Entangling Projectile Deployment System for Non-Lethal Restraint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current non-lethal ranged weapons systems, such as Tasers and pepper spray, often fail to effectively subdue fleeing or hostile subjects without resorting to lethal force or close proximity hand-to-hand combat, and existing solutions like bola deployment devices have limitations in range and safety.

Innovation Solution

A projectile deployment system that launches an entangling projectile with two pellets connected by a tether, which wraps around a subject's legs, temporarily incapacitating them by restricting movement, allowing law enforcement to maintain a safe distance while effectively restraining the subject.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If non-lethal ranged weapons systems (Tasers, pepper spray) are used, then lethal force is avoided, but they fail to effectively subdue fleeing or hostile subjects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness in subduing subjectsVSAvoidlethal force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The projectile is segmented into multiple weights connected by a flexible cord, creating a multi-component entangling system that wraps around the subject's limbs to restrict movement without lethal force

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible cord acts as an intermediary element connecting the weights, enabling the entangling function that physically restrains the subject without direct contact from the launcher, maintaining safe distance while ensuring effective subduing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If hand-to-hand combat is used, then subjects can be subdued, but it requires close proximity and is not a desirable choice

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to subdue subjectVSAvoiddistance from subject
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The entangling projectile serves as an intermediary tool that transfers the restraining function from close-proximity hand-to-hand combat to a ranged engagement, allowing law enforcement to maintain distance while effectively subduing the subject

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical action of hand-to-hand restraint is replaced by a launched projectile system that automatically entangles and restrains the subject at a distance, eliminating the need for close physical contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing bola deployment devices are used, then entanglement capability is provided, but they have limitations in range and safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentanglement capabilityVSAvoiddeployment range and speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The manual or limited-range bola deployment mechanism is replaced with a firearm-integrated launch system that uses ballistic propulsion to achieve greater range and faster deployment speed while maintaining the entanglement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines the entanglement function of a bola with the ranged delivery capability of a firearm, creating a multi-functional device that achieves both extended range and rapid deployment while preserving the original entanglement effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system provides a safe and effective means to temporarily impede a subject's ability to flee or attack, maintaining a safe distance for the user and ensuring consistent and accurate deployment with a high rate of successful engagement.

Implementation Method 1

a selectively activatable pressure source (50) capable of generating a pressure wave to propel the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward a subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure wave: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3433565B1Projectile deployment system and method of using said system
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 WRAP TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP3433565B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3433565B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4
  • EP3433565B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A projectile deployment system includes an entangling projectile including a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. A projectile casing includes a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry one of the pair of pellets and a selectively activatable pressure source, carried by the projectile casing. The pressure source is capable of expelling the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward a subject. A launcher carries an activator operable to activate the pressure source to expel the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward the subject. The projectile casing is removably engageable with the launcher to allow removal of the projectile casing from the launcher after expulsion of the entangling projectile from the projectile casing.