromagnetic force from solenoids to propel the projectile. This substitution allows the launch mechanism to be independent of gravitational effects, enabling angle adjustment without compromising speed consistency through electronic compensation.
3Manufacturing precision
If solenoids with adjustable power signals are used, then the speed control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module serves multiple functions: it detects tube inclination via accelerometer, calculates required power signal adjustments, controls one or more solenoids with adjustable power, and processes feedback from speed detectors. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated unit, achieving precise speed control while limiting overall system complexity growth.
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 efficient and reliable launching of projectiles with controlled speed and angle, improving the reliability of windshield solidity tests against gravel impacts by maintaining consistent speed regardless of tube inclination.
Implementation Method 1
at least one solenoid capable of generating a magnetic field capable of driving the projectile in translation along the longitudinal direction of the hollow tube
Implementation Method 2
at least one solenoid capable of generating a magnetic field capable of driving the projectile in translation
Implementation Method 3
a permanent magnet capable of keeping the projectile stationary when no solenoid is energized
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This system (2) for launching a projectile (12) against a component of a motor vehicle includes a hollow tube (26) inside which the projectile (12) is able to move. It further includes at least one solenoid (38, 48, 58, 72) able to generate a magnetic field capable of driving the projectile (12) in translation along the longitudinal direction of the hollow tube (26), at least one speed detector (40, 50, 60, 74) of the translational motion of the projectile (12) and a control module (37) able to receive the speed signal emitted by said speed detector (40, 50, 60, 74), to calculate a power supply signal for the solenoid (38, 48, 58, 72) and to apply said power supply signal to the solenoid (38, 48, 58, 72).