Projectile Inductive Charging and Payload Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-lethal and lethal projectiles face issues such as difficulty in targeting, limited range, inaccuracy, high cost, complex configuration, and unreliable power due to internal batteries, which can drain and render them unusable over time, especially in scenarios requiring immediate readiness.
Innovation Solution
The projectile system employs inductive charging using a magnet and coil to energize an energy storage means, allowing the projectile to arm only upon launch, eliminating the need for internal batteries and enabling controlled release of a payload at varying distances and times, with adjustable magnetic fields and communication between the launcher and projectile for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal batteries are used to power projectile components, then the projectile can operate independently, but the batteries occupy substantial space, increase weight, and drain charge over time rendering the projectile unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery from the projectile entirely, extracting the power source function from the moving object. Instead, the projectile uses a coil that is energized by an external launcher system through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the weight and space constraints of internal batteries while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic field as the energy transfer medium between the launcher and projectile. The launcher generates a magnetic field that induces current in the projectile's coil, serving as a mediator to transfer energy without requiring physical contact or internal power storage in the projectile.
2Reliability
If internal batteries are used to power projectile components, then the projectile can operate independently, but the manufacturing cost increases due to expensive batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the expensive battery component from the projectile, replacing it with a simple coil and electronic circuitry that can be manufactured at lower cost. The energy storage function is transferred to the launcher system, which can reuse the same power source for multiple projectiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable projectile design where the inexpensive coil and electronic components are discarded with the projectile after single use, while the expensive power source remains in the reusable launcher system. This reverses the traditional approach of making the power source disposable.
3Ease of operation
If internal batteries are used to power projectile components, then the projectile can arm itself, but the charge drains over time requiring shelf replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the arming action preliminarily but externally - the launcher system charges the projectile's coil and arms the explosive just before launch through electromagnetic induction. This eliminates the need for long-term internal power storage while maintaining the self-arming capability at the moment of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile maintains passive readiness without active power consumption, using a simple coil and circuitry that remain dormant until energized by the launcher. The system serves itself by being always potentially activatable without requiring active maintenance or power management.
4Reliability
If high voltage electric shock is used to immobilize suspects, then the suspect can be immobilized, but accurate targeting is required and cardiac arrest may result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projectile into multiple components that separate upon activation - a hollow projectile body containing explosive charge and separate delivery mechanisms. This segmentation allows the payload to disperse in multiple directions upon impact, reducing the need for precise single-point targeting while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear projectile trajectory to three-dimensional payload dispersion. The hollow projectile delivers payload that expands in multiple spatial dimensions upon activation, creating a volumetric effect zone rather than a single-point impact, thereby reducing targeting precision requirements.
5Speed
If paintball filled with capsicum powder is used, then range issues are improved, but accurate targeting is still required and powder release control is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of payload release through electronically controlled mechanisms that can adjust the timing, direction, and extent of powder dispersal. The release system transitions from passive one-dimensional burst to actively controlled multi-directional dispersion, enabling effective control of the incapacitating agent delivery.
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
This solution provides a more controlled and accurate release of the payload without the need for impact, maintains projectile readiness, and eliminates power drain issues, ensuring the system is operational at all times, enhancing both non-lethal and lethal applications.
Implementation Method 1
The projectile system employs inductive charging using a magnet and coil to energize an energy storage means
Data Source
AI summary
A launcher and projectile system include at least one magnet disposed on or within the launcher for charging a wire coil of the projectile to energize the projectile, thereafter having a housing of the projectile rupture, disintegrate, separate or otherwise have an opening created therein after launch to release a payload. In another embodiment, an accessory for a launcher and projectile is provided, the accessory comprising a magnet for charging a projectile that is launched by the launcher. The strength of magnetic field of the magnet may be adjusted for selective performance of the projectile.