Non-Centerfire Less-Lethal Cartridge Primer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional less-lethal cartridges are not distinguishable from lethal cartridges, posing a risk of accidental use of lethal ammunition in less-lethal situations, as they share similar construction and compatibility with firearms, allowing unintended use of lethal cartridges in less-lethal scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Development of a non-centerfire less-lethal cartridge with a unique primer assembly that prevents the firing of conventional lethal cartridges, using a non-centerfire propellant assembly and primer design that ignites only when struck by an offset firing pin, ensuring compatibility only with less-lethal firearms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional less-lethal cartridges use similar construction to lethal cartridges for compatibility with standard firearms, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of accidental lethal use
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge case is designed with an asymmetric hexagonal outer diameter profile that does not align with the circular chamber of conventional firearms. This asymmetric geometry prevents lethal cartridges from being inserted into the less-lethal launcher while allowing the specialized less-lethal cartridges to be loaded properly, thus resolving the safety issue without compromising ease of operation for the intended cartridge type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If less-lethal cartridges are made compatible with conventional firearms for operational flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but harmful factors worsen due to potential misuse with lethal ammunition
Solution Approach 1:
The firing system is segmented into two distinct components: a specialized less-lethal launcher with a hexagonal chamber and a corresponding hexagonal cartridge. This segmentation creates a dedicated platform for less-lethal operations that is physically incompatible with conventional lethal firearms, thereby preventing misuse while maintaining operational flexibility for less-lethal missions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a unique non-centerfire primer assembly is used in less-lethal cartridges to prevent lethal cartridge firing, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The primer assembly is merged with the cartridge case structure to form an integrated non-centerfire ignition system. The primer is positioned in a recess at the base of the case and ignited by an offset firing pin, combining the primer, ignition chemistry, and case structure into a unified design that prevents compatibility with conventional firearms while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
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
Ensures that only less-lethal cartridges can be fired from the designed firearm, preventing accidental use of lethal ammunition and enhancing safety in less-lethal situations by creating a distinct incompatibility with conventional lethal cartridges.
Implementation Method 1
When the hammer or firing pin of the mechanical firing device, for example, a firearm, impacts the priming or primer compound, the primer compound explodes to ignite the propellant charge within the cartridge and the projectile is expelled from the cartridge casing.
Implementation Method 2
the primer compound explodes to ignite the propellant charge within the cartridge
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A non-centerfire mechanical firing device designed to operate with a non-centerfire cartridge, wherein a conventional centerfire or rimfire cartridge is not able to be fired from the non-centerfire firing device.