Pyrotechnic Projectile with Mid-Flight Secondary Payload Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firearm projectiles with multiple components face limitations in range due to drag and aerodynamic inefficiencies, and electronic timing systems add weight and disrupt balance, reducing effectiveness in hitting moving targets.
Innovation Solution
A pyrotechnically timed projectile design that uses a delay column and expelling charge to release secondary projectiles mid-flight, optimizing range and accuracy by minimizing drag through aerodynamic alignment and adjustable delay times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple projectiles are used in a single round, then the likelihood of hitting a moving target increases, but the range is reduced due to drag and aerodynamic inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile system is segmented into a main projectile body and separate secondary projectiles (payloads). The main body maintains aerodynamic efficiency for long-range flight, while secondary projectiles are released mid-flight when the target is closer, ensuring each component optimizes for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pyrotechnic delay column is pre-configured within the projectile body to automatically ignite the expelling charge after a predetermined time delay. This preliminary action ensures the secondary projectiles are released at the optimal moment without requiring external intervention or complex timing mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If electronic timing fuzes are used to time the release of secondary projectiles, then the timing precision improves, but the weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic timing fuze is replaced with a pyrotechnic delay column that uses chemical combustion to measure and delay time. This substitution eliminates heavy electronics, batteries, and circuitry while providing sufficient timing precision for the application through the controlled burn rate of the pyrotechnic composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing mechanism uses changes in the physical state of pyrotechnic materials (from solid to gaseous through controlled combustion) to measure time elapsed. The burn rate and duration can be adjusted by changing the composition and geometry of the delay column, providing timing control without electronic components.
3Measurement precision
If electronic timing fuzes are installed in the projectile, then the timing accuracy improves, but the center of balance changes reducing effective range
Solution Approach 1:
Replacing electronic timing fuzes with a pyrotechnic delay column eliminates the need for heavy electronic components, batteries, and wiring within the projectile body. This reduction in mass and redistribution of components allows for better balance and aerodynamic properties, preserving or improving effective range while maintaining timing accuracy through the chemical timing mechanism.
4Force
If secondary projectiles are released with high initial velocity, then the release mechanism becomes more forceful, but the aerodynamic efficiency and range are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile system separates the functions of long-range travel (main body) and target engagement (secondary payloads). The main body maintains aerodynamic efficiency for maximum range, while secondary projectiles are released with moderate velocity at the optimal moment, allowing them to engage targets effectively without compromising the aerodynamic performance of the primary projectile.
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
Enhances the effective range and likelihood of hitting moving targets by ensuring secondary projectiles are propelled forward with minimal initial velocity but aerodynamically advantageous trajectory, offering improved accuracy and flexibility in targeting moving objects.
Implementation Method 1
the powder ignites the delay column. The formulation and amount of delay pyrotechnics determines the delay time
Implementation Method 2
When the delay column is burned, the final portion ignites an expelling charge. The expelling charge builds pressure in the projectile body and separates the projectile base from the main projectile housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a firearm projectile capable of releasing a secondary payload mid-flight through a pyrotechnic timing mechanism. Once the firearm is fired, the powder in the casing pushes out the projectile as a typical round. In addition, the powder ignites the delay column. The formulation and amount of delay pyrotechnics determines the delay time. When the delay column is burned, the final portion ignites an expelling charge. The expelling charge builds pressure in the projectile casing and separates the base plug from the main projectile housing. The expelling assembly pushes out the secondary payload out the rear of the projectile. Although the payload exits the rear of the projectile at minimum velocity, the net velocity of the payload is still in the forward direction.