Recoil Attenuated Launcher System with Two-Stage Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cartridge systems for launching payloads, such as chemical and pyrotechnic materials, are limited by payload capacity and recoil, making them unsuitable for handheld or shoulder-mounted configurations in hazardous environments, where increased size and weight of payloads are needed without excessive recoil.
Innovation Solution
A launcher system with a two-stage propulsion mechanism, using a first stage propulsion blank to drive a payload cartridge with a second stage propellant and primer, which reduces felt recoil by venting gases and utilizing a gas expansion-compression zone with pressure relief to manage recoil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the launcher diameter and payload capacity are increased to launch larger payloads, then the payload capacity is improved, but the recoil force increases making the launcher unsuitable for handheld or shoulder-mounted configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into two separate stages: a first stage propulsion blank that provides initial forward momentum to the payload cartridge, and a second stage payload propellant that provides the main propulsion force. This segmentation allows the recoil forces to be distributed across two separate ignition events rather than one large impulse, making the launcher manageable in handheld or shoulder-mounted configurations while still achieving high payload capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The first stage propulsion blank is ignited first to provide preliminary forward motion to the payload cartridge before the second stage payload propellant is ignited. This preliminary action reduces the peak recoil force by spreading the acceleration over time, allowing the launcher to handle larger payloads without excessive recoil that would prohibit handheld or shoulder-mounted operation
2Volume of moving object
If the launcher diameter is increased to accommodate larger payloads, then the payload volume is improved, but the device weight and size increase reducing portability
Solution Approach 1:
The two-stage propulsion system allows the launcher to achieve high payload volume capacity without requiring a proportionally large increase in launcher diameter. By using sequential ignition of two smaller propellant charges rather than one large charge, the launcher can accommodate larger payloads while maintaining a more compact and portable design suitable for handheld or shoulder-mounted operation
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 the launch of large payloads at moderate velocities with reduced recoil, allowing for handheld or shoulder-mounted operation in dangerous environments, such as combat or law enforcement situations, by distributing and mitigating recoil forces effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a gas expansion-compression zone at the breech end of the launcher tube, in communication with the propulsion blank chamber; and a pressure relief means to vent gas from the gas expansion-compression zone
Implementation Method 2
activating the propulsion blank to impart forward movement to the payload cartridge within the launcher tube from the expanding first stage propellant gases
Implementation Method 3
activating the cartridge primer and the cartridge propellant, imparting rearward movement to the cartridge case
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to launchers and launcher systems for discharging or launching payloads to downrange targets, and associated methods of using such launcher systems. This disclosure further provides methods for attenuating or reducing felt recoil such that relatively large weight payloads can be launched while the launcher is handheld or mounted in any manner. Examples of payloads that can be deployed with the disclosed launcher apparatus include chemical, biological, pyrotechnic, marker, tracer, signaling, non-lethal, anti-personnel, explosive, smoke, and similar payloads.