Segmented Elastomeric Shotgun Cartridge with Motion Transfer Severing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 12 gauge shotgun 'area' rounds with rubber buckshot are inadequate for modern law enforcement and military needs, as they lack sufficient kinetic energy and payload, and are not versatile enough to serve as both less lethal and breaching rounds without causing collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A shotgun cartridge design featuring multiple projectile clusters joined by a thin web, with a motion transfer member that severs the web upon firing, allowing for higher muzzle velocity and kinetic energy delivery, and the option to switch between less lethal and breaching modes by changing the projectile material, such as using a soft elastomer or copper particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If rubber buckshot pellets are used in area rounds, then the projectiles can pass safely through the barrel, but the kinetic energy and payload are insufficient for modern law enforcement needs
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile is segmented into multiple clusters, each containing multiple individual projectiles (e.g., 5 clusters of 5 projectiles = 25 total projectiles). This segmentation allows the payload to be distributed across many small projectiles while maintaining sufficient kinetic energy through the use of a powerful propellant charge and clustered configuration that optimizes gas pressure utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction where projectiles are made from elastomeric material (such as rubber or silicone) that can be filled with metallic powder or other dense materials. This composite approach increases the density and kinetic energy of each projectile while maintaining the flexibility and safety characteristics of elastomeric materials.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple projectiles are discharged to increase payload, then crowd control capability is improved, but the risk of lethality and collateral damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the projectiles by using soft elastomeric materials instead of hard metals, and by controlling the size, shape, and mass distribution of individual projectiles. These parameter changes reduce the penetrating power and lethality risk while maintaining crowd control effectiveness through the multiplicity of projectiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs numerous inexpensive, disposable elastomeric projectiles that are designed to deform and dissipate energy upon impact rather than penetrate deeply. These projectiles are intentionally made to be non-lethal through their material properties and design, allowing safe use against multiple targets.
3Speed
If hard rubber buckshot is used, then the pellets can pass through the barrel, but the hardness causes collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the hardness parameter of the projectile material from hard rubber (60-90 Shore A) to soft elastomeric materials. This parameter change allows the projectiles to maintain sufficient muzzle velocity while dramatically reducing collateral damage potential, as the soft material deforms on impact rather than shattering or penetrating deeply into surrounding objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts what would traditionally be a harmful characteristic (projectile hardness) into a beneficial one by using soft elastomeric materials that naturally dissipate kinetic energy through deformation. This converts the potential harm of hard projectile impact into the benefit of controlled energy dissipation that stops threats without causing collateral damage.
4Force
If a single projectile is used in a point cartridge, then lethality is focused on a single target, but the kinetic energy density is insufficient for effective knock down power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing a single projectile into multiple smaller projectiles clustered together (e.g., 5 projectiles per cluster). When fired, these clustered projectiles deliver concentrated force to a single target area, providing effective knock down power through the cumulative impact of multiple projectiles hitting the same general area simultaneously.
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 new cartridge achieves twice the number of projectiles and payload with higher muzzle velocity, providing effective crowd control, 'knock down' power, and breaching capabilities while minimizing lethality and collateral damage, with the ability to disable vehicles and break through glass and metal barriers safely.
Implementation Method 1
the primer ignites the powder charge. The powder charge, as it burns, produces expanding gases
Implementation Method 2
produces expanding gases, which act to propel the piston forward
Implementation Method 3
the center post has, at its forward end, a cutting surface, which, in cooperation with an overlying disc, is adapted to sever the web that connects the projectiles of the cluster
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge includes a segmented elastomeric projectile and associated motion transfer member. The motion transfer member includes a cutting surface to separate the projectile segments when deployed. In a preferred embodiment, a cartridge includes a plurality of segmented elastomeric projectiles, each with its own motion transfer member. A piston element which is deployed by expanding gases, includes a force transfer element which engages an overlying motion transfer member which, in turn, engages its overlying transfer member. As each transfer member engages an overlying transfer member, its projectile is severed into its constituent segments.