Expandable Foam Projectile for Low Lethality Firearm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current low lethality firearm systems face challenges in consistently delivering kinetic energy to targets at varying distances while ensuring limited and reversible damage, as energy levels can be too low for incapacitation or too high for permanent injury, and existing systems are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A firearm with a device that regulates bullet speed at the barrel mouth by varying gas expulsion through a bleeding valve, integrated with an optical-mechanical distance assessment system to adjust energy delivery based on target distance, ensuring consistent impact energy across different ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the kinetic energy of the projectile is increased to ensure incapacitation, then the incapacitation effect is improved, but the risk of permanent damage or death increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the projectile by using a hollow hemispherical bullet filled with expandable foam material. Upon impact, the foam expands rapidly, transforming the projectile from a compact high-kinetic-energy form to a large-volume low-pressure form that distributes force over a wider area, achieving incapacitation without causing permanent damage
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile combines multiple materials with different properties: a hollow hemispherical shell structure providing aerodynamic flight, and an expandable foam core that absorbs and distributes impact energy. This composite structure allows the projectile to deliver controlled kinetic energy while minimizing harmful effects
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the kinetic energy of the projectile is decreased to reduce damage, then permanent damage is reduced, but the incapacitation effect becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile delivers energy in two distinct phases: first as a focused kinetic impact to penetrate and initiate foam expansion, then as a rapid expansion phase where the foam cell structure inflates to distribute energy over time and area, ensuring incapacitation while limiting permanent damage
3Device complexity
If a fixed kinetic energy projectile is used, then the design is simple, but the effectiveness varies with target distance
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile transitions from a static compact state during flight to a dynamic expanded state at impact. The expandable foam core allows the projectile to adapt its energy distribution characteristics based on impact conditions, maintaining effectiveness across varying distances without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms in the firearm
4Object-affected harmful factors
If more plastic materials are used to increase impact surface area, then permanent damage is reduced, but the incapacitation effect may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The foam material undergoes rapid expansion after impact, transforming from a compact state to an expanded state that covers a larger surface area. This time-dependent expansion ensures initial kinetic penetration for incapacitation followed by energy distribution over a wider area to prevent permanent damage
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 solution allows for reliable and adjustable kinetic energy delivery to targets, maintaining lethality within safe limits while simplifying the firearm design and reducing costs, enabling effective incapacitation without permanent damage across various distances.
Implementation Method 1
the projectile (15) is expandable, in other words it is possible for the projectile to pass from a compact state to an expanded state
Implementation Method 2
the projectile comprises a foam material, in other words a material whose molecular structure is in a foamed state and whose consistency is similar to that of plasticine
Data Source
AI summary
A low lethality firearm, comprising a launcher (12) for bullets, also comprises a device for regulating the speed of the bullet (13), adapted for varying the speed of the bullet in the mouth of a barrel, comprising gas bleeding means (17, 19) from the inside of a barrel (16) of the launcher (12), wherein these gas bleeding means (17, 19) can be divided.