Multi-Projectile Ammunition Radial Expansion via Spin Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firearms, particularly rifled barrels, face limitations in accuracy and effectiveness when firing multi-projectile ammunition due to random separation and unpredictable spread patterns at varying ranges, which reduces hit probability and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A multi-projectile ammunition design featuring interlocking projectile portions connected by a tether/braking system that expands radially upon exiting the barrel, utilizing spin-generated forces for rapid initial spread and a multi-staged braking system to achieve a predictable and stable orbit, enhancing hit probability and range effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multi-projectile shot is fired from a smooth bore barrel, then the spread pattern increases coverage area, but the separation becomes random and unpredictable at varying ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile is divided into multiple segments (first projectile portion, second projectile portion, etc.) that are initially contained together but separate in a controlled manner after exiting the barrel, allowing predictable spread while maintaining initial accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile portions transition from a static contained state to a dynamic separated state through controlled radial expansion, enabling the spread pattern to adapt to different ranges while maintaining predictability through the tether/braking system
2Reliability
If rifled barrel is used to improve accuracy of mono-projectile, then flight path predictability increases, but multi-projectile ammunition cannot effectively utilize spin-generated forces
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile assembly is designed to function both as a unified mono-projectile equivalent for accuracy and as a multi-projectile system for spread, allowing the same rifled barrel to effectively fire both types of ammunition through the interlocking portions and controlled separation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The spin-generated forces that would normally cause unpredictable separation of multi-projectile ammunition are converted into a beneficial controlled radial expansion mechanism, where the centrifugal force drives the predetermined separation pattern through the tether/braking system
3Area of stationary object
If projectile portions are allowed to separate randomly, then coverage area increases, but gaps develop between segments at longer ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The tether/braking system provides continuous feedback control during the separation process, adjusting the radial expansion to maintain uniform spacing between projectile portions throughout their flight path, preventing gaps from developing at longer ranges
4Reliability
If interlocking projectile portions are used to maintain unity, then accuracy is maintained, but radial expansion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The separation occurs in a controlled periodic manner after exiting the barrel, where the interlocking portions maintain unity during muzzle blast and initial flight for accuracy, then systematically separate through the tether/braking mechanism to achieve rapid radial expansion at the optimal 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 design achieves a uniform and predictable spread pattern, increasing hit probability at both ultra-close and long ranges by harnessing spin-generated forces and controlled radial expansion, outperforming traditional buckshot and maintaining accuracy comparable to single projectiles.
Implementation Method 1
a tether connecting the first and second projectile portions such that a spinning force imparted on the at least a first and second projectile portions causes the at least a first and second projectile portions to radially expand away from one another
Implementation Method 2
a multi-staged tether/brake system which begins to emerge, at first intentionally offering little resistance to slow down the rapid outward rate of expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-component projectile is disclosed. The multi-component projectile is designed for use with a rifled barrel and is configured to, upon exiting the rifled barrel, utilize the spinning forces imparted on the projectile while in the barrel to expand until the multi-component projectile achieves a predetermined pattern that is larger than an area of the barrel from which the projectile was fired. Methods of manufacturing the multi-component projectile are also disclosed.