Munition Propellant Unit with Selective Ignition and Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Munitions designed for specific operational ranges often require users to carry either ineffective or unsafe single munitions or large quantities, as existing designs do not efficiently manage multiple propellant charges, potentially leaving unexploded ordnance.

Innovation Solution

A munition with a propellant unit containing multiple charges, where only one charge is actuated to propel the projectile, with combustion products of unused charges vented to prevent unexploded ordnance, utilizing a rotatable cylinder with index assembly and manifold to direct and vent propellant combustion products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple propellant charges are included in a single munition to enable multiple engagement distances, then the versatility and adaptability of the munition is improved, but the risk of leaving unexploded ordnance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement distance optionsVSAvoidunexploded ordnance risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The propellant unit is divided into multiple separate propellant charges (first propellant charge, second propellant charge, etc.), each contained in its own chamber. This segmentation allows selective ignition of individual charges while ensuring that unignited charges are isolated and cannot accidentally detonate, thereby providing multiple engagement distance options without increasing UXO risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A vent passage acts as an intermediary between the propellant chambers and the external environment. This vent passage provides a safe discharge path for combustion products from unignited propellant charges, allowing them to be safely vented rather than containing pressure that could lead to accidental detonation. This mediator mechanism eliminates the harmful effect of unexploded ordnance while preserving the versatility of multiple propellant charges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single propellant charge is used to maintain simple munition design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to engage targets at multiple distances is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropellant unit structureVSAvoidengagement distance range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The propellant unit is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple functions by containing multiple propellant charges with different capacities. The same propellant unit structure can provide short-range, medium-range, and long-range engagement capabilities by selectively igniting different charges, eliminating the need for multiple different munition types and simplifying overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cylinder is made rotatable to dynamically change which propellant charge is positioned for ignition. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical propellant unit to adapt to different engagement distance requirements by rotating the cylinder to align the appropriate charge with the ignition source, providing versatility without requiring multiple static munition designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple propellant charges are ignited simultaneously to maximize effect, then the energy output is increased, but accuracy and controlled delivery are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropellant energy outputVSAvoidprojectile delivery accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of igniting all propellant charges simultaneously, the system applies partial action by igniting only the specific charge needed for the desired engagement distance. This selective ignition maintains energy efficiency and projectile delivery accuracy by using only the appropriate amount of propellant, avoiding the excessive energy and pressure that would result from simultaneous ignition of all charges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 the munition to be used at various engagement distances without leaving unexploded ordnance, ensuring safety and effectiveness by selectively using only the necessary propellant charge while venting unused combustion products.

Implementation Method 1

a primer mechanism for igniting the selected one of the propellant charges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

produce gas under pressure to cause the projectile to release from the propellant unit and travel along the barrel of a launcher

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas expansion:

Data Source

PatentUS9618306B2Munition with unexploded ordnance limiting

Publication Date: 2017.04.11 DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

A munition includes a projectile and a propellant unit. A propellant insert in the propellant unit has at least two propellant chambers each receiving a respective propellant charge. A primer mechanism is actuatable to ignite all of the propellant charges in the propellant insert. The combustion products of a selected one of the propellant charges are directed to the projectile and the combustion products of the non-selected propellant charges are vented.