Stacked ordnance electronic ignition sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Stacked projectile firearms have been less reliable due to issues with reloading and chain firing, and there is a need for systems and methods to employ projectile weapons for passive defense in military applications.

Innovation Solution

A stacked ordnance barrel assembly with an electronic ignition system, a control module for sequencing the ignition of firing charges, a sensing module to detect stimuli, and a disabler to render the device unusable after use, integrated with a mount for directional positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If stacked projectile firearms are used for active defense, then multiple firings between reloadings are achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to chain firing and compacting issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverate of fireVSAvoidfiring reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical ignition systems with an electronic ignition system that uses electrically activated primers. This substitution eliminates the mechanical chain firing problem where initial discharges feed back into subsequent loads, as the electronic system provides precise, isolated ignition of each charge in sequence without mechanical feedback loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary positioning of multiple projectiles and charges in a stacked configuration within the barrel, with each charge pre-positioned and ready for ignition. The electronic ignition system is pre-programmed with a timing sequence that ensures charges are ignited in the correct order from bottom to top, preventing chain firing before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If stacked projectile firearms are made disposable for passive defense, then reliability for area defense is improved, but device complexity increases due to electronic ignition and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassive defense reliabilityVSAvoidignition system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the entire stacked ordnance system as a disposable unit, eliminating the need for complex reloading mechanisms and maintenance systems. The device is loaded once with multiple projectiles and charges, then deployed for passive defense and discarded after use, simplifying the overall system by removing long-term operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic ignition system is designed to be self-activating through remote sensing mechanisms that automatically trigger the pre-programmed ignition sequence when detection parameters are met. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual operation or complex control interfaces, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliability for passive defense applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If precise positioning of each projectile is required for reloading, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult reloading procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojectile positioning precisionVSAvoidreloading ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the reloading operation entirely by pre-positioning multiple projectiles and charges in a stacked configuration during manufacturing. Each projectile and charge is precisely positioned during assembly, and the entire stack is sealed within the barrel, making the device ready-for-use without requiring any precision reloading procedures during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution provides a reliable, disposable, and non-reusable projectile weapon for passive area defense, capable of directed and timed firing with non-lethal or lethal projectiles, and ensures safe disposal to prevent reuse or unintended detonation.

Implementation Method 1

An electronic ignition system with igniters and wiring transforms electrical energy to thermal energy to ignite the firing charges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

A stacked ordnance barrel assembly has multiple projectiles and charges positioned sequentially in a barrel. The ignition system ignites the firing charges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS20100011953A1Stacked ordnance
Publication Date: 2010.01.21 HINES PATENT LLC
  • US20100011953A1 patent drawing
  • US20100011953A1 patent drawing
  • US20100011953A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A stacked ordnance device provides a disposable and non reusable projectile weapon for passive area defense or denial. A stacked ordnance device has multiple projectiles and charges positioned sequentially in a barrel. A sensing module triggers a control module to enter a firing sequence. The firing sequence is the order and timing by which an electronic ignition system ignites firing charges and thereby shoots the projectiles. A mount positions the stacked ordnance device. The controller can also trigger a disabler that renders the stacked ordnance device unfit for subsequent use.