Paintball Land Mine Using Reed Valves and Segmented Combustion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paintball firing devices are not field serviceable and lack the ability to fire multiple paintballs simultaneously, use a range of projectile types and speeds, and have inefficient propellant utilization.

Innovation Solution

A paintball land mine that utilizes a firearm blank or nail gun cartridge as propellant, incorporates reed valves to manage propellant ejection, and is designed to be disassembled and remotely activated, allowing for the simultaneous firing of multiple paintballs with various projectile types and speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a paintball firing device is designed to fire multiple paintballs simultaneously, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of paintballs fired simultaneouslyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple independent barrel assemblies, each capable of firing a paintball. The combustion chamber is segmented into multiple combustion chambers, with each chamber associated with a specific barrel assembly. This segmentation allows simultaneous firing of multiple paintballs while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates universal components that serve multiple functions. The reed valve manifold integrates multiple reed valves into a single manifold structure that controls propellant flow to multiple barrels. The propellant reservoir serves all combustion chambers simultaneously. This multi-functionality increases productivity while controlling overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device is made field serviceable with interchangeable components, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to change projectiles and fpsVSAvoiddisassembly and assembly requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs segmented, modular components including interchangeable barrel assemblies, combustion chambers, and propellant reservoirs. Each module can be independently removed and replaced, allowing field serviceability and adaptability to different projectile types and performance requirements without requiring complete disassembly of the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic, adjustable features such as interchangeable barrel assemblies that can be swapped to change projectile type and fps characteristics. The modular design allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements by reconfiguring which components are installed, providing versatility while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of substance

If reed valves are used to prevent rapid escape of unused propellant, then the loss of substance decreases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropellant escapeVSAvoidvalve mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reed valves are passive, self-actuating components that automatically open and close based on pressure differentials without requiring external control mechanisms. When propellant pressure builds, the reed valves open to allow controlled discharge; when pressure equalizes, they automatically close to prevent propellant escape. This self-service mechanism reduces propellant loss while adding minimal complexity compared to actively controlled valve systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanically actuated valve systems with simple reed valves that operate based on inherent pressure differentials. This substitution eliminates the need for motors, solenoids, or complex mechanical linkages to control propellant flow, reducing device complexity while effectively preventing propellant escape through the passive self-regulating reed valve mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Power

If a firearm blank or nail gun cartridge is used as propellant, then the power increases, but the safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropellant forceVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The high-power propellant system is segmented into isolated combustion chambers, each containing a firearm blank or nail gun cartridge. This segmentation confines the high-power propellant to specific, controlled locations, maximizing the power available for firing paintballs while minimizing safety hazards by preventing uncontrolled dispersion of propellant throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reed valves serve as intermediary components between the high-power propellant and the external environment. These valves control and mediate the release of propellant gases, allowing the high-power propellant to effectively fire paintballs while preventing uncontrolled escape of hot gases and debris that would create safety hazards. The reed valves act as a safety interface between the powerful propellant system and the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device achieves efficient and simultaneous firing of multiple paintballs with a high success rate, utilizing a wide range of projectile types and speeds, while being lightweight, durable, and easy to use, with improved propellant utilization and remote activation capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the reed valve associated with the ejected paintball is closed, thereby preventing the rapid escape of unused propellant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

after the initial blast of the propellant to eject each paintball, the reed valve associated with the ejected paintball is closed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

utilizes a firearm blank or nail gun cartridge for its propellant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 4

firearm blank or nail gun cartridge for its propellant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure increase: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12066275B2Paintball land mine and methods of making and using same
Publication Date: 2024.08.20 COATES PAUL R
  • US12066275B2 patent drawing
  • US12066275B2 patent drawing
  • US12066275B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is generally related to paint ball firing devices. More specifically, the present invention is related to paintball land mines, which can fire multiple paintballs simultaneously and methods of making and using same. Furthermore, the present invention is capable of allowing the device to be disassembled (i.e., field serviceable) and provides a range of combustion chambers, barrel assemblies, and cartridges to be used in the device. In this manner, a wide range of projectile types and feet per second (f.p.s.) projectiles can be used in the device.