Magnetically Charged Projectile for Battery-Free Payload Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-lethal and lethal projectiles face issues such as difficulty in targeting, limited range, inaccuracy, high cost, complexity, and unreliable power due to internal batteries, which can drain and lose charge over time, making them unsuitable for immediate use.
Innovation Solution
A projectile design utilizing a permanent magnet in the launcher or accessory to induce electrical energy in a coil within the projectile, activating an initiator for controlled payload release without the need for internal batteries, allowing for remote activation and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal batteries are used to power projectile components, then the projectile can be activated, but the batteries occupy substantial space, increase weight, raise manufacturing costs, and drain charge over time making the projectile unusable after storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery from the projectile entirely, extracting the power source function from the projectile and relocating it to the launcher system. The launcher uses a coilgun mechanism with electromagnetic induction to activate the projectile at the moment of firing, eliminating all battery-related components from the projectile itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the launcher and projectile. A coil in the projectile interacts with a magnet in the launcher through electromagnetic induction, transferring energy without direct electrical connection or internal power storage in the projectile.
2Ease of operation
If high voltage electric shock is used to immobilize suspects, then the suspect can be immobilized, but accurate targeting is required and the effective range is limited to less than 30 feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projectile into multiple payload compartments that can be independently activated. Instead of requiring a single precise hit, the projectile distributes multiple payload units that can affect multiple targets or provide redundant effect, reducing the penalty for imperfect aiming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a point-target electric shock approach to a distributed payload approach that adds spatial dimensionality. Multiple payload compartments are arranged to cover a broader target area, and the projectile can be activated at various points along its trajectory, not just at impact.
3Speed
If paintball filled with capsicum or PAVA powder is used, then range issues are improved, but accurate targeting is still required and powder release control is one dimensional leaving the cloud behind when suspect runs away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic activation of payload compartments based on projectile velocity and trajectory. Sensors detect flight conditions and activate appropriate compartments during flight or at impact, allowing the payload to be released in multiple directions or sequences rather than a fixed one-dimensional release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter from simple impact detection to multi-parameter control including velocity, trajectory angle, and flight time. This allows intelligent selection of which payload compartments to activate and when, optimizing the effect based on real-time flight conditions.
4Measurement precision
If lethal projectiles fragment into multiple pieces to increase effective radius, then targeting precision requirement is lowered, but batteries are required which are large, heavy, expensive, and drain over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic battery-powered fragmentation mechanism with a mechanical fragmentation system. The projectile contains multiple payload compartments with mechanical latches or frangible joints that break apart the projectile structure through mechanical forces during flight or impact, eliminating the need for internal batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile is pre-configured with mechanical fragmentation mechanisms that are prepared in advance but remain dormant until activation. The mechanical structures are designed to automatically fragment upon receiving sufficient force or through pre-programmed mechanical release mechanisms triggered by the launcher or impact conditions.
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
Enables controlled payload distribution without impact, extends effective range, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures ready-to-use readiness by eliminating battery dependence, enhancing safety and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A projectile design utilizing a permanent magnet in the launcher or accessory to induce electrical energy in a coil within the projectile, activating an initiator for controlled payload release
Data Source
AI summary
A launcher and projectile system include at least one permanent magnet disposed on or within the launcher for charging a wire coil of the projectile to energize an initiator of the projectile, thereafter having a housing of the projectile rupture, disintegrate, separate or otherwise have an opening created therein after launch to release a payload. In another embodiment, an accessory for a launcher and projectile is provided, the accessory comprising a permanent magnet for charging a projectile that is launched by the launcher.