Non-Pyrotechnic Stun Grenade Using Inflatable Bag Rupture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Stun grenades using pyrotechnic charges pose a risk of fire and injury due to their potential for igniting, and existing non-pyrotechnic alternatives may not effectively replicate the desired flash and noise effects for crowd control and training purposes.
Innovation Solution
A non-pyrotechnic grenade device utilizing a compressed gas source connected to an inflatable bag, which is rapidly inflated and then ruptured to produce a loud noise, combined with a flash source for illumination, controlled by a solenoid and printed circuit board for synchronized operation, and featuring safety mechanisms to prevent unintended activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If pyrotechnic charges are used in stun grenades, then flash and noise effects are achieved, but fire risk and injury potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pyrotechnic chemical system with a mechanical-compressed gas system. A compressed gas cylinder connected to a balloon via a valve mechanism generates the noise effect through rapid inflation and subsequent rupture, eliminating fire hazards while maintaining the acoustic impact. The flash effect is separately generated using a flash lamp that is electrically activated, decoupling the illumination function from the noise-generating mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful pyrotechnic charge component from the grenade system and replaces it with separate, safer subsystems. The noise function is achieved through a compressed gas-driven balloon rupture mechanism, while the flash function is achieved through an independent electric flash lamp, both controlled by electronic timing circuits. This extraction eliminates fire risk while preserving the intended crowd control effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-pyrotechnic compressed gas devices are used, then fire risk is reduced, but noise intensity and effectiveness may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes parameters of the compressed gas system to achieve sufficient noise intensity. The compressed gas is stored at high pressure (specific pressure range not disclosed but optimized for effectiveness). The balloon is designed with specific material properties and dimensions to rupture at a controlled pressure threshold, generating noise in the 170-175 dB range. The rapid expansion and rupture parameters are carefully tuned to maximize acoustic output while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction for the balloon component, combining materials with specific properties: the balloon material is designed to be sufficiently strong to contain high-pressure gas during inflation but weak enough at the rupture point to fail catastrophically and generate loud noise. The canister housing uses rigid material for structural integrity, while the cap uses softer material to minimize injury risk upon impact.
3Productivity
If synchronized flash and noise effects are implemented, then crowd control effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through pre-programmed electronic timing circuits that are set before deployment. The control circuit is pre-configured with specific time delays to sequence the flash lamp activation and the compressed gas valve opening. When triggered, the system automatically executes the synchronized sequence without requiring real-time manual control, achieving coordinated flash-noise effects while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit serves multiple functions: it triggers the flash lamp, controls the compressed gas valve timing, and coordinates the sequence of operations. The compressed gas system serves dual purposes of propelling the balloon cap and generating the noise effect upon rupture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing overall system complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If safety mechanisms are added to prevent unintended activation, then user safety is improved, but ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action through a safety pin mechanism that physically blocks the trigger handle from moving into the activated position. The pin must be removed before the device can be triggered, preventing accidental discharge during handling or transport. This mechanical safeguard is integrated into the trigger mechanism itself, so that when the pin is removed and the handle is pulled, the device is guaranteed to activate only if intentionally prepared for use.
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 device generates a high-intensity flash and loud noise without the risk of fire, effectively simulating a conventional grenade while ensuring user safety, with the inflatable bag's rapid inflation and controlled rupture achieving a sound intensity of 170-175 dB at one meter distance.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed gas source (30) and having the compressed gas source connected by a conduit (46) to an inflatable bag (44)
Implementation Method 2
A valve (42) in the conduit controls the discharge of gas through the conduit from the compressed gas source to the inflatable bag
Implementation Method 3
A flash source (32) is installed on the canister for generating external illumination
Implementation Method 4
The missile includes a canister housing a compressed gas source... to first inflate and then rupture the bag
Data Source
AI summary
A stun grenade that provides a flash and an associated loud report without use of pyro-ignition sources. The flash is generated by discharge of a conventional flash bulb. The loud, explosive noise comes from rupturing of an inflatable bag at a predetermined rupture pressure and inflation volume.