Segmented Non-Lethal Projectile Nose for Controlled Payload Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-lethal projectiles fail to provide controlled dispersion of payloads upon impact, leading to unpredictable distribution and reduced effectiveness, as well as tradeoffs between kinetic energy dissipation and payload type or quantity.
Innovation Solution
A non-lethal projectile design featuring a frame, guide expander, expander cap, resilient layer, and marker packet, where the expander base and cap absorb kinetic energy, and the resilient layer compresses to disperse the payload evenly upon impact, utilizing a weakened structure to absorb and distribute energy and facilitate payload dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a frangible rigid polymer foam material is used for the nose portion to crush upon impact, then kinetic energy is dissipated effectively, but payload dispersion becomes random and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile nose is divided into multiple segments (first nose segment, second nose segment, third nose segment) connected by weakened portions. Upon impact, these segments separate in a controlled manner along the weakened portions, providing both kinetic energy dissipation through fragmentation and controlled payload dispersion as the payload is released through the segmented structure.
2Loss of energy
If a deformable head is used to absorb kinetic energy, then kinetic energy is absorbed upon impact, but payload dispersion control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable head is segmented into multiple nose segments connected by weakened portions. This segmentation allows the head to deform and absorb kinetic energy while the controlled separation along weakened portions maintains precision in payload dispersion, resolving the contradiction between energy absorption and dispersion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The weakened portions are pre-positioned in specific locations on the nose segments before impact. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when kinetic energy is absorbed during deformation, the payload will be dispersed in a controlled manner through the pre-determined weakened portions, maintaining both energy absorption and dispersion control.
3Loss of energy
If the nose is designed to crush upon impact, then kinetic energy is dissipated, but payload reaches desired location and extent of dispersion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nose is segmented into multiple sections connected by weakened portions positioned at specific locations. Upon impact, the nose crushes and segments separate along these pre-determined weakened portions, dissipating kinetic energy while simultaneously releasing the payload in a controlled manner to ensure it reaches the desired location and extent of dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The weakened portions are pre-positioned to optimize both kinetic energy dissipation and payload delivery. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the nose crushes upon impact, the payload is released through the pre-planned pathways, maintaining reliability of payload delivery while achieving effective energy dissipation.
4Loss of energy
If frangible powder payload is used, then kinetic energy dissipation is reduced compared to viscoelastic materials, but payload quantity and type flexibility is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented nose structure with controlled separation along weakened portions enhances the effectiveness of frangible powder payloads. The segmentation creates multiple release points and dispersion pathways, allowing frangible powder to be distributed more effectively, compensating for its lower kinetic energy dissipation compared to viscoelastic materials while maintaining payload flexibility.
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 design ensures even payload dispersion and reduced kinetic energy transfer to the target, minimizing injury while effectively delivering the payload over a larger surface area, enhancing safety and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient layer compresses to disperse the payload evenly upon impact
Implementation Method 2
the expander base and cap absorb kinetic energy
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a weakened structure to absorb and distribute energy and facilitate payload dispersion
Data Source
AI summary
A payload dispersion system for a non-lethal projectile including a resilient layer and a marker packet having a hollow body including a lower surface, at least a partial opening centrally disposed, an upper surface, a volume formed by the lower surface, the at least a partial opening and the upper surface and a payload contained within the volume. The upper surface of the marker packet includes a wall and at least one weakened portion within the wall. The lower surface of the marker packet contacts an upper surface of the resilient layer.