Patent Application
20230095694
The field of the invention is ordnance delivery systems.
The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
Until now, attempts have been made to incorporate sensors and other types of electronics packages into bullets, especially for small arms. However, up until now, those efforts were unsuccessful due to the high g-loads and harsh impacts of the environments. Firing a bullet exerts tremendous amounts of forces, heat, and other environmental factors on the bullet and the contents of the bullet therein. Upon impact, the effect can be even worse, depending on the density of the target. For delicate electronics components such as sensors, transmitters, processors and circuit boards, these forces can be destructive and often result in rendering the electronics components inoperable.
Moreover, an additional challenge in deploying electronics packages within bullets has been successfully retaining the electronics components embedded within the target, even in situations where part of the bullet exits the target. Applicant's own pending application Ser. No. 16/900,226 (incorporated by reference herein) addresses these challenges.
However, a particular challenge in deploying electronics packages within bullets is in the transmission of information from the electronics package. The size and reliability of antennas used can affect the range of transmission of the electronics package, and even influence whether a transmission is possible.
Thus, there is still a need for a solution that improves the antenna capabilities of successfully deployed electronics components in ballistics and ordnance within a target.
The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which an electronics ordnance delivery system includes an electronics component that includes a transmitter to transmit a wireless signal and a protective housing that is dimensioned to envelop the electronics component. The protective housing is made from a conductive material and is electronically coupled with the transmitter such that the protective housing functions as an antenna for the transmitter. Suitable materials can include, but are not limited to, aluminum, copper or stainless steel.
It is contemplated that, in embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the protective housing is coupled directly with the electronics component (and the transmitter) via an electrically-conductive connection such as via an electrically-conductive adhesive.
In other embodiments, the protective housing is coupled with the transmitter via a wire.
In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the system also includes an outer jacket that envelops the protective housing. The outer jacket includes a plurality of lines of weakened sections that cause the outer jacket to petal away during deployment into a target. These weakened sections can be serrated lines or perforation lines.
In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the outer jacket is also made of a conductive material and electronically coupled with the transmitter such that the outer jacket can also function as an antenna.
The transmitter can be one or more of a cellular transmitter, a Wi-Fi transmitter, a Bluetooth transmitter or an NFC transmitter.
Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.
The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
Bullet 100 includes an electronics component 110 which is enclosed within a housing exoskeleton 120 (also referred to as a protective housing 120) when the bullet is assembled. In the embodiment shown in
The deceleration sleeve 130 encases the housing exoskeleton 120 which contains the electronics component 110, all of which are encased within the outer jacket 150. The outer jacket 150 is then incorporated to finish the assembly of bullet 100. However, it should be noted that in the assembled bullet the tip of core 160 is exposed and not completely enveloped by the outer jacket 150. This is visible from in
As seen in
The electronics component 110 can be a tracking device designed to track the location of the device when active (e.g., GPS device or other location determination system). It typically includes a transmitter that can transmit data to a remote computer, such as to communicate the location data and other types of data. The electronics component 110 can also include components such as biomonitors (that can monitor biometric aspects of a target such as heartbeat, temperature, the type of target hit, etc.), microphones, etc. Typically, in addition to having hardware for the specific purpose(s) of the bullet 100 (e.g., sensors, transmitters, etc.) the electronics component 110 will include a processor and physical memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, solid-state memory, etc.) that store the programming for the electronics component 110 to execute its functions. The electronics component 110 also includes a battery or other type of portable power supply to power the various parts of the electronics component 110.
The electronics component 110 shown in
The potting material can be a polymer or other material that can be shaped in this way. The electronics component 110 is seen in
In other embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the housing exoskeleton does not have a collar 122, such as embodiments where no deceleration sleeve 130 is used.
The systems and methods of the inventive subject matter utilize the housing exoskeleton 120 itself as the antenna by making the housing exoskeleton 120 of an electrically conductive material and coupling the housing exoskeleton 120 to the electronics component 110. The housing exoskeleton 120 is also made from a material that can resist the forces encountered by the bullet 100 during firing and impact to protect the enclosed electronics component 110. Examples of suitable materials that are both electrically conductive and also provide the necessary protection to the electronics components 110 include copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and other metals. It is also contemplated that electrically-conductive polymers can be used for the housing exoskeleton 120.
In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the potting material can be an electrically-conductive material that can enhance the antenna capabilities of the housing exoskeleton 120. In these embodiments, the electronics component 110 can be electrically insulated from the potting material.
In preferred embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the electronics component 110 is directly coupled to the housing exoskeleton 120 by an electrically conductive material, such as an electrically conductive adhesive.
In other embodiments, the electronics component 110 is coupled with the housing exoskeleton 120 by a wire.
In still other embodiments, the housing exoskeleton 120 and electronics component 110 are manufactured as a single unit. Thus, the housing exoskeleton 120 and electronics component 110 are manufactured to have a direct connection without needing to couple them otherwise. Thus, the electrically-conductive connection is established at the time of manufacturing without requiring a separate step to connect the electronics component with the housing exoskeleton 120.
The thickness of the housing exoskeleton 120 can vary according to the transmission needs of the deployed electronic components. The housing exoskeleton 120 can be made thicker such that the transmission capabilities of the system are increased. In some situations where the transmission does not need to be relatively strong (e.g., a weaker transmission capability is acceptable), the thickness can be reduced such that there is more internal space for the electronics components 110 or other payload components.
The thickness of the housing exoskeleton 120 can also vary depending on factors such as the intended target, the caliber of the ordnance, the weapon deploying the ordnance, and whether a deceleration sleeve 130 is used in the bullet 100. For situations where the impact forces are expected to be greater, the housing exoskeleton 120 can have a greater thickness to offer greater protection to the electronic components 110.
The use of the housing exoskeleton 120 as the antenna enables wireless communication to/from the electronics component 110 across various wireless communications technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular communication along various spectrums (e.g., 4G, 5G, etc.), RF, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.).
In alternative embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the housing exoskeleton 120 itself is not used as the antenna. Instead, in these embodiments, an antenna is incorporated into the housing exoskeleton 120. The antenna can be printed, woven or otherwise incorporated into the housing exoskeleton 120.
It is contemplated that the electronics component 110 could have an internal antenna in addition to the housing exoskeleton 120 used as the antenna. Having an additional internal antenna can provide the electronics component 110 with additional wireless communication modalities, and can allow for simultaneous data transmission among these modalities. For example, the housing exoskeleton 120 can be a long range RF antenna while the internal antenna could be a short-range antenna such as a Bluetooth or NFC antenna. Another benefit of having both an internal and external antenna is that, during deployment, the external antenna may become damaged. If this occurs, the internal antenna (which could be of the same or a different wireless technology) serves to provide a backup way for the electronics component 110 to transmit/receive data.
In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the deceleration sleeve 130 can be used as an antenna as a complement to the protective housing 120 as an antenna. In these embodiments, the deceleration sleeve 130 is made of electrically conductive materials that are also suitable for the desired petaling effect. Suitable materials for the deceleration sleeve 130 include aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or other metals with suitable properties. The material should not be too hard or rigid such that the deceleration sleeve 130 is prevented from shearing.
In these embodiments, the deceleration sleeve 130 can be coupled with the housing exoskeleton 120 via a wire such that when the deceleration sleeve 130 falls away from the exoskeleton 120 upon entry into a target, the deceleration sleeve 130 nevertheless remains electrically coupled with the exoskeleton 120 and, therefore, the transmitter of electronics component 110.
In the embodiments shown here, the grooves 133 extend entirely through the outer side surface 134 of the deceleration sleeve 130. In other embodiments, the grooves 133 may not extend entirely through the outer surface 134 of the sleeve 130 all the way to the inside, but instead be sections of material of a smaller thickness than the regular thickness of the sleeve 130. In still other embodiments, the grooves 133 may comprise a weakened section such as a perforated section or serrated section.
In embodiments where a deceleration sleeve 130 is not used, the housing exoskeleton 120 does not have the collar 122.
In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the weakened section lines 153 comprise serrated lines. In other embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the weakened section lines 153 comprise perforation lines. In still other embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the weakened section lines 153 comprise lines of thinner material than the rest of the jacket 150.
In embodiments, the weakened section lines 153 are disposed on the outer jacket 150 to align with the grooves 133 of the deceleration sleeve 130 when the bullet 100 is assembled. In other embodiments, the weakened section lines 153 are not required to be aligned with the grooves 133.
In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the outer jacket 150 can be used as an antenna as a complement to the protective housing 120 as an antenna. In these embodiments, the outer jacket 150 is made of electrically conductive materials that are also suitable for the desired petaling effect. Suitable materials for the outer jacket 150 include aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or other metals with suitable properties. The material should not be too hard or rigid, such outer jacket 150 is prevented from shearing.
In these embodiments, the outer jacket 150 can be coupled with the housing exoskeleton 120 via a wire such that when the outer jacket 150 falls away from the exoskeleton 120 upon entry into a target, the outer jacket 150 nevertheless remains electrically coupled with the exoskeleton 120 and, therefore, the transmitter of electronics component 110.
In embodiments where a deceleration sleeve 130 is not used, the outer jacket 150 is dimensioned to also receive core 160.
At step 1 of
At step 2, upon impact, the core 160 (e.g., a lead core) expands laterally as it is compressed by the force of the impact. The expanding core 160 causes the segments 135 of deceleration sleeve 130 to begin shearing outward. This also causes the outer jacket 150 to split and fan out along its perforations, which fail due to the forces exerted by the expanding lead core 160. Because the core 160 is not fully encased by either the deceleration sleeve 130 or the outer jacket 150 in the assembly of the bullet 100, it can push both components outward as it flattens (and, thus, outwardly expands) causing this fanning effect.
The friction caused by the contact of the fanned-out sections of the deceleration sleeve 130 and outer jacket 150 with the target result in the slowing down of the electronics component 110 within the housing exoskeleton 120. As the deceleration sleeve 130 peels away from the housing exoskeleton 120, the housing exoskeleton 120 with the electronics component 110 is left deployed within the target as shown in step 3.
During the deceleration of step 2, the slowdown caused by the fanning out of the outer jacket 150 causes the jacket 150 to become separated from the housing exoskeleton 120. This causes the housing exoskeleton 120 to become deployed and thus the electronics component 110 to initiate transmission. As discussed, herein, the housing exoskeleton 120 functions as the antenna for the electronics component 110. In embodiments such as the one discussed in greater detail below, a magnet can be used to initiate transmission wherein the separation of the magnet from the proximity of the electronics component 110 causes the initiation of transmission.
In the embodiments where the outer jacket 150 and/or the deceleration sleeve 130 are complementary antennas, it is appreciated that the petalling/fanning out effect occurring when the bullet enters at target results in a larger antenna area from the petalled components. This effect further increases the effectiveness of the transmission capabilities of the systems. In these embodiments, the outer jacket 150 and/or deceleration sleeve 130 separate from the housing exoskeleton 120 as seen in
The expanding core 160 is illustrated herein as having a conical shape. However, other shapes are contemplated such as hollow points, rounded tip, flat tip, etc.
In embodiments such as the one illustrated in
In other embodiments, a switch can be used instead of the magnet 170. In these embodiments, the switch is kept open with a mechanism that is separated from the switch upon the separation, similar to the switch. The switch is biased to closed such that when the mechanism is separated from the switch, the switch closes thus completing the circuit and providing power from the power source to the electronics component 110.
It should be noted that the illustration of
In alternative embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the bullet 100 can be assembled without a deceleration sleeve 130. In these embodiments, the thickness of the housing exoskeleton 120 is increased to provide adequate protection to the electronics component 110. In these embodiments, the front of the bullet can also be modified to assist in slowing the bullet after impact with the target. For example, a hollow-point core 160 (such as a hollow-point lead core) can be used to assist in slowing the bullet after it enters the target.
It is contemplated that the inventive subject matter can be used with bullets of all calibers and sizes (e.g., .50 caliber, .22 caliber, etc.), and with projectiles larger than bullets (e.g., mortars, missiles, grenade launchers-based ordnance, etc.).
As discussed herein, the materials used for the housing exoskeleton 120 and the deceleration sleeve 130 can be selected based on factors such as the caliber of the bullet, the weapon used to deploy the bullet, the intended target, and other factors. Likewise, the physical characteristics of various components (e.g., the thickness of the various parts of the housing exoskeleton 120 and/or deceleration sleeve 130) can similarly be altered according to these factors.
As mentioned above, the electronics component 110 is encased within a potting material. In embodiments, a polymer potting material can be used to not only encase the electronics component 110, but also to replace one or more of the components of the embodiment of
In alternative embodiments of the inventive subject matter, only the core 160 is used to slow down the bullet within a target. In these embodiments, the system does not have a deceleration sleeve 130 or weakened outer jacket 150. To slow down, the core 160 is compressed upon impact/when entering into the target. The spreading outward of the core 160 due to this compression force provides a larger area of contact inside the target that slows down the bullet and results in the deployment of the electronics component 110 within the target.
It is contemplated that, via the systems and methods of the inventive subject matter, the electronics component 110 can communicate with cellular towers, satellites, repeaters, networking devices, mobile devices, and other computer devices. Thus, the electronics component 110 can communicate directly with a controller's computing device or relay the signal indirectly via various types of communication technologies.
In embodiments, the electronics component 110 can communicate with other electronics components 110 of other bullets 100, forming an ad-hoc mesh wireless network. This can be used to relay a more complete representation of a situation to the controller's computing device. This can also be used to relay the signal from one or more bullets 100 back to the controller's computing device. For example, a series of bullets 100 can be fired at various locations near the intended target at distances such that each bullet 100 is within communication range of two other bullets in a chain, such that the series of bullets 100 forms a communication chain that leads from the intended target back within communication range of the operator. In this way, the operator (which could also be the shooter) could track the location of the target with a cellphone or other small portable device that might only have short-range wireless communications capabilities.
In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the electronics component 110 can communicate with one or more nearby drones. Based on the signals from the electronic component 110, a drone can follow the electronic component 110 (if the bullet 100 is lodged in a moving object or a person) and can relay information to other drones. As a drone begins to run out of fuel or the target moves away from the drone, another drone that is a better position can continue following the target. Contemplated drones include unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”) autonomous land-based vehicles, and autonomous marine vehicles.
In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the electronics component 110 of one or more bullets 100 can transmit to a plurality of computing devices. In this way, more than one operator can observe in real time where bullets have been fired, and by whom. For example, in a situation where multiple police officers discharge their weapons, each bullet 100 containing electronics component 110 can report its location to a computing device carried by each officer.
In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, augmented reality applications carried by an operator can present a visual indicator of the bullet's position based on information transmitted by the electronics component 110. In these embodiments, the operator carries a computing device capable of presenting an augmented reality environment (e.g., mobile phone, augmented reality glasses, etc.). The computing device receives a transmission that allows the computing device to ascertain the bullet's real-world position in real time such that when the operator looks in the direction of the bullet the augmented reality environment displays the position of the bullet even if the bullet (or the object in which the bullet is lodged) is obscured from a line-of-sight view in the real world. The transmission can be information regarding the real-world location of the bullet and/or an electronic emission signal that works as a beacon. In an example, a bullet embedded in a human target shows up as a colored mark (for example, a red mark) in the augmented reality environment. As the human moves within a structure, or in a vehicle, the colored mark would move correspondingly, allowing an operator (which may be the shooter or other operator) to visually track the location of the bullet (and consequently, the target). If the bullet is inside a structure and a digital map of the structure is available, the computing device can determine where in the structure the bullet is located (i.e., which room) based on the determined location of the bullet and the digital map.
It is contemplated that the electronics component 110 can transmit multiple types of information to a remote system such as an operator-worn system. An example of information that can be gathered and sent is target categorization information. Applicant's own application Ser. No. 17/004,895 (incorporated by reference in its entirety) is an example of a suitable system of target categorization.
In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, a bullet 100 carrying electronics component 110 can be used to designate a target for a strike, such as an air strike. In these embodiments, a shooter can shoot a bullet 100 into a target (a vehicle, a person, etc.). The electronics component 110 then transmits such that a computing device (worn by the shooter, in an aircraft, or in another location) can ascertain the location of the bullet 100 (and thus, the target). This information can be relayed to a striking aircraft, artillery equipment, or missile guidance system.
In the embodiments discussed herein, it is contemplated that the bullet 100 is a bullet fired from a rifle or other firearm held by a person. However, it is contemplated that the bullet 100 can be fired from other platforms including autonomous weapon systems, vehicle-mounted weapons systems, manned or unmanned aircraft, etc.
As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
