EP0946853B1 - Projectile with controlled deformation - Google Patents

Description

The subject of the present invention is a projectile with controlled deformation intended in particular, but not exclusively for neutralization at short distance individuals or animals in day-to-day operations maintaining order without causing irreversible damage.

We already know various so-called neutralization projectiles intended for law enforcement operations, forms various, spherical or stick, acting by shock effect thanks to the kinetic energy transformed during contact with target. These projectiles all have in common, whatever their caliber, (12 caliber hunting 18 mm., 35, 37, 38, 44 and 56 mm.) to be light and driven at high speeds, their deformability at the time of impact remaining entirely relative and in almost all cases dependent on the qualities elastic of the materials used.

A projectile of this type is described in document WO-A-95/23952.

In other known projectiles, targets are sought, dispersion of a liquid or a powder on a targeted individual or soft shock effect.

A relative example is shown in document US-A-3865038.

These high speeds are linked to the fact that to obtain a sufficient shock effect and good accuracy based on on the energy criteria of the ammunition, the velocity at the launcher's mouth should be elevated. The mass of the projectile at set in motion is weak, hence a propellant charge high for correct combustion and departures regular. These munitions are therefore similar to operation of conventional projectiles. Rigidity relative surface area of these projectiles is required in order to avoid any deformation in flight which would harm the precision at such speeds.

Due to this rigidity and the high elastic qualities, the impact surface remains relatively little different from the initial caliber. In addition, the shock being pseudo-elastic, part of the energy E = 1 / 2mV ² of the projectile is lost in rebound and heat of deformation. This last point is all the more true as the target presents hard parts. To overcome this drawback, manufacturers offer multi-part rupture or stretching mechanisms of the “spring” type which are only devious ways of consuming energy to avoid rebound and lengthen the duration of the shock in order to get closer the effect of a soft shock.

Fragmentation is ruled out because not only do we move away of a soft shock but we can also create lesions severe localized.

In fact, if the energy actually dissipated in the target is an indisputable criterion, this supposes that the shock can be likened to a soft shock in which the entire amount of movement Q = mV is transferred from the projectile to the target uniformly. To do this, the projectile must exhibits very high deformability and elasticity minimized on the axis of impact to avoid any rebound.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of conventional ammunition by obtaining a significant amount of movement at higher speeds low, which optimizes the impact surface taking into account very high deformability linked to almost elasticity zero in the axis of fire and therefore allows to remain very reproducible regardless of the place (hard or soft) affected by the target in terms of energy deposited per unit area, and therefore easier to adapt so as not to provoke irreversible damage.

• contrôler la fluidité du projectile ou des corps qui le constituent. Une fluidité excessive, outre les problèmes de balourd et donc d'imprécision du tir, entraíne des problèmes graves à l'impact. En effet, un corps trop fluide aura tendance, lors de la compression à l'impact, à pénétrer dans la cavité créée par le point d'impact. Par exemple un fluide pâteux comme la pâte à modeler peut avoir un effet disrupteur et cavitant très élevé ce qui est contre-indiqué;
• supprimer tout corps ayant un effet disrupteur. Par exemple, tous les disrupteurs utilisés pour la destruction d'objets ou suspects à base d'eau ou de gels aqueux explosifs;
• éviter les problèmes liés aux fonctionnements à basse température liés à l'utilisation d'un fluide comprenant de l'eau;
• éviter, au départ du coup, toute disruption ou éclatement prématuré ce qui conduit à utiliser des bourres assez résistantes pour le guidage et la protection ce qui pose également un problème de séparation à la sortie du tube de tir;
• éviter la définition d'une forme stable et précise du projectile au repos, en dehors de sa douille.

The invention aims to:

• control the fluidity of the projectile or of the bodies which constitute it. Excessive fluidity, in addition to problems of unbalance and therefore inaccuracy of the shot, causes serious problems on impact. Indeed, an excessively fluid body will tend, during compression on impact, to penetrate into the cavity created by the point of impact. For example, a pasty fluid such as plasticine can have a very high disruptive and cavitating effect, which is contraindicated;
• remove any body having a disruptive effect. For example, all disruptors used for the destruction of objects or suspects based on water or explosive aqueous gels;
• avoid problems associated with low temperature operations associated with the use of a fluid comprising water;
• avoid, at the start of the shot, any disruption or premature bursting which leads to the use of fairly strong wads for guiding and protection which also poses a separation problem at the outlet of the shooting tube;
• avoid the definition of a stable and precise shape of the projectile at rest, outside of its casing.

According to the invention, the projectile with very high deformability at the impact intended for neutralization by shock effect is characterized in that it comprises at least one envelope flexible, elastic and extensible filled with at least one solid Split. This divided solid can be a powder or a product. with small particle size.

The envelope is, according to the invention, fine or very fine and, for example with a thickness of less than 0.5 millimeter and is chosen so as not to impose a form on the projectile, but to keep its coherence. The projectile is thus amorphous, that is to say that it has no shape clean and minimal or even zero shape memory. then a sudden impact or stop on the target aimed at the projectile crashes along the axis of the shot and deforms radially (case impact with normal incidence on a flat surface). Of made of inertia, the product grains are compressed in the axis of firing at almost zero speed (relative to the surface target). The radial deformation produced by this stake pressure causes instantaneous radial expansion of the elastic envelope and provides a distribution homogeneous energy transferred to the target. The result obtained depends, of course, on the diameter of the envelope and the granular mass introduced. The deformable projectile intended to neutralize by shock effect, can be launched by a firearm, pneumatic or mechanical, and may be or not filled in, propelled by powder, gas or spring. The present invention aims to distribute the force of the impact on an enlarged surface so as not to create too much trauma. By proximity and within examples given below, we will hear a distance of zero 50 meters.

The product used to fill the flexible envelope is characterized by a particle size ranging from less than 1 micron to 100 microns, depending on the coefficient of friction surface area of the product used, whatever its origin, and keeps sufficient cohesion when passing through the launch tube and during the flight to prevent any undesirable deformation. For example, it can be non-limiting way of a product or a set of powder products with a particle size of the order of a micron, or hollow or non-glass, PVC or Teflon beads (PTFE) having diameters up to 100 microns, or any combination of these types of products.

The invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art projectiles. In particular, the fluidity of the projectile depends on the nature and the granulometry of the solid divided controllable parameters during the manufacturing; The effect obtained results from bodies which are neither liquids or aqueous gels which avoids the effects disruptors. The projectiles are stable at all operating temperatures. At the start of the shooting, the projectile being amorphous, it is enough to pack it in the socket and protect it from heat. A simple skirt separates very easily from the projectile to the exit of the tube. The projectile is amorphous i.e. it has no shape defined outside the socket or shape memory. he therefore does not have an energy distribution in the axis of shot at impact and it only deforms in function of impact and not according to its own form.

Preferably, the projectile has a density close to that of the human body which ensures a transfer optimal energy by minimizing the risk of penetration at the impact. At the start of the shot, the projectile settles and takes the shape of the socket occupying all the available volume and retains an approximately cylindrical shape when flight which avoids unbalance and allows good accuracy shooting.

It is also possible to use, in combination or not with these grain or bead products, a material homogeneous, highly deformable, elastic and able to undergo significant extensions.

Weights vary according to diameters, speeds and origins of the product. For example, based on the tests: 1 kg of powdery product, such as food flour No. 45, product taken as an example, with a particle size of approximately 1 / 1000th of a millimeter allows 20 projectiles to be produced 40 mm., The actual diameter of which is 45 mm. and weight of 50 grams when closing the envelopes. These projectiles undergo a slight deformation to allow their introduction into the tube or case (cartridge) and after the starting acceleration, resume their natural form in contracting (going from an ovoid shape to a shape spherical). The inertia of the filling product distorts the envelope, little granular product remains in the center and the majority of the product is ejected at the periphery of the envelope. The distortion that would affect accuracy does not may occur during firing, the projectile being molded and held by the firing tube once the material of filling in place, forcing slightly compared to nominal diameter of said tube (forced ovoid shape, becoming again more or less spherical after its exit from the tube).

The resistance and the empty diameter of the envelope (s) are a function of the mass of the filling product (s), speed and caliber chosen. The mass of the filling products is a function of speed and chosen caliber. For a diameter of 40 mm. fire tube, the diameter of the empty projectile must be approximately 30 mm. The diameter of 40 to 45 mm. is obtained after introduction and compaction of 50 grams of filling product. The final diameter of the projectile is obtained by compaction and it it is possible to vary the weights in the same caliber, in a range of + or - 25%, regardless of the size. Of the compaction pressure depends on the instant surface obtained on impact (all other things being equal).

On average for a 40 mm projectile. and a weight of 50 grams launched at 60m / s, the impact noted in plastiline at 17 ° C has a diameter greater than 75 mm. for a depression of a few millimeters. Or an energy deposited in an almost uniform manner of 2 J / cm ² for a transmitted momentum of 30 Nm / s. By way of comparison, hollow spherical elastic munitions of very similar caliber currently marketed and recognized as closest to the non-lethal criterion, still poorly determined, deliver on a diameter of less than 40 mm. an energy of 9 J / cm ² for a slightly lower amount of transmitted motion.

• La figure 1, une vue en coupe d'un projectile selon l'invention;
• Les figures 2 à 5, la déformation du projectile au cours de l'impact lorsque le projectile contient uniquement des produits en grains ou en billes, de diamètres inférieurs à 100 microns;
• Les figures 6 à 9, la déformation du projectile, dans un second mode de réalisation où le projectile contient également une matière homogène, hautement déformable, élastique et pouvant subir des allongements importants.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear during the description which follows of particular embodiments, given only by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings which represent:

• Figure 1, a sectional view of a projectile according to the invention;
• Figures 2 to 5, the deformation of the projectile during impact when the projectile contains only grain or ball products, diameters less than 100 microns;
• Figures 6 to 9, the deformation of the projectile, in a second embodiment where the projectile also contains a homogeneous material, highly deformable, elastic and capable of undergoing significant elongation.

• une structure à double enveloppe 1,2 remplie par le composant de remplissage 3.
• la fermeture définitive de la ou des enveloppes 1,2, est assurée par tout moyen connu tel que: soudure, collage, ligature etc..

L'enveloppe 1 est, par exemple en caoutchouc . Elle peut être doublée par une seconde enveloppe 2 afin d'offrir une meilleure résistance mécanique en fonction des vitesses de vol. Il est important que les enveloppes soient mises sous tension afin de conserver une élasticité qui, vu la faible inertie du départ et la tenue assuré par le tube de tir lui permettra de conserver sa forme, donc sa précision, seule l'inertie au moment de l'arrêt instantané sur la cible permettant la déformation définitive.In Figure 1 which is a vertical sectional view of a projectile, there are

• a double-shell structure 1,2 filled with the filling component 3.
• the final closure of the envelope or envelopes 1, 2 is ensured by any known means such as: welding, bonding, ligating, etc.

The envelope 1 is, for example rubber. It can be doubled by a second envelope 2 in order to offer better mechanical resistance as a function of flight speeds. It is important that the envelopes are tensioned in order to maintain an elasticity which, given the low inertia of the start and the holding provided by the shooting tube will allow it to retain its shape, therefore its precision, only the inertia at the time of instantaneous stop on the target allowing the final deformation.

In the example shown, the projectile is included in a case or cartridge 13 which contains below the projectile a wad 10, a propellant charge 11 and a primer 12. But any other means of propulsion can be used.

In Figures 2 to 5, we can follow the different phases modification of the projectile at impact on target 0, taken from tests. We see in Figure 3, that after minimal penetration from impact zone A, the filler expands radially under the effect of the axial compression due to the inertia of the movement in the axis of fire as shown by the arrows (not referenced). This radial expansion, due to the sliding of the grains on each other, exerts radial pressure on the or envelopes, made of elastic material able to stretch without breaking until formation total of zone B (figure 4). After impact, elasticity of the envelope (s) reduces zone B to dimensions less important.

The inertia in zone A, which corresponds to the contact zone primary, sees its power decrease without increase of penetration by escape of the filling product in zone B, thus spreading the impact over a large area.

Zone C (Figure 5) shows the spread of the primary impact which becomes maximum. This end result is due to the interaction between the elasticity of the envelope or envelopes (1 and / or 2) and the mass of the product 3.

In order to minimize the area C due to the compression of the material on the axis of the shot, it is possible to place also in the projectile a material 4 (Figures 6 to 9).

The material 4 retained is homogeneous, highly deformable, elastic and can undergo significant lengthening. In Figures 6 to 9, this material 4, of higher density that the compacted material 3 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, is placed in a preferred version of the invention, at bottom of envelope 1, so as to be at the front of the projectile during firing, with a thickness corresponding to approximately in volume at the sinking observed in zone C (figure 5). This material 4 can for example be deposited depending on the shape of a disc or a spherical sector.

Upon impact (Figure 7), the plastic is subjected to pressure and flattens, at that moment its deformation absorbs part of the acceleration normally received by the target, thus creating a shallower C zone and upper surface.

In Figure 8, zone B is created bypassing the zone A occupied by the homogeneous matter.

In FIG. 9, the material 4 used being absorbent with respect to screw shock waves, the wave reflected on the target is attenuated and the amount of material remaining in the axis of the zone C is reduced. The impact is thus better distributed and the observed depression is reduced. The filling product 3 may be inert or include a coloring component disappearing after a few days allowing a rapid identification of an individual. More generally the product 3 can include one or more active products allowing subsequent identification of the target, such as dye (in the visible spectrum or not) or an odorous product (detected by example using sensors or specially animals trained)

In another application, the projectile according to the invention can be projected at speeds of at least 150 meters / second, (which prohibits its direct use against a person). It is then able to pierce a window or a classic door. The envelope tears and bursts at the moment shock, instantly releasing its contents under a huge volume (cloud) of product particles, given its mass. The projectile could then contain for example, so preferential, a chemical neutralization product in OC type powder (oleoresin capsicum) or its derivatives, Capsaicin, CN (2-chloroacetophenone) or CS (O-chlorobenzylidènemalononitrile) or CR (dibenzoxazepine). This projectile, fired from a distance therefore allows neutralization mass without fire risks linked to smoke devices classics in a closed room. When tearing the envelope, the active product is propelled forward by its own inertia by its speed, exceeding the limits elasticity of the envelope (s). The projectile crosses and bursts on passing the obstacle, reducing notable the risks of direct impact on an individual located the other side of the obstacle.

Claims (10)

1. A projectile having very high deformability on impact and intended for neutralisation of individuals or animals by the shock effect, characterised in that it comprises at least one elastic and extensible flexible jacket (1, 2) filled with at least one divided solid (3) which, on a shock or impact on the selected target, is radially deformed with respect to the firing axis.
2. A projectile according to claim 1, characterised in that the product (3) is formed by one or more solids divided into particles or balls of a particle size less than 100 microns.
3. A projectile according to claim 2, characterised in that the product (3) comprises one or more pulverulent products with a particle size of the order of the micron and packed in the jacket (1), the thickness of which is less than 0.5 mm.
4. A projectile according to claim 2, characterised in that the product (3) consists of hollow or non-hollow balls of products having a low coefficient of surface friction, such as balls of glass, Teflon or PVC, of a diameter less than 100 microns, packed in the jacket (1), the thickness of which is less than 0.5 mm.
5. A projectile according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a product (4) of a homogeneous, highly deformable and elastic material which can undergo considerable elongation is disposed in the end of the jacket (1, 2) in the form of a disc or a spherical segment which is situated at the front of the projectile on firing.
6. A projectile according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the strength and diameter of the jacket (1, 2) are proportional to the mass of the product (3).
7. A projectile according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that its energy at the moment of impact is less than 90 Joules for a speed below 60 metres per second.
8. A projectile according to claim 1, characterised in that the jacket or jackets (1, 2) burst or tear on an impact at more than 150 m/s.
9. A projectile according to claim 9, characterised in that it contains a chemical neutralising product in powder form.
10. A projectile according to claim 9, characterised in that it contains at least one colorant and/or at least one odorant.

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