Plated Bismuth Shot Coating for Better Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bismuth shot products do not meet the performance requirements for shotgun shells, particularly in terms of penetration and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A plated bismuth shot is developed, comprising a bismuth core coated with a metal or metal alloy having a higher hardness than bismuth, such as copper or nickel, to enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bismuth shot is used as an alternative to other metals, then environmental compliance and safety are improved, but penetration performance and effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a bismuth core with a harder metal coating (such as tin, tungsten, or copper). This creates a composite shot pellet that maintains the environmental compliance of bismuth while gaining the penetration performance of harder metals through the coating layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different material properties in different regions of the shot pellet. The core maintains bismuth's environmental compliance and basic properties, while the outer coating provides enhanced hardness and penetration performance where it is most needed during impact.
2Strength
If bismuth-tin or bismuth-tin-tungsten alloys are used, then shot performance is improved compared to pure bismuth, but penetration effectiveness still does not meet requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure with a bismuth-based alloy core and a separate harder metal coating layer. This composite approach provides superior penetration effectiveness compared to homogeneous alloys, as the coating layer specifically addresses the hardness deficiency while the core maintains the desired base properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter distribution by creating a layered structure with different hardness values in different regions. The core maintains lower hardness for environmental compliance, while the coating provides high hardness for penetration, achieving a parameter distribution that homogeneous alloys cannot provide.
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 plated bismuth shot demonstrates improved penetration and hitting accuracy, as evidenced by increased hit percentage and depth of penetration in ballistic gel tests, and effective field kills in hunting scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a metal coating plated on the core, wherein the metal coating comprises a metal having a hardness greater than bismuth
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to plated bismuth shot for shotgun shells and methods of making.