Projectile Impact Marking with Chemiluminescent Dye Ampoule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing training projectiles are limited to either day or night use, and their cost effectiveness is a concern due to the need for larger quantities in training scenarios, necessitating a solution for both day and night marking capabilities at a reduced cost.
Innovation Solution
A frangible projectile design featuring a hollow nose cap with an ampoule containing a first luminescent dye component and a vial with a second luminescent dye component, where the front crusher breaks the ampoule during launch and the rear crusher releases the mixed dyes upon impact, accompanied by a catalyst and phosphorus compound for enhanced visibility, usable in both day and night conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single marking mechanism is used in training projectiles, then the structure is simple and cost is reduced, but the projectile is limited to either day or night use only
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile is divided into distinct functional segments: a daytime marking mechanism containing colored smoke or dye and a nighttime marking mechanism containing chemiluminescent or pyrophoric materials. Each segment can be independently activated, allowing the projectile to provide appropriate marking functionality based on environmental conditions without requiring a completely complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile incorporates multiple marking mechanisms that serve different environmental conditions (day and night) within a single device. The daytime marking system provides visible smoke or dye trails during daylight hours, while the nighttime marking system provides luminescent or incendiary marking in darkness, making the projectile universally applicable for training operations regardless of lighting conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple marking mechanisms are integrated into one projectile, then both day and night marking capabilities are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the marking mechanisms into separate, modular components, each can be manufactured using standard, cost-effective processes. The daytime marking components (smoke generators, dye containers) and nighttime marking components (chemiluminescent sticks, pyrophoric elements) can be produced independently using established manufacturing techniques, avoiding the need for expensive custom-integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile employs disposable marking elements that are inexpensive to manufacture and consume. The daytime smoke/dye cartridges and nighttime chemiluminescent or pyrophoric markers are designed as single-use components that can be mass-produced at low cost, making the overall projectile economically viable for training operations where large quantities are required.
3Illumination intensity
If chemiluminescent components are used for marking, then night visibility is improved, but the chemical reaction may not give an optimal luminous effect
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile system allows for adjustment of chemical reaction parameters including the composition ratios of chemiluminescent materials, the amount of phosphorus or other pyrophoric elements, and the timing mechanisms for activation. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves reliable and intense luminous effects that are consistent across different environmental conditions and projectile velocities.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking mechanism employs composite material formulations combining chemiluminescent compounds with pyrophoric elements such as phosphorus. This composite approach enhances the luminous effect by combining the sustained light emission of chemiluminescence with the intense initial glow of pyrophoric combustion, creating a more reliable and brighter marking signal for nighttime operations.
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 projectile provides effective marking of the impact point during both day and night, utilizing luminescent and thermal glows, enhancing visibility with night vision and thermal imaging, while maintaining ballistic performance and safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second luminescent dye components to mix and react to give a luminous glow
Implementation Method 2
a phosphorus compound that is ignited when the rear crusher is thrown out of the projectile body during impact and this provides a thermal glow that is noticeable with night vision equipment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4A
Figure 3B
AI summary
The present invention describes a projectile (100,100a,100b,100c,100d) containing two luminescent dye components (123,125) and a dye powder (126). The first luminescent dye component (123) is contained in an ampoule (122) whilst the second luminescent dye component is contained in a vial (124) disposed inside the ampoule (122). A front crusher (120,120a) is provided at a front of the ampoule to crush into the ampoule and vial, thereby allowing the dye components to react and give a luminous glow. Upon impact at a target, a nose cap (110) of the projectile (100,100a,100b,100c,100d) breaks and a rear crusher (130) behind the ampoule throws the ampoule (122) forward and sputters the luminous dye out of the nose cap (110); at the same time, the dye powder (126) surrounding the ampoule is sputtered out to mark the point of impact. In addition, a thermal glow is also provided to mark the point of impact. Projectiles also allow light tracing.