Superconducting Explosive Apparatus with Magnetic Pressure Burst
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-lethal explosive devices, such as those used for controlled demolition or riot control, are often unsafe due to high velocity explosive forces and unpredictable detonation times, posing risks of unintended explosions.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting explosive apparatus comprising a cryogenic container with a superconducting coil and an outer casing, where the coil generates outward magnetic pressure that is sustained until a trigger event causes the container and casing to burst into radially-dispersed fragments, providing a controlled and reliable explosive effect without traditional chemical explosives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional chemical explosives are used in non-lethal explosive devices, then high velocity explosive forces are achieved, but safety deteriorates due to unpredictable detonation times and risk of unintended explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical explosive systems with a electromagnetic system. A superconducting coil generates a magnetic field that creates outward magnetic pressure on a cryogenic container, which then bursts to produce the explosive effect. This substitution eliminates chemical reactions and provides precise electrical control over detonation timing, directly resolving the reliability issue while maintaining high explosive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the parameter change of superconductivity in the coil. By cooling the coil with cryogenic fluid to achieve superconducting state, the system can carry high current with zero resistance, generating intense magnetic fields and corresponding magnetic pressure. This parameter change enables controlled energy release without chemical explosives, improving both force control and safety.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the superconducting coil is charged to the superconducting state, then high-energy density explosive effect is achieved, but the risk of unintended detonation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the cryogenic container as an intermediary between the superconducting coil and the external environment. The container withholds the magnetic pressure generated by the charged coil, and only bursts when intentionally triggered. This intermediary structure enables the system to store high energy safely during charging and only release it when desired, eliminating the direct hazard of unintended detonation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging of the superconducting coil to establish the magnetic field and magnetic pressure before the actual explosive event is needed. The cryogenic container is designed to withstand this pre-charged state, and the detonation is triggered only when a specific event occurs. This preliminary action separates energy storage from energy release, improving safety.
3Strength
If the cryogenic container and outer casing are designed to withstand outward magnetic pressure, then structural integrity is maintained during charging, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cryogenic container serves multiple functions: it provides thermal insulation to maintain the superconducting state, contains the cryogenic fluid for cooling, withholds the outward magnetic pressure during charging, and acts as part of the explosive structure when it bursts. The outer casing similarly serves both protective and structural roles. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating separate components for each function.
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 apparatus offers a safer and more reliable non-lethal explosive solution by minimizing the risk of unintended detonation and providing a high-energy density explosive effect with controlled fragmentation, suitable for commercial and riot control applications.
Implementation Method 1
While the superconducting coil is carrying a current, is in a superconducting state, and is being cooled by the cryogenic fluid stored in the cryogenic container, an outward magnetic pressure is imposed on the cryogenic container and the outer casing
Implementation Method 2
a cryogenic container configured to store a cryogenic fluid... While the superconducting coil is carrying a current, is in a superconducting state, and is being cooled by the cryogenic fluid stored in the cryogenic container
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, an apparatus includes a cryogenic container configured to store a cryogenic fluid, a superconducting coil disposed within the cryogenic container, and an outer casing surrounding at least a lateral surface area of the cryogenic container. The apparatus is configured such that, while the superconducting coil is carrying a current, is in a superconducting state, and is being cooled by the cryogenic fluid stored in the cryogenic container, an outward magnetic pressure is imposed on the cryogenic container and the outer casing. The cryogenic container and the outer casing are configured to withstand the outward magnetic pressure for at least a predetermined period of time, including while the superconducting coil is being charged to the superconducting state. An occurrence of a trigger event while the outward magnetic pressure is being imposed causes the cryogenic container and the outer casing to expand and burst into radially-dispersed fragments.