PROJECTILE DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR SUPPLIES WITH IMPACT ATTENUATION

Abstract

A projectile capable of carrying and delivering a payload includes an impact attenuation system that deploys prior to impact with the ground to safely deliver the payload. The impact attenuation system can comprise bags that inflate prior to impact. The bags can have an asymmetrical or irregular shape such that, combined with a coloring or certain visual designs, it can blend into the environment.

Claims

1. A projectile for delivering supplies, comprising: a projectile body; a cavity disposed within the projectile body; an access component disposed on the projectile body, the access component providing access to the cavity; an electronics component with a processor; at least one impact attenuation system configured to be deployed by the processor upon meeting a deployment condition.

2. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the deployment condition comprises falling at or below a predetermined altitude.

3. The projectile of claim 1, the at least one impact attenuation system comprising at least one bag configured to fill with a substance upon deployment.

4. The projectile of claim 3, wherein the substance comprises a gas.

5. The projectile of claim 3, wherein the at least one bag has an asymmetric shape when fully inflated.

6. The projectile of claim 3, wherein the at least one bag is colored to match an external environment.

7. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the projectile comprises a 40 mm projectile.

8. The projectile of claim 1, further comprising at least one arm disposed within the projectile body, wherein the at least one arm causes the projectile body to stand upon deployment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0029] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a projectile, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows the projectile with the impact attenuation system (in this case, bags) in the process of inflating, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows the projectile with the bags fully inflated, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates an internal impact attenuation mechanism, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates the projectile with bags filled with substances of different weights or densities, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

[0034] FIG. 6 shows an illustration of a projectile with deployable arms in a stowed position, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 6, with the arms deployed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] It should be noted that any language directed to a computer should be read to include any suitable combination of computing devices, including servers, interfaces, systems, databases, agents, peers, engines, controllers, or other types of computing devices operating individually or collectively. One should appreciate the computing devices comprise a processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., hard drive, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). The software instructions preferably configure the computing device to provide the roles, responsibilities, or other functionality as discussed below with respect to the disclosed apparatus. In especially preferred embodiments, the various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces exchange data using standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchanges, web service APIs, known financial transaction protocols, or other electronic information exchanging methods. Data exchanges preferably are conducted over a packet-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type of packet switched network.

[0037] 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.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a projectile 100, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

[0039] As seen in FIG. 1, the projectile 100 includes a projectile body 110, which can generally be considered to comprise a center section 111, a front or nose section 112, and a rear section 113.

[0040] The projectile 100 includes a cavity 114 disposed within the center section 111. The cavity 114 is used to store objects that can be transported via the launching of the projectile 100. The amount of the supplies carried by the projectile 100 can be determined based on the size of the projectile 100 (e.g., the caliber of the projectile), weight limits of the launching equipment, etc. Contemplated cargo of the projectile 100 can include medical supplies, ammunition, communications equipment, food, beverages, batteries, or other types of cargo.

[0041] The cavity 114 and its contents can be accessed via access port 115. The access port 115 can be a door, a removable cover, or other type of access port that allows for the insertion and removal of contents from the cavity 114. In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the access port 115 can be locked via a hardware lock requiring a physical key, a keypad requiring a number for unlock, or other type of safety mechanism. In some embodiments, the access port 115 can be a panel that has a weakened (e.g., serrated) border, that can be broken by a user via force or impact.

[0042] The projectile 100 also includes an electronics component 120. The electronics component 120 can include a processor and memory to store executable code and other data. The electronics component 120 can include location hardware such as a GPS or other location-obtaining component and communications interfaces that can enable the processor to send and/or receive data (e.g., cellular, WiFi, RF, etc.). In embodiments, the electronics component 120 can include an altimeter and other sensors. Other sensors can include proximity sensors that enable the processor to determine movement nearby, environmental sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, chemical sensors, etc.) to help the processor determine whether it is safe to allow access to the cavity 114 (e.g., will not allow access if it detects a certain temperature that would spoil or ruin the contents carried within cavity 114), electronic signal sensors (e.g., listening for radio, Wifi, etc).

[0043] In order to deliver cargo to its intended target intact, the projectile 100 includes one or more impact attenuation systems 130. In the image of FIG. 1, the impact attenuation systems 130 are shown distributed throughout the projectile 100 but their location can vary depending on the actual system used.

[0044] In these embodiments, the processor of electronics component 120 is programmed to receive position and/or altitude information from a GPS device, altimeter and/or other proximity sensor such that the processor can determine the altitude and, depending on the sensors used, it's relative position to the intended target.

[0045] Upon reaching an altitude threshold and/or a proximity to target threshold (which can be a determination that the projectile 100 is within a certain range of a predetermined target and at or lower than a particular threshold altitude), the processor causes the impact attenuation system(s) 130 to execute their functions to slow down and/or otherwise attenuate the impact of the projectile 100 on the ground.

[0046] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, the impact attenuation system 130 comprises one or more inflatable bags 131 stored within one or more cavities distributed throughout the body of the projectile 100. Thus, upon reaching the threshold altitude and/or location, the processor causes the impact attenuation systems 130 to begin to inflate the bags 131. To do so, the body of the projectile 100 can have weakened sections (such as via a serrated weakened section) that can be broken by the inflation of the bags 131. In order to inflate the bags, the impact attenuation system 130 can include or more containers having compressed gas that, when released, cause the rapid inflation of the bags 131.

[0047] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the bags 131 can be filled with materials other than gas. In certain embodiments, the bags 131 can be filled with a liquid. In other embodiments, the bags 131 can be filled with a granulated solid (e.g., sand). In still other embodiments, the bags 131 can be filled with a substance that expands and can, in certain embodiments, harden after deployment (e.g., a foam)

[0048] FIG. 2 shows the projectile 100 with the bags 131 in the process of inflating. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the weakened sections of the body of projectile 100 have been perforated and the bags 131 are being filled with gas to protect the projectile 100 when it hits the ground.

[0049] FIG. 3 shows the projectile 100 with the bags 131 fully inflated. In embodiments such as the one illustrated in FIG. 3, the fully-inflated bags 131 envelop the entire body of the projectile 100. In other embodiments, the bags 131 can envelop less than the entire body of the projectile. For example, a gap in between the bags 131 can be left to allow access to the access door 115 without having to puncture or remove any of the bags 131.

[0050] The bags 131 of FIG. 3 are shown to have an irregular, asymmetric shape when fully inflated. This allows for the bags 131 to blend in better with the surrounding environment. The actual shape of the bags 131 when deployed can depend on the intended environment of use. For example, for a desert or a rocky area, the asymmetrical shape can be smoother to appear as a rock or stone. In a forest environment, the asymmetrical shape can be more erratic to appear as dirt or a bush. It is contemplated that the bags 131 can be painted or have printing to further mimic the environment in which they are to be deployed. Thus, for projectiles 100 to be used in a desert environment, the bags can be painted to resemble sand. Likewise, for a woodland or forest environment, the bags can be painted with camouflage patterns to resemble that environment. In rocky or urban environments, the bags can be painted with gray hues to mimic the environment there.

[0051] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the bags 131 are designed to remain inflated or otherwise filled during the landing process, such that the projectile 100 is likely to bounce along the ground when it lands and the bags 131 remaining inflated when the projectile 100 has come to a stop. A benefit of these embodiments is that, due to the bags 131 remaining inflated, the body of the projectile 100 itself remains elevated relative to the ground. This helps improve communications (in case any antennas end up on the ground-side of the projectile 100 upon landing) and keeps the projectile 100 and its contents off of ground that could be wet, cold, etc.

[0052] In other embodiments, the bags 131 are designed to absorb the impact by deflating upon impact with the ground. This results in the projectile 100 travelling less along the ground once it first impacts, resulting in greater pin-point accuracy upon delivery.

[0053] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the bags 131 are filled with a material that is lighter than water, such that if the projectile 100 lands in water, it will float.

[0054] Based on a determination from motion sensors or other sensors/equipment (e.g., GPS, accelerometers, etc.) that the projectile 100 has come to a stop, the processor can be programmed to take one or more of a number of actions.

[0055] In one embodiment, the processor can be programmed to emit, via a radio antenna or other transmission means, a beacon signal that enables an intended recipient of the supplies carried in the cavity 114 to find the projectile 100. The beacon signal can include audio signals emitted via a speaker, light emission (which can be visible or outside of the human visible range, detectable via infrared goggles or other equipment), and electronic beacon signals such as data pings.

[0056] In another embodiment, the processor can be programmed to, via proximity sensors, communications antennas and/or other components, passively listen to the environment around the projectile 100. The processor can receive electronic signals and process them to determine whether the signal carries an authentication code, that would be emitted from a computing device and/or radio carried by the intended recipient of the cargo. Upon confirming the authentication code as valid, the processor could cause the emission of a beacon signal as discussed above that can help the intended recipient locate the projectile 100.

[0057] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectile 100 can include a cooling system that provides a cooled environment within the cavity 114. This can include coolant stored under pressure in a tank that is vented into the cavity 114. The cooled environment can be used to transport medical supplies and/or food or beverages, such that their useful span can be extended until a soldier behind the lines is able to reach the projectile 100.

[0058] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectile 100 can include an internal impact attenuation mechanism 401 that can assist in protecting the payload within the cavity 114. The internal impact attenuation mechanism 401 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The impact attenuation mechanism 401 of FIG. 4 can comprise a compartment or cavity filled with a compressible and/or deformable material that, when the projectile 100 hits the ground, absorbs the impact between the ground and the cavity 114.

[0059] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectile 100 can include an explosive device that is communicatively coupled with the processor such that the processor can activate the explosive to serve as a self-destruct mechanism. The activation of the explosive can be based on an external signal. In embodiments, the on-board sensors can be used to detect an unauthorized attempt to access the payload within cavity 114 (e.g., a certain number of wrong information entered, a detected language captured via a microphone, a detected vehicle signature).

[0060] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the bags 131 can be filled with substances of different weights or densities such that the weight distribution of the projectile 100 with the deployed bags 131 is asymmetrical or off-center. FIG. 5 illustrates the projectile 100 with the bags 131 deployed according to these embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

[0061] In the illustration of FIG. 5, the bags 131a, 131b, and 131c can be considered to be filled with a material a first density (represented by the straight lines), which is a lesser density than the material of a second density that fills the bags 131d and 131e (represented by the criss-cross pattern). The materials of different density can be different gases, or a gas and a liquid, a gas and a foam, a gas and a solid, the same gas pumped into the bags 131a-131c and 131d-131e at different pressures, or other combinations.

[0062] As discussed above, the bags 131 are deployed prior to the projectile 100 hitting the ground. When the bags 131 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 are deployed, the difference in densities of the material in bags 131a-131c and bags 131d-131e will create an imbalanced weight distribution among the projectile 100, this will cause the bags 131d-131e to end up on the underside of the projectile 100 as the projectile 100 comes in contact with the ground and as it bounces or rolls to its final resting position.

[0063] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectile 100 can have one or more arms that allow it to stand up or otherwise turn to make the access door 114 accessible.

[0064] The embodiment shown on FIG. 5 show the bags 131 of varying density across the sides of the projectile 100. However, it is contemplated that the more dense bags 131 can be located at the bottom end 113 of the projectile such that the projectile 100 is more likely to stand up when coming to a rest.

[0065] FIG. 6 shows an illustration of a projectile 100 according to these embodiments of the inventive subject matter. As seen in FIG. 6, the projectile 100 includes a plurality of arms 610 distributed along the body of the projectile 100. The illustration of FIG. 6 shows two arms 610, but it is contemplated that the number can vary such that it is sufficient to stand up the projectile 100 when the arms 610 are deployed. In most embodiments, three arms 610 are distributed at 120 degree angles from each other around the circumference of the body of projectile 100 such that the projectile 100 stands up via a tripod of arms 610.

[0066] FIG. 7 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 6, with the arms 610 deployed. In the embodiment shown, the arms 610 are deployed via a hinge 611 that allows the arms 610 to push the projectile 100 upright off the ground. The movement of the arms 610 is powered by an actuator (not shown) that can apply sufficient force to lift the weight of the projectile 100.

[0067] In the embodiments of FIG. 6-7, it is important to note that the location of the arms 610 is such that the access port 115 to cavity 114 is clear when the projectile 100 is standing upright.

[0068] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the processor of electronics component 120 can be programmed to deploy the arms 610 only in response to a trigger signal. For example, the processor can be programmed to listen for a signal from an intended recipient (such as from a cellular phone carried by the intended recipient) that has a code. Upon confirming the signal and/or code corresponds to the intended recipient, the processor causes the actuators to deploy the arms 610 to bring the projectile 100 upright. This way, the projectile is not revealed to unintended parties.

[0069] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the processor can cause the release of bags 131 prior to the deployment of the arms 610, such that the bags 131 do not impede the deployment of the arms 610.

[0070] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the impact attenuation system can include a parachute that is deployed from the body of the projectile 100 when the processor determines that the projectile 100 is at or below a pre-determined altitude.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.