Non-Spherical Shotgun Shot with Protruding Ring for Penetration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shotgun projectiles, such as shot pellets, have a uniform spherical shape that limits their distribution pattern and penetration effectiveness upon exiting the barrel, failing to optimize damage and spread across targets.

Innovation Solution

The development of non-spherical shot projectiles with features like an externally protruding ring, elongated or acorn-like configurations, and varying densities to enhance distribution and penetration, comprising materials like steel or tungsten alloys, which can be formed using powder presses or ball header machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional spherical shot pellets are used, then manufacturing is simple and uniform, but distribution pattern and penetration effectiveness are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidpenetration effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by modifying the spherical shape of shot pellets to include asymmetric features such as protrusions, dimples, or irregular surface patterns. These asymmetric modifications create uneven stress distribution and aerodynamic characteristics that enhance penetration effectiveness and distribution patterns while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through controlled forming processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by introducing specific localized features on the surface of shot pellets, such as protrusions or dimples at particular locations. These localized modifications alter the flow characteristics and impact dynamics of individual pellets, improving penetration effectiveness without requiring complete redesign of the entire pellet structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If non-spherical shot shapes are used, then distribution pattern and penetration are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution patternVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the shot pellet into distinct functional zones or features, such as protrusions, dimples, or multi-component structures. This segmentation allows each feature to perform a specific function in enhancing distribution or penetration, while the overall structure can be manufactured using modified conventional processes that handle segmented geometries systematically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dimensionality change by adding surface features or three-dimensional modifications to the traditionally two-dimensional spherical pellet. These additional dimensional features (protrusions, dimples, irregular surfaces) create varied aerodynamic and impact characteristics that improve distribution patterns without fundamentally complicating the manufacturing process, as they can be incorporated through surface treatment or forming techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8122832B1Projectiles for shotgun shells and the like, and methods of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2012.02.28 SPHERICAL PRECISION
  • US8122832B1 patent drawing
  • US8122832B1 patent drawing
  • US8122832B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Shot projectiles are disclosed that are not completely spherical. The shot may have a protruding ring, an elongated configuration, flat or concave surfaces, or other configurations that may affect the spreading distribution of the shot when fired or the ability to cause damage to a target.