Over/Under Ballistic Launcher Break-Open Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing less-lethal projectile weapons, such as compressed air launchers and converted conventional firearms, are bulky, inconvenient, and pose risks of confusion with lethal ammunition, particularly in stressful situations, and require specialized training and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, handheld 'over/under' double barrel launcher with a break-open loading action, constructed from reinforced polymer materials, designed specifically for less-lethal projectile rounds, allowing one-handed operation and ensuring only less-lethal ammunition can be used, preventing accidental discharge of conventional lethal rounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional firearms are converted to use less-lethal ballistic projectile ammunition, then less-lethal projectile capability is achieved, but device complexity and potential for confusion with lethal ammunition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher is divided into separate barrel sections that can be individually opened and loaded, distinct from conventional firearm designs. This segmentation allows for specialized less-lethal ammunition chambers and firing mechanisms that prevent confusion with lethal ammunition.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized launcher device serves as an intermediary between conventional firearms and less-lethal projectiles. This dedicated platform ensures compatibility only with less-lethal ammunition, eliminating the risk of firing lethal rounds while maintaining ballistics effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compressed air launchers are used for less-lethal projectiles, then specialized projectile delivery is achieved, but weight and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex compressed air mechanisms with a simpler recoil-operated system. The launcher uses the natural recoil of firing to cycle the action, open the barrel, and eject spent casings, eliminating the need for heavy compressed air tanks and associated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The launcher is designed to be self-cycling through recoil operation. When a round is fired, the recoil automatically opens the barrel section, ejects the spent casing, and prepares the next chamber for firing, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex mechanical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional firearms are converted to less-lethal ammunition, then less-lethal capability is achieved, but ease of operation decreases due to two-handed manipulation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher features separate, modular barrel sections that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows one hand to control the weapon while the other manages ammunition loading, as each barrel section can be accessed and loaded independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The launcher employs dynamic, movable barrel sections that pivot open and closed during operation. This dynamic design allows the weapon to transition between firing and loading positions, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining safe ammunition handling.
4Adaptability or versatility
If compressed air launchers are used, then less-lethal projectile delivery is achieved, but device complexity and specialized training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex compressed air control systems are replaced with intuitive recoil-operated mechanics. The launcher automatically cycles through loading and firing sequences using the natural recoil of discharge, eliminating the need for specialized training on complex pneumatic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The launcher performs automatic cycling, ejection, and chamber preparation through recoil operation. This self-service mechanism reduces operational complexity to simple pull-trigger and load-ammunition actions, making the system accessible to users without specialized training.
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 launcher provides a compact, reliable, and safe means to deliver two shots of less-lethal projectiles with ease of loading and unloading, preventing the use of lethal ammunition and reducing the need for specialized training and equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a small charge that propels a bean bag, wood dowel, rubber slug or rubber shot
Implementation Method 2
A suspect can be incapacitated by the blunt force impact of a projectile shot from a less-lethal weapon
Data Source
AI summary
The light-weight handheld less-lethal ballistic projectile launcher is configured as an “over/under” double barrel handheld device with a “break open” loading action. The launcher includes a barrel section pivotally connected to receiver section. The barrel section pivots between an open load/unload position and a closed firing position. The barrel section includes two metal barrel sleeves that are press fit into axial bores formed in the body of the barrel section. The barrel section also includes an ejector, which locks the barrel section in the closed firing position and partially expels spent rounds from the barrel sleeves when the barrel section is opened. The receiver section houses the launcher's fire control mechanism. The fire control mechanism uses a traditional single action operation and ensures that rounds are alternatively discharged from each barrel and prevents rounds from both barrels from being discharged simultaneously.