Non-Lethal Projectile with Cellular Core and Elastic Hull
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-lethal projectiles face challenges in delivering energy effectively over a wide impact area without causing lethal injuries, particularly at short ranges, due to high central energy concentration and instability during ballistic phases, leading to severe injuries and limited energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic projectile design featuring an internal structure with low density cellular material and an external hull of low hardness and high elasticity, where the internal structure acts as a rigid skeleton to maintain aerodynamics and deform progressively upon impact, dispersing energy over a larger area through visco-elastic deformation and fragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If elastic or deformable material is used to expand impact area, then impact surface is increased, but central constraint remains high causing severe injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile is divided into multiple independent elements (divided solids grains) contained within an elastic bag. Each grain acts as a separate energy transfer unit, distributing the impact across multiple contact points rather than concentrating force in a single central area, thereby reducing peak stress while maintaining expanded impact surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile combines two distinct material systems: an elastic deformable bag (flexible container) and divided solids grains (rigid impact elements). This composite structure allows the bag to expand the impact area while the grains provide controlled energy transfer, balancing surface area expansion with stress distribution to reduce central constraint.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high density material is used to maintain aerodynamics, then flight stability is improved, but impact duration is shortened causing rapid force intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile uses low density material (apparent density less than 500 kg/m³) for the internal structure, inverting the conventional approach of using high density for aerodynamic stability. This parameter change allows the projectile to maintain sufficient flight characteristics while enabling prolonged impact duration through progressive deformation and energy absorption, preventing rapid force intensity spikes.
3Loss of energy
If external hard foam hull is used to absorb energy, then energy absorption is improved, but hull ruptures into harmful fragments
Solution Approach 1:
The external hull is designed as a sacrificial, disposable component that absorbs impact energy through controlled deformation and rupture. Rather than attempting to create a durable permanent structure, the hull is engineered to fulfill its energy absorption function temporarily and then disintegrate harmlessly, eliminating the risk of harmful fragment projection while maximizing energy absorption during the critical impact phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile employs a porous low density cellular material structure that provides extensive surface area for energy absorption through cell collapse and deformation. This porous architecture allows progressive energy absorption mechanisms while the material's inherent structure prevents formation of sharp, harmful fragments during rupture, as the porous nature promotes controlled disintegration rather than catastrophic fragmentation.
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
This design extends the impact duration and spreads kinetic energy over a wider area, reducing the intensity of force applied to the target, thereby minimizing damage and preventing lethal injuries while maintaining precision at longer ranges.
Implementation Method 1
an internal structure made principally with a low density cellular material characterized by a rupture elongation less than 10%; an external hull or wall surrounding the said structure, made of a material with a low hardness and an elongation before rupture greater than 100%
Implementation Method 2
The present invention combines and integrates the following constituents in a kinetic projectile for small or medium caliber: Optimizing the extension of impact duration and location area spreading. Said projectiles embodies an internal rigid structure with low static deformability
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a ballistic ammunition or projectile that is non-lethal or has controlled effects, of small or medium caliber. An internal structure is provided, made of a low-density cellular material with an elongation at break of less than 10%. An external casing encases the structure. The casing is made of a low hardness material with an elongation at break in excess of 100%. The casing is attached to the structure. The projectile may contain at least one cavity containing a different material from that of the structure and may also contain a payload.