Firearm Projectile Trajectory Correction via Electromagnetic Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-range shooting is hindered by small variations in bullet velocity, which cause significant differences in impact points, despite the use of precise ammunition and advanced optics, as these variations become more pronounced at longer ranges.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a control circuit, steering coils, and a pulsed-power supply that measures bullet velocity and imparts corrective kinetic energy through magnetic fields to adjust the projectile's trajectory, allowing for precise trajectory corrections by repelling or attracting conductive or ferromagnetic bullets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If long-range shooters use very precise ammunition to mitigate velocity variations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but velocity variations still cause significant impact point differences at long ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical precision requirements with an electromagnetic field-based correction system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical precision of ammunition manufacturing, the system uses electromagnetic fields generated by steering coils to actively correct projectile trajectories, substituting passive mechanical precision with active electromagnetic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, timing) based on measured velocity variations. By adjusting these electromagnetic parameters in real-time, the system compensates for velocity differences and maintains consistent impact points despite variations in ammunition performance.
2Measurement precision
If advanced optics and computer-controlled firing systems are used to compensate for velocity variations, then measurement precision is improved, but velocity variations become even more noticeable and important
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement and computational correction systems with a direct electromagnetic correction mechanism. Instead of measuring and calculating corrections through optics and computers, the system directly applies electromagnetic forces to correct trajectories, eliminating the need for complex measurement and computation chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic field acts as an intermediary between velocity measurement and trajectory correction. Rather than using optics and computers as intermediaries to calculate and apply corrections, the magnetic field directly mediates the correction process by exerting forces on the projectile to adjust its path.
3Reliability
If a trajectory correction apparatus is added to the firearm system, then shot accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trajectory correction function with the firearm's existing muzzle structure. The steering coils are positioned to work in conjunction with the firearm's natural projectile exit, combining the correction mechanism with the existing firing system rather than adding completely separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical correction mechanisms with electromagnetic fields. By using magnetic fields instead of mechanical moving parts, linkages, or adjustment mechanisms, the system achieves trajectory correction with simpler, more reliable electromagnetic components.
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
This solution effectively reduces vertical target impact variance by up to 80 inches, ensuring accurate hits by compensating for velocity variations with precise impulse delivery, maintaining a compact and energy-efficient design suitable for firearm integration.
Implementation Method 1
a pulsed-power supply for discharging an amount of energy commensurate with the determined impulse to the steering coil such that a set of magnetic fields is produced to impart an amount of corrective kinetic energy into the projectile
Implementation Method 2
a set of magnetic fields is produced to impart an amount of corrective kinetic energy into the projectile as the projectile passes the steering coil
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for correcting trajectories variations of projectiles launched from a firearm is disclosed. The apparatus includes a control circuit for determining an appropriate impulse to be imparted into a projectile based on the measured velocity of the projectile, at least one steering coil, and a pulsed-power supply for discharging an amount of energy commensurate with the determined impulse to the steering coil such that a set of magnetic fields is produced to impart an amount of corrective kinetic energy into the projectile as the projectile passes the steering coil.