Energy Harvesting Assemblies for Non-Incendiary Projectiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incendiary tracer projectiles pose risks due to pyrotechnic compositions, and non-incendiary alternatives face issues with unreliable power sources, such as volatile chemical-based power sources that can be unstable and introduce new hazards.
Innovation Solution
A non-incendiary projectile design featuring an energy harvesting structure with a first part on the inner surface and a second part in the internal cavity, utilizing a rotation damping system to generate a differential rotation, inducing an electromotive force through magnetic elements and conductive windings, thereby powering electric components without pyrotechnic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If pyrotechnic compositions are used to generate visible trajectory, then trajectory visualization is achieved, but incendiary hazards and reliability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical/pyrotechnic system with an electromagnetic system. Magnetic elements and conductive windings generate light through electromagnetic induction when subjected to rotational motion, eliminating the need for incendiary pyrotechnic compositions while maintaining trajectory visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy harvesting structure converts the kinetic energy of the projectile's flight and rotation into electrical energy to power the light source. The system is self-powered through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for separate power sources or chemical agents.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If chemical-based power sources are used to power electronic components, then non-incendiary operation is achieved, but reliability and stability deteriorate due to volatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical-based power sources with an electromagnetic energy harvesting system. Magnetic elements and conductive windings convert mechanical energy from the projectile's rotation into electrical energy, eliminating volatile chemicals while providing stable and reliable power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of energy conversion from chemical reactions to electromagnetic induction. This parameter change transforms the power source mechanism, providing stable electrical output without the volatility and reliability issues of chemical-based systems.
3Power
If energy harvesting structure rotates at high speed, then power generation is improved, but rotational stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic rotational damping system that actively regulates the rotation rate of the energy harvesting structure. This allows the system to maintain optimal rotational speed for power generation while preventing excessive rotation that would compromise projectile stability, adapting to changing flight conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational damping system provides feedback control to regulate the rotation of the energy harvesting structure. By monitoring and adjusting the rotational speed, the system maintains the optimal balance between power generation efficiency and projectile rotational stability throughout flight.
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
The energy harvesting system provides a stable and reliable power source for the projectile, eliminating the risks associated with pyrotechnic compositions and volatile chemical power sources, ensuring consistent trajectory visualization without incendiary hazards.
Implementation Method 1
one of the first and second parts can comprise an arrangement of magnetic elements configured to generate a magnetic field within the internal cavity. The other one of the first and second parts can comprise an armature. That is, one part can comprise multiple magnetic components, with the other part comprising multiple electrically conductive windings configured to experience changes in magnetic flux due to regulation of rotation of the second part relative to the first part, which provokes a difference in the rates of rotation of the first and second parts relative to one another. The change in magnetic flux experienced induces an electromotive force.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some examples, a non-incendiary projectile comprises a housing defining an internal cavity, and an energy harvesting structure comprising a first part and a second part, the first part provided on an inner surface of the housing, the second part provided in the internal cavity, the second part further comprising a rotation damping system configured to regulate a rate of rotation of the second part in a rotational direction about a flight axis defined by the housing.