Segmented Non-Lethal Projectile Unfolding Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-lethal ammunition projectiles face limitations in achieving high initial speed while ensuring a stopping action that is not life-threatening, due to their cylindrical design and material constraints, which restricts their effective range and application in self-defense scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The NASTAR projectile employs a design with segmented impact elements that unfold in flight, increasing the contact area and stabilizing through air flow, allowing for reduced speed and energy to safe parameters, using composite materials like rubber or plastics, and is suitable for industrial production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical projectile design is used, then the projectile can be manufactured with simple geometry and fit standard barrels, but the contact impact plane cannot change and the effective range is limited to very close distances
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile is divided into multiple segmented elements that can rotate and unfold during flight. These segments are connected by a flexible membrane, allowing the projectile to transition from a compact cylindrical shape for barrel passage to an expanded configuration with increased contact area for non-lethal impact, thereby extending effective range while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile employs dynamic geometry that changes during flight. The segmented elements are capable of rotation and unfolding, transforming the projectile from a static cylindrical form to a dynamic expanded structure. This dynamic transformation increases the contact impact plane area, extending the effective non-lethal range beyond the limitations of fixed cylindrical designs
2Adaptability or versatility
If the projectile diameter is increased to extend effective range, then the stopping action can be maintained at greater distances, but the projectile cannot pass through standard firearm barrels
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile employs a nested configuration where segmented elements are contained within a compact cylindrical form factor that fits standard firearm barrels. During flight, these nested segments unfold and expand outward, increasing the effective diameter and contact area. This nesting principle allows the projectile to pass through restricted barrel dimensions while achieving a larger impact footprint at the target
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile transitions from a two-dimensional cross-sectional area when fired through the barrel to a three-dimensional expanded structure during flight. The segmented elements unfold in multiple directions, increasing the contact impact plane area without requiring an initially large diameter. This dimensional transformation enables the projectile to pass through standard barrels while achieving extended effective range
3Object-affected harmful factors
If soft materials are used for non-lethal projectiles, then penetration and serious injury are prevented, but the projectile weight and energy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile uses multiple segmented elements made of soft, non-lethal materials such as rubber or elastomers. These soft materials prevent penetration and serious injury upon impact. The segmented design allows the soft materials to be distributed across multiple elements that unfold during flight, collectively providing sufficient mass and energy while maintaining the non-lethal property of the material itself
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile employs composite material construction combining soft non-lethal materials with structural components. The soft materials (rubber, elastomers) provide the non-lethal impact characteristic, while the segmented structure and connecting membrane provide structural integrity. This composite approach maintains adequate weight and energy for effective self-defense while preventing penetration through the use of inherently soft materials
4Speed
If the projectile speed is reduced to safe energy parameters, then non-lethal action is achieved, but the effective range and stopping power are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows the projectile to maintain higher initial speed through the barrel while the segments unfold during flight, increasing air resistance and gradually reducing speed to safe parameters before impact. The segmentation enables this progressive deceleration while maintaining effective range, as the expanded surface area provides continuous drag throughout the flight path
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile employs dynamic geometry that increases surface area during flight, creating progressive air resistance. The unfolded segmented elements provide increasing drag force as the projectile travels, naturally decelerating it to safe energy parameters while maintaining effective range. This dynamic drag management allows the projectile to transition from high-speed firing to controlled-impact velocities
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
This design effectively extends the usable range of non-lethal ammunition while preventing penetration and serious injury, making it suitable for self-defense and public safety applications by managing energy and speed according to medical standards.
Implementation Method 1
High frontal resistance to the air flow of the increased contact area of the NASTAR projectile allows to reduce dramatically the speed of the bullet and, accordingly, the energy of the projectile to acceptable parameters according to physiological and medical standards at high initial speed
Implementation Method 2
In flight, the projectile is stabilized by the rotation created by the action of the flow of air that accumulates on the petals performed in the form of an aircraft propeller (airplane, etc.)
Data Source
AI summary
A non-lethal projectile comprises a rear portion in the form of a cylinder (2) coupled to at least two symmetrical petal-like impact elements (1) which are capable of opening upon leaving a bore and are designed to form, in a closed configuration, a cylinder having an outside diameter equal to the diameter of the cylindrical rear portion and also having an axial cylindrical opening which transitions into an axial opening in the cylindrical rear portion of the projectile. The petal-like elements have an asymmetrical cross section and an inner conical groove, the base of which is disposed at the rear portion-end of the projectile, wherein, in the front portion, each petal-like element has a unidirectional relief.