Pyrophoric Projectile Impact Marking via Segmented Capsule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ammunition systems lack effective means to visibly mark the point of impact, especially in low-light conditions, and do not provide lasting evidence of the impact location for inspection or evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A projectile assembly incorporating a pyrophoric material and a signal dye, where the pyrophoric material generates light and heat upon impact, and the signal dye provides lasting visibility, is integrated into an ammunition cartridge assembly. The pyrophoric material is contained in a sealed capsule within the projectile, which disperses upon impact, igniting to produce light and heat, while the signal dye is dispersed to mark the impact location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If pyrophoric material is used to mark impact point with light and heat, then visibility at impact moment is improved, but the marking duration is too short and does not provide lasting evidence
Solution Approach 1:
The marking function is divided into two separate components: pyrophoric material for immediate light/heat generation and signal dye for lasting visual marking. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines pyrophoric material and signal dye within the same projectile assembly, allowing both immediate illumination and lasting marking to occur simultaneously at the impact point, resolving the contradiction between short-duration light and long-duration marking.
2Reliability
If pyrophoric material is contained in sealed capsule within projectile, then safety during handling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pyrophoric material is extracted from the main projectile body and placed into a separate sealed capsule. This extraction isolates the hazardous material, improving safety during handling and transport while minimizing its impact on the overall projectile design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed capsule containing pyrophoric material is nested within the projectile assembly, with the capsule fitting inside the projectile body. This nested structure contains the hazardous material in a compact, safe manner while maintaining projectile functionality.
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 marks the point of impact with both temporary light and heat from the pyrophoric material and lasting visibility from the signal dye, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions and providing evidence for inspection.
Implementation Method 1
the pyrophoric material 12 is ignited upon exposure to air so as to generate the light and heat
Implementation Method 2
the pyrophoric material 12 is ignited upon exposure to air so as to generate the light and heat
Implementation Method 3
the signal dye 14 is dispersed from the projectile assembly 10 onto the target
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile includes an ogive at a forward end and a projectile body removably coupled to an aft end of the ogive. A signal dye or a filler material is located within a first cavity in the projectile, wherein the first cavity is at least partially located within the ogive. A pyrophoric material is also located within the first cavity, wherein the pyrophoric material is hermetically sealed either within or by the first cavity.