Metal Nanoparticles in Propellant Compositions for Reduced Visible Light

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional propellant compositions burn inconsistently and produce significant visible light during deflagration, leading to unpredictable projectile movement and visibility issues, which can compromise user safety and concealment.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating metal nanoparticles, such as spherical and coral-shaped particles formed by laser ablation, into propellant compositions to reduce visible light output and promote a controlled, even burn during deflagration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional propellant compositions are used, then the propellant burns and generates propulsion, but the burn is inconsistent and produces significant visible light output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveburn consistencyVSAvoidvisible light output

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the propellant composition by incorporating metal nanoparticles (such as aluminum, magnesium, or titanium dioxide) at controlled concentrations (0.1-5% by weight). These nanoparticles alter the combustion characteristics, promoting more uniform burn rates and modifying the light emission spectrum, thereby reducing visible light output while maintaining propulsion performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite propellant material by combining conventional propellant components with metal nanoparticles. This composite structure allows the nanoparticles to distribute evenly throughout the propellant matrix, providing consistent combustion behavior and reduced visible light emission while maintaining the necessary propulsion characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If conventional propellant compositions are used, then propulsion is generated, but the flash reveals user position and causes retinal overstimulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropulsion capabilityVSAvoiduser safety and concealment

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the combustion parameters by adding metal nanoparticles that alter the flame temperature and emission spectrum. The nanoparticles promote more complete combustion at controlled temperatures, reducing the intensity of visible light emission that causes retinal overstimulation and reveals user position, while maintaining sufficient propulsion power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the optical properties of metal nanoparticles to change the color and intensity characteristics of the combustion flash. The nanoparticles absorb and scatter visible light wavelengths, particularly in the blue-green spectrum that causes retinal damage, while maintaining the thermal energy necessary for propulsion, thereby reducing the harmful visual effects without sacrificing power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 use of metal nanoparticles in propellant compositions results in reduced visible light output and a more uniform burn rate, enhancing the reliability and stealth of devices using these compositions by minimizing flash and preventing overstimulation of the retina.

Implementation Method 1

The metal nanoparticles are configured to reduce visible light output by the propellant composition during deflagration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The metal nanoparticles are configured to reduce visible light output by the propellant composition during deflagration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

The metal nanoparticles may comprise spherical-shaped metal nanoparticles and/or coral-shaped metal nanoparticles formed by laser ablation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 4

deflagration of the propellant composition causes propulsion of a bullet or other projectile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 5

The metal nanoparticles are configured to reduce visible light output by the propellant composition during deflagration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeflagration: Deflagration

Data Source

PatentUS20220411347A1Propellant compositions with metal nanoparticles

Publication Date: 2022.12.29 EVOQ NANO INC

AI summary

A propellant composition comprises a propellant solvent, a propellant base, and a plurality of metal nanoparticles. A powder or dried propellant composition is formed by removing at least a portion of the propellant solvent. The metal nanoparticles of the plurality of metal nanoparticles are nonionic. The plurality of metal nanoparticles functions to reduce visible light output by the propellant composition during deflagration.