Inflatable Impact Attenuation for Projectile Supply Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supply delivery systems struggle to reach isolated soldiers cut off from supply lines during battles, posing a significant risk to their safety and survival.
Innovation Solution
A projectile with a cavity for storing cargo, equipped with an impact attenuation system that deploys bags filled with substances like gas, liquid, or solid to absorb impact upon landing, and includes electronics for precise targeting and environmental camouflage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a projectile is used to deliver supplies to isolated soldiers, then the delivery capability is improved, but the risk of injury or death to the projectile and its contents upon impact with the ground increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating an impact attenuation system with energy-absorbing materials and deployable structures (such as inflatable bags or cushions) that are activated before the projectile impacts the ground. This cushioning system absorbs the impact energy and reduces the harmful effects of ground impact on both the projectile structure and its supplied contents, enabling safe delivery to isolated soldiers while protecting against the harmful impact forces.
2Measurement precision
If the projectile is designed for precise targeting, then the delivery precision is improved, but the complexity of the electronics and control systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the projectile to perform multiple functions through integrated systems: the same electronic component serves both targeting precision (using GPS and processors for navigation) and impact attenuation control (deploying cushioning systems at the appropriate moment). This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function, while still achieving precise targeting and safe impact delivery.
3Reliability
If impact attenuation systems are deployed, then the safety of the projectile and contents is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the impact attenuation system to automatically deploy and activate based on built-in sensors and processors that detect impact conditions. The system self-regulates by monitoring its own state and triggering the cushioning mechanisms at the appropriate moment without external intervention, thereby improving reliability and safety while minimizing the operational complexity burden on external control systems.
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
Ensures safe and precise delivery of supplies by minimizing ground impact, providing environmental camouflage, and maintaining the projectile's integrity for easy retrieval by intended recipients.
Implementation Method 1
an impact attenuation system that can be deployed by the processor when a deployment condition is met
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile capable of carrying and delivering a payload includes an impact attenuation system that deploys prior to impact with the ground to safely deliver the payload. The impact attenuation system can comprise bags that inflate prior to impact. The bags can have an asymmetrical or irregular shape such that, combined with a coloring or certain visual designs, it can blend into the environment.