WO2004001321A1

WO2004001321A1 - Method and apparatus for launching an object by means of pneumatic pressure

Info

Publication number: WO2004001321A1
Application number: PCT/IL2002/000504
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Taran
Original assignee: David Taran
Priority date: 2002-06-25
Filing date: 2002-06-25
Publication date: 2003-12-31

Abstract

A pneumatic launcher comprising a barrel (2) and a sabot or propelling piston (3) for launching a projectile (1). A pressure (P2) which is lower than the atmospheric pressure (P1) is created in front of the projectile (1) before the launching. The projectile is propelled due to the difference in pressure (P1-P2).

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LAUNCHING AN OBJECT

BY MEANS OF PNEUMATIC PRESSURE

BACKGROUND - FIELD OF INVENTION

The claimed "Method of object launching" relates to methods of launcher functioning and can be used as functional and methodical base for designing and building varies launchers such as grenade launchers, mortar launchers, arbalests, launching devices for unmanned aerial vehicles, inertial boost mechanisms for various tools and toys.

BACKGROUND - DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Different methods of objects launching by means of directional barrel based on converting energy from different sources into movement energy of these objects, are well known.

The most effective methods of objects launching, from the energy conversion methods point of view, are methods that use the pressure difference from nose and tail sections in directional barrel. In these methods in order to create said pressure difference the object is also used as a boost element, hermetically placed within the barrel.

There is a known method of objects launching, in which the difference of pressure from the nose and tail sections is created by way of high pressure creation behind the tail part of the launched object.

In accordance with patent US 5,450,839 - Pneumatic Launcher, compressed air is used as a means of supplying said above higher pressure behind the tail part of object, proportionally supplied from the receiver. The necessity for the heavy receiver of compressed air lowers the mobility, safety and limits the number of firings. Furthermore, the presence of cylindrical storage member in the tail section lowers the effective length of barrel and the ultimate speed of object launching. Furthermore, every shot is accompanied by a loud bang which increases the probability of shooter's detection.

In accordance with patent US 5,695,153 -Launcher system for an unmanned aerial vehicle, compressed air is used as means of supplying said above higher pressure behind the tail part of pusher, from an air tank coupled to compressor for storing compressed air. The presence of huge receivers for compressed air and the necessity of their prolong charging from a special compressor unit lowers the mobility of the system and its operational safety, it also lowers the rate of fire and increases the probability of its detection.

In accordance with patent US 4,897,065 - Toy vehicle and handheld pneumatic launcher, compressed air is used as a means of supplying said above higher pressure behind the tail section, forced by means of one-piece pump into the receiver, which leads to large dimensions of the launcher and subjects the launch success to the abruptness of the pump use.

The general drawback of all the above mentioned methods is the existence of high pressure, which leads to higher requirements for durability and so leads to considerably increased weight of launchers.

Another common drawback is the necessity to use special devices as sources of higher pressure that are relatively large and heavy.

SUMMARY

At the base of the invention is the task to create a method of object launching by means of a boost element whereby pressure difference from the direction of the nose and tail parts would be created in such a way as to eliminate the necessity to use special devices as sources of high pressure and by that to minimize the requirements for durability and so to reduce the weight of launcher. The invention will also eliminate the dependency between the effectiveness of launching and the number of launches and to ensure soundless launching.

The task is solved by means of boost element whereby on both sides of the boost element pressure difference is created; at that said pressure difference is provided by means of rarefaction from the side of boost element in the direction of its acceleration.

The task is also solved by means of creating rarefaction by hermetic closing of nose part of barrel by using hermetic element, and following movement of boost element in the opposite direction from hermetic element. DRAWING FIGURES

The essence of invention is illustrated by means of the following drawings, where:

Fig1 schematically illustrates device for object launching for the claimed method realization.

Fig2 - illustrates sequence of operations during realization of the claimed method by means of device shown on fig.1.

Fig3 - illustrates other version of device design shown on fig.1.

Fig4 - schematically illustrates device for object launching by means of end cap (that is a hinged flap in this case) as hermetic element.

Fig5 - schematically illustrates device for object launching by means of pusher.

Fig6 - schematically illustrates device for object launching by means of nose cone for launched object as hermetic element.

Fig7 - schematically illustrates device for object launching where barrel is indestructible and integral part of the launched object.

Figδ - schematically illustrates device for object launching by means of pusher. At that the pusher can be part of the launched object.

Fig9 - schematically illustrates device for object launching where object is hermetic shell, folding in the launch direction.

Fig10 - schematically illustrates device for object launching where object is a pipe.

Fig11 - schematically illustrates device for object launching by means of several (in this case two) boost elements, moving in the different direction relative to the launched object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In initial position (Fig.1) before object 1 launching from the barrel 2, the hollow of the barrel 2 is hermetically divided by the boost element 3 with the sealing 4 into two zones 5 and 6. The boost element 3 together with object 1 are fixed relative to the barrel 2 by means of cable 7 rapped around the hoister 8 with the lock element 9. Pressure P^ in zone 5, located to the side of the boost element 3 opposite to the movement of object 1 , equal to the ambient pressure.

Pressure P2 in zone 6 located to the side of the boost element 3 in the direction of object 1 movement (arrow F), lower than pressure P-_j . Resultant F of pressure forces act upon the boost element 3 in the direction of arrow F. Launching of object 1 under the influence of force F is done by means of removing the lock element 9 or cutting the cable 7. For moving mechanism for boost element, fixing element and release element any construction matching the existing technical level can be used.

In one of the cases the embodiment of the invention, shown on Fig.3, the boost element 3 is an integral part of object 1.

The term "barrel", here and bellow, means pneumocylinder, that is intended for setting the direction of boost element, its hermetic acceleration, as well as its halt.

By object we mean the object itself or an intermediate element, such as steel rope, attached to said object. For example, while using various pulley systems, that provide object acceleration in different directions.

Said object launching can take place by means of restrains. Barrel or other special elements can be used as restrains.

Fig.2 shows sequence of rarefaction creation in hollow 6 in accordance with the invention. Object 1 together with the boost element 3 is inserted by it's tail part into the barrel 2 (Fig.2a). When the nose part of object 1 has fully entered the barrel 2 (Fig.2b), nose part of barrel 2 is sealed by means of hermetic element, that is the destructible membrane 10(Fig.2b). Other units can be used as said hermetic element that will allow exit of object 1 from barrel 2 during launching.

In one of the cases, shown on Fig.4, the end cap 11 (that is a hinged flap in this case) is used as a hermetic element, hermetically enclosing end of barrel 2 by means of sealing 12 as result of rarefaction, during movement of boost element 3 (Fig.4a) in barrel 2. Following the forced movement of object 1 with boost element 3 in hollow 6 the rarefaction is created. Movement of object 1 with boost element 3 is implemented by means of cable 7 rapped around the hoister 8. After moving the boost element 3 into a firing position, it is fixed by the lock element 9 relative to the barrel 2(Fig.2c). Rarefaction P2 is created between the end cap 11 and boost element 3.

As a result, force F = Sχ(P-_| -P2 ), where S-barrel cross-section, is acting upon the boost element 3 in the direction of launching object 1. After releasing the lock element 9 or cutting the cable 7, boost element 3 together with launched object 1 , stars accelerating movement in the launch direction under the influence of force F. After tearing off the membrane 10 (Fig.2) or opening the end cap 11 (Fig.4b) pressure in the hollow 6 of the barrel 2 is equalized to the ambient pressure P-_| .

The action of force F stops, at that the object 1 continues the inertial movement with the speed V gathered during the boosting process (Fig.4b), as the result of which the launch is taking place.

On Fig.5 the boost element 3 is shown, it contains a piston 13 and a pusher 14. The pusher 14 is mainly intended for launching of object 1, placed outside of barrel 2 and fitted with hook 15 for interaction with pusher 14. During the object 1 launch the pusher 14 is interacting with hook 15, as a result of which the boost of object 1 in the launch direction is taking place. The pusher 14 is placed with the option of hermetic movement through the opening in end cap 10, which is hermetic element. As an example of launch object 1 an unmanned plane is shown.

On Fig.8 the launching object is an exterior object 16, for example a grenade, connected to a pusher 14, or (when object 16 is missing) the pusher 14 itself is, for example, an arrow. In one of the invention's realization cases, shown on Fig.6, removable nose cone 17 is used as a hermetic element, at that its inner surface is conjugated with interacting surface of boost element (in this particular case - a launching object

1).

Hermetization of object 1 in barrel 2 is done by means of sealing 4. During movement of object 1 from position 6a to position 6b (the mechanism of moving is not shown), removable nose cone 17 hermetically seals nose part of barrel 2 and functions as hermetic element 10. Between object 1 and removable nose cone 17 rarefaction P2 is created. It provides the following boost of object 1 in the launch direction. In this case object 1 fulfils the function of boost element. After boosting of object 1 from position on Fig.δb in the final boost position it docks with removable nose cone 17 and together with it continues the inertial movement, as the result of which the launch is taking place.

Another possible scheme of loading (not shown), is when removable nose cone 17 is docked with object 1 outside barrel 2, after that both of them are inserted from the tail part of barrel 2. After that object 1 is locked at the tail end of barrel 2, while the removable nose cone 17 moves into the nose part of barrel and is locked in end position. At that rarefaction P₂ is created in front of the launched object in the launch direction, which provides its boost. Launching of object 1 is taking place as in the case above.

The case shown on Fig.7 is when the object of launching is a pair "barrel - boost element" at that hermetic element is executed as indestructible and integral part of the barrel. Barrel 2 has a dome shaped nose part, conjugated with interacting surface of boost element 3 and leans on exterior restrains 19 with its tail part. Hermetization of boost element 3 in barrel 2 is done by means of sealing 18, that acts as check valve, that releases air during the loading and maintains rarefaction during the process of launching. Check valve can also be placed in the dome shape end of barrel, or in the boost element (not shown). Object launching takes place as follows. Boost element 3 from the end part of barrel 2 (Fig.7b) is moving into nose part of barrel 2 (Fig.7a) until it is conjugated with dome shaped end of barrel 2 (Fig.7a). The air that is trapped between barrel 2 and boost element 3 is pressed out through sealing 18 that acts as check valve. Boost element 3 is retracted into tail part of barrel 2, at that rarefaction P2 is created in area 6 in front of the boost element 3. Rarefaction P2 is provided by means of check valve ( sealing 18) and is lower than ambient pressure P^ in area 5: P₂ <P<_j (Fig.7b). During the release of boost element 3 it starts acceleration in the launch direction, under the influence of force F defined by pressure differences P2 <P-_| . After docking with the dome shaped end of barrel

(Fig.7a), boost element tears off the barrel from exterior restrains 19 and together with it continues the inertial movement, as the result of which the launch is taking place.

The case shown on Fig.9 illustrates the option of invention realization without use of barrel. Launching object 1 consists of nose cone 17 with support elements 21 , goffered shell 20 and boost element 3, all comprising sole hermetic shell. Nose cone 17 by means of goffered shell 20 hermetically connected to boost element 3. In start position (Fig.9a) the volume between nose cone 17, goffered shell 20 and boost element 3 is minimal. The launch is taking place as follows. Support elements 21 rest on exterior supports 19 (Fig. 9a). Boost element 3 is forcefully pulled by the end hook element 22 in direction, opposite to the launch. At that rarefaction P2 that is lower than pressure P<_| is created in front of the boost element 3 in area 6 (Fig.9b). During the release of boost element 3 it starts acceleration in the launch direction, under the influence of force F defined by pressure differences P2 <P-_| - After docking with nose cone 17 (situation corresponding to Fig.9a), the boost element tears off the object 1 from exterior restrains 19 and together with it continues the inertial movement, as the result of which the launch is taking place.

Hermetic shell means - any hermetic construction matching the existing technical level that will ensure its deformation together with its inner volume in the direction of launching.

Fig.10 shows the case when launched object is a barrel. It is intended for shooting a pipe. Barrel 1is a pipe, at the free left end of it an additional object can be fixed so, that it would not interfere with free access of air into the barrel (not shown). Barrel 1 hermetically slides along immovable piston 23, fixed on axes 24, that is fixed on restrain 25 (breech) that contains trigger mechanism 26. At the right end barrel 1 is fixed to the boost element that moves freely and hermetically along axes 24. Boost element 3 has tail end 27 for fixing by means of trigger mechanism 26.

While moving boost element 3 from surface contact with immovable piston 23 (not shown) into position shown on fig.10 and its fixing in this position by means of trigger mechanism 26 in zone 6, rarefaction P2 is created. As a result force F is applied to boost element 3. After the release of trigger mechanism 26, force F causes acceleration and launching of barrel 1.

Fig11 - schematically illustrates device for object launching by means of several (in this case two) boost elements, moving in the different direction relative to the launched object. Barrel 2 is pneumocylinder in which two boost elements 3 (pistons) move hermetically in opposite directions and are connected by means of steel ropes 7 to the launched object 1. During the movement of boost elements 3 from touching position in the middle of barrel 2 (not shown) into position shown on fig.11, zone 6 with rarefaction P2 is created between them and the barrel. That causes the action of force F on boost elements 3, and as a result, the launching of object 1.

Shown boost elements 3 (pistons) can be placed each in its separate barrel (pneumocylinder). At that barrels are placed parallel and the movement of boost elements takes place in the direction, opposite to object launching. The object of any shape is placed between the cylinders by means of a holder. This holder is connected to the boost element and is fixed by means of trigger device (not shown).

In all the above described cases of realization of object launch method the rarefaction in front of the boost element was created by means of moving it in the direction opposite to the launch. The purpose of it was to reveal optimal constructions. Creation of rarefaction in front of the boost element, for example, is possible by pumping out air by means of vacuum pump.

The advantage of the claimed method, by comparison to other known methods where launch is taking place by means of compressed air, is in the lack of need to use additional high pressure receiver, which eliminates the need in safety precautions.

Claims

CLAIMES: I claim:

I .Method of object launching by means of boost element whereby on both sides of said boost element pressure difference is created, at that said pressure difference is created by means of rarefaction from the side of said boost element in the direction of its acceleration.

2. Method as recited in claim 1 , specifying said object launching by means of barrel, said method whereby hermetically placed said boost element is used within said barrel, at that said rarefaction is created by hermetic closing of nose part of said barrel by using hermetic element, and following movement of said boost element in the opposite direction from said hermetic element.

3. Method as recited in claim 2, whereby said boost element is at least part of the said object.

4. Method as recited in claim 2, whereby said boost element contains pusher, intended for said object launching.

5. Method as recited in claims 2,3, or 4 whereby destructible membrane is used as said hermetic element.

6. Method as recited in claims 2,3, or 4 whereby end cap is used as said hermetic element; said end cap hermetically encloses said nose part of said barrel under the influence of said rarefaction at said movement of said boost element.

7. Method as recited in claim 6 whereby said end cap is a removable nose cone of said launching object.

8. Method as recited in claim 2 whereby said barrel is said launching object.

9. Method as recited in claim 8 whereby said hermetic element is executed as indestructible and integral part of said barrel. lO.Method as recited in claim 9, whereby inner surface of said hermetic element executed as conjugated with interacting surface of said boost element.

I I .Method as recited in claim 1 , whereby said launching object is hermetic shell, folding in the launching direction, and said boost element is the tail part of said shell, at that said nose part of said hermetic shell is prevented from movement in the direction of said tail part and said rarefaction is created as a result of retraction of said tail part of the object from its said nose part.

12. Method as recited in claims from 2 to 11 , whereby said boost element is held by means of detent after the creation of said rarefaction and said object launching is executed by release of said detent.

13.The Method of object launching according to claims 1 to 12 as described above with reference to the enclosed specification.