Modular Low Lethal Projectile System Using Segmented Propellant Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-lethal weapons, such as gas-powered firearms, are inadequate for self-defense and crowd control due to their complexity, reliability issues in cold weather, and potential for injury.
Innovation Solution
A modular, low lethal projectile system that can be fired from traditional firearms, comprising an exterior shell, propellant cartridge, and projectile assembly, designed to shatter upon impact and disperse irritant substances, reducing the risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If gas-powered firearms are used to propel chili powder filled projectiles, then non-lethal crowd control effect is achieved, but device complexity increases due to air tank and loading system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex gas-powered mechanical system (air tank, regulator, loading mechanism) with a simple firearm-based system using traditional propellant cartridges. The exterior shell with internal cavities holds the propellant cartridge and projectile assembly, allowing standard firearms to launch non-lethal projectiles without requiring specialized gas-powered mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gas-powered firearms are used for crowd control, then non-lethal force is delivered, but reliability deteriorates in cold weather due to liquified gas leaking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes the temperature-sensitive liquified gas system with propellant cartridges that are not affected by cold weather. Traditional propellants maintain their performance characteristics in cold conditions, eliminating the reliability issues associated with gas leakage and regulator failure in low temperatures.
3Force
If rubber/polymer slugs and beanbags are fired from shotguns, then violent offenders are immobilized, but severe physical trauma and fatalities occur when striking head and neck areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the projectile into separate components: an exterior shell containing a projectile assembly that can be equipped with less lethal agents. This segmentation allows the projectile to deliver force for immobilization while incorporating features (such as hollow construction and agent dispensing) that reduce the risk of severe trauma compared to solid rubber slugs or beanbags.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces less lethal agents (chemical, biological, or other substances) as an intermediary between the projectile and the target. These agents are dispensed upon impact or during flight, providing a mechanism to incapacitate offenders without requiring direct high-force impact to vulnerable areas, thereby reducing the risk of fatal injuries.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If chili powder filled projectiles are used for crowd control, then unruly behavior ceases due to choking feeling, but the projectile must break upon impact which reduces structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile is segmented into an exterior shell and an internal projectile assembly. The exterior shell is designed to maintain structural integrity during flight and handling, while the internal assembly contains the chili powder or other less lethal agents. This segmentation allows the projectile to remain intact long enough to reach the target while ensuring the agents are properly contained and dispersed at the appropriate moment.
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 system allows for consistent, customizable non-lethal projectiles that can be used in place of lethal ammunition, providing effective deterrence while minimizing the risk of severe injury or death.
Implementation Method 1
The propellant cartridge may comprise a cartridge primer, hollow casing, wadding, and propellant
Implementation Method 2
The capsule tube is preferably configured in a way such that it shatters when the propellant cartridge is ejected from the exterior shell and strikes a target
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a modular, low lethal projectile is provided. The modular, low lethal projectile system comprises an exterior shell, propellant cartridge, and a projectile assembly. A propellant mounting area is arranged at a rear end of the exterior shell and is offset from a center of the exterior shell. A propellant cartridge is secured within the propellant mounting area. A firing pin of a firearm is configured to strike an edge of a cartridge primer of the propellant cartridge, which ignites a primer material and propellant within the propellant cartridge. The resulting hot, expanding gasses propel the projectile assembly form the firearm, and upon contact with a desired target, the capsule tube of the projectile assembly breaks, distributing an effective compound into the air around the desired target.