Projectile Launcher Latch Mechanism for Safe Gas Pressure Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectile launchers fail to reliably retain projectiles until a selected amount of gas pressure accumulates and often risk using live ammunition, which poses safety hazards and regulatory issues.
Innovation Solution
A projectile launcher design featuring an elongated cylindrical body with a movable latch element biased to a retention position, which is overridden by gas pressure to launch the projectile, and a blocking mechanism to prevent live ammunition use, ensuring gas pressure builds up safely behind the projectile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable latch element biased to a retention position is used, then the projectile is reliably retained until sufficient gas pressure builds up, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element is designed to automatically release when gas pressure reaches the threshold level, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms. The biased latch element self-activates upon pressure buildup, providing reliable retention during loading and automatic release during launch without additional complex control systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the combustion chamber closely receives the cartridge to prevent live ammunition use, then safety is improved, but the ability to reliably build gas pressure may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A gas redirector is introduced as an intermediary component between the combustion chamber and the projectile. This redirector channels the propellant gas flow to ensure reliable pressure buildup behind the projectile while maintaining the close-fit combustion chamber design that prevents live ammunition misuse. The gas redirector mediates between the safety constraint and the performance requirement.
3Reliability
If the latch element is biased to the retention position, then the projectile is securely held, but the force required to overcome the biasing may vary
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element incorporates a cam surface that provides progressive release as gas pressure builds. The cam surface geometry ensures that the latch transitions smoothly from the retention position to the released position at a consistent pressure threshold, regardless of variations in the biasing force. This dynamic geometric relationship maintains operation consistency while preserving secure retention.
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 solution effectively retains projectiles until sufficient gas pressure is achieved for reliable launch while preventing the use of live ammunition, enhancing safety and compliance by directing high-pressure gas safely behind the projectile, ensuring consistent and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
the latch element being biased to the retention position
Implementation Method 2
a gas pressure above a selected amount builds up behind the projectile to overcome the biasing of the latch
Data Source
AI summary
Projectile launchers have an elongated cylindrical body defining a projectile bore having a bore axis, the body having an open forward exit end, the body having a gas inlet facility at an opposed rear end, a movable latch element connected to the body and having a latch portion movable between a retention position in which the latch portion protrudes into the bore and a release position, and the latch element being biased to the retention position such that a projectile in the bore rearward of the latch is retained by the latch portion except until a gas pressure above a selected amount builds up behind the projectile to overcome the biasing of the latch and launch the projectile. The latch element may be clear of the bore when in the release position.