Projectile Lighting System With Delayed Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems do not effectively illuminate a distant area following a time delay in a safe and reliable manner.
Innovation Solution
A projectile lighting system comprising a hollow case, a hollow projectile with a firing assembly and illumination assembly, and an electrical assembly that includes a timer and switch, allowing for delayed illumination after ignition of an explosive propellant charge, using a frangible sabot and sources of ultraviolet illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a projectile lighting system is designed to illuminate a distant area following a time delay, then the illumination effectiveness is improved, but the system complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a projectile portion containing illumination sources, a sabot for launch, and a firing assembly with timer mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The timer mechanism is pre-set within the firing assembly to automatically activate the illumination sources after a predetermined time delay following projectile launch. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual timing control during operation.
2Reliability
If a time delay mechanism is implemented for delayed illumination, then the operational safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timer mechanism is pre-configured with the desired time delay before launch. This preliminary setup ensures that illumination occurs only after the projectile has safely traveled to the target area, eliminating the need for complex real-time safety monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The firing assembly automatically controls the illumination timing through its integrated timer mechanism without requiring external control systems. The system self-regulates the delay period, reducing complexity while maintaining safety.
3Strength
If a rigid case and projectile structure are used, then the durability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid case and projectile structures are applied only in critical areas where strength is necessary for launch and illumination, while other components use cost-effective materials. This localized application of high-strength materials reduces overall manufacturing costs while maintaining necessary durability.
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
Enables safe and reliable illumination of a distant area with a time delay, ensuring durability and cost-effectiveness while maintaining operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
A firing assembly includes an explosive propellant charge
Implementation Method 2
sources of ultraviolet illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A case is formed of a side wall with a front and rear end. The case has a base. A projectile is formed of a side wall with a front end having a shaped section and a rear end with a base. The projectile is positioned within the case. The rear end of the projectile is spaced from the rear end of the case to form a rearward chamber. A firing assembly includes a charge within the rearward chamber and a firing means. An illumination assembly includes a source of illumination. An electrical assembly includes a timer and a switch. In this manner the source of illumination may be illuminated following igniting the charge and passage of time as determined by the timer.