Steady-Field Coilgun Acceleration Beyond Solenoid Midpoint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional coilguns face inefficiencies due to the need to repeatedly build and dissipate magnetic fields, leading to energy wastage and limited muzzle velocity, as the magnetic force on the projectile reverses direction at the midpoint of the solenoid, causing deceleration.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a steady-state magnetic field and methods to reverse the magnetic dipole moment of the projectile, such as using a magnetic sabot or a dipole moment flipper, to maintain acceleration beyond the midpoint, and employing multiple coil stages with alternating magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional coilguns repeatedly build and dissipate magnetic fields, then magnetic force is generated to propel the projectile, but energy is wasted and magnetic force reverses direction causing deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using alternating magnetic fields from multiple coil stages. Each coil stage is energized in sequence as the projectile passes through it, creating periodic magnetic forces that continuously accelerate the projectile without the energy waste of repeated field building and dissipation in a single coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single coil into multiple coil stages arranged in sequence along the barrel. Each stage independently generates magnetic force on the projectile as it passes, allowing continuous acceleration without the need to completely build and dissipate the entire magnetic field each shot, thereby improving energy efficiency.
2Speed
If traditional coilguns use a single solenoid, then magnetic field is generated, but magnetic force reverses at midpoint causing limited muzzle velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The single solenoid is segmented into multiple coil stages. Each stage provides a localized magnetic field that accelerates the projectile over a specific segment of the barrel, extending the total duration of acceleration beyond what a single solenoid could achieve before force reversal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by arranging coil stages so that as the projectile exits one stage's magnetic field, the next stage is already energized to provide continuous accelerating force, eliminating the force reversal and extending acceleration duration to increase muzzle velocity.
3Speed
If multiple coil stages with alternating magnetic fields are used, then continuous acceleration is maintained beyond midpoint, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each coil stage is designed to perform the same function of generating magnetic force on the projectile, but at different positions along the barrel. This modular universality allows the system to achieve continuous acceleration while keeping each individual coil stage relatively simple and interchangeable.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic energizing of alternating coil stages creates a wave-like pattern of magnetic fields that moves with the projectile, providing continuous acceleration. This periodic action allows the system to maintain simplicity in each individual stage while achieving complex overall behavior through coordinated 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
Achieves higher muzzle velocities and increased energy efficiency by maintaining continuous acceleration and reducing energy loss through electromagnetic radiation, allowing for a higher rate of fire.
Implementation Method 1
energizing the electrical excitation coil produces a steady-state magnetic field within and around the muzzle end of the bore of the barrel, the steady-state magnetic field extending along a longitudinal axis of the barrel and longitudinally beyond the muzzle end of the barrel
Implementation Method 2
firing the magnetic sabot and housed nonmagnetic projectile by magnetically propelling the magnetic sabot, with the housed nonmagnetic projectile, along the longitudinal axis of the bore by a magnetic force produced by the steady-state magnetic field within and around the bore of the barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an electromagnetic coilgun system, the method comprising: an electromagnetic coilgun comprising: a barrel and a longitudinally extended electrical excitation coil; wherein the electrical excitation coil circumferentially surrounds a bore of the barrel, energizing the electrical excitation coil to produce a steady-state magnetic field within and around the bore of the barrel, the steady-state magnetic field extending along a longitudinal axis of the barrel; loading the barrel with a magnetic dipole projectile at a breech end of the barrel, wherein the loaded magnetic dipole projectile is oriented with a first magnetic dipole moment aligned to a magnetic field orientation of the steady state magnetic field; and firing the magnetic dipole projectile by magnetically propelling the magnetic dipole along the longitudinal axis of the bore by a magnetic force produced by the steady-state magnetic field within and around the bore of the barrel.