Projectile Delivery System for Supplies with Impact Attenuation

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 63/568,919, filed Mar. 22, 2024. U.S. provisional application 63/568,919 and all other extrinsic references contained herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The field of the invention is projectiles.

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.

Supporting infantry is a vital component of warfare. Being able to supply troops at the frontline or on missions with supplies is often the difference between success and failure.

However, due to the nature of battle, keeping troops properly supplied can be a difficult endeavor. The shape of a battle can result in supply lines being cut off. Soldiers at or behind enemy lines can become separated or otherwise isolated from their forces, putting them at great risk. Injured or isolated soldiers are particularly at great risk of capture or death.

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.

Thus, there is still a need for a supplies delivery system that can reach soldiers that are cut off from the supply lines.

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a projectile has a projectile body with a cavity within the projectile body that can store cargo. The projectile includes an electronics component that has a processor. The projectile further includes an impact attenuation system that can be deployed by the processor when a deployment condition is met.

In general, a deployment condition is a condition that causes the deployment of the impact attenuation system. In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the deployment condition can include a detection of the projectile falling at or below a predetermined condition.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the impact attenuation system can comprise one or more bags or other flexible containers configured to be filled with a substance upon deployment.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the substance used to fille the bags can be a gas. In other embodiments, the substance can be a liquid (e.g., water) or solid (e.g., sand or other particulate matter).

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the bag(s) have an asymmetric shape when fully inflated/deployed.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the bag(s) can be colored to match an external environment in which the projectile is deployed. For example, the bags can be desert-colored, or colored for a wooded/forest environment. The coloring can be in camouflage patterns.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectile can be a 40 mm projectile.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectile includes one or more arms that, when deployed, can cause the projectile body to stand up or otherwise separate itself from the ground.

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.

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.

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.

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.

is a diagrammatic illustration of a projectile, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

As seen in, the projectileincludes a projectile body, which can generally be considered to comprise a center section, a front or nose section, and a rear section.

The projectileincludes a cavitydisposed within the center section. The cavityis used to store objects that can be transported via the launching of the projectile. The amount of the supplies carried by the projectilecan be determined based on the size of the projectile(e.g., the caliber of the projectile), weight limits of the launching equipment, etc. Contemplated cargo of the projectilecan include medical supplies, ammunition, communications equipment, food, beverages, batteries, or other types of cargo.

The cavityand its contents can be accessed via access port. The access portcan be a door, a removable cover, or other type of access port that allows for the insertion and removal of contents from the cavity. In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the access portcan 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 portcan be a panel that has a weakened (e.g., serrated) border, that can be broken by a user via force or impact.

The projectilealso includes an electronics component. The electronics componentcan include a processor and memory to store executable code and other data. The electronics componentcan 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 componentcan 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(e.g., will not allow access if it detects a certain temperature that would spoil or ruin the contents carried within cavity), electronic signal sensors (e.g., listening for radio, Wifi, etc).

In order to deliver cargo to its intended target intact, the projectileincludes one or more impact attenuation systems. In the image of, the impact attenuation systemsare shown distributed throughout the projectilebut their location can vary depending on the actual system used.

In these embodiments, the processor of electronics componentis 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.

Upon reaching an altitude threshold and/or a proximity to target threshold (which can be a determination that the projectileis 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)to execute their functions to slow down and/or otherwise attenuate the impact of the projectileon the ground.

In the embodiments shown in, the impact attenuation systemcomprises one or more inflatable bagsstored within one or more cavities distributed throughout the body of the projectile. Thus, upon reaching the threshold altitude and/or location, the processor causes the impact attenuation systemsto begin to inflate the bags. To do so, the body of the projectilecan have weakened sections (such as via a serrated weakened section) that can be broken by the inflation of the bags. In order to inflate the bags, the impact attenuation systemcan include or more containers having compressed gas that, when released, cause the rapid inflation of the bags.

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

shows the projectilewith the bagsin the process of inflating. As can be seen in, the weakened sections of the body of projectilehave been perforated and the bagsare being filled with gas to protect the projectilewhen it hits the ground.

shows the projectilewith the bagsfully inflated. In embodiments such as the one illustrated in, the fully-inflated bagsenvelop the entire body of the projectile. In other embodiments, the bagscan envelop less than the entire body of the projectile. For example, a gap in between the bagscan be left to allow access to the access doorwithout having to puncture or remove any of the bags.

The bagsofare shown to have an irregular, asymmetric shape when fully inflated. This allows for the bagsto blend in better with the surrounding environment. The actual shape of the bagswhen 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 bagscan be painted or have printing to further mimic the environment in which they are to be deployed. Thus, for projectilesto 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.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the bagsare designed to remain inflated or otherwise filled during the landing process, such that the projectileis likely to bounce along the ground when it lands and the bagsremaining inflated when the projectilehas come to a stop. A benefit of these embodiments is that, due to the bagsremaining inflated, the body of the projectileitself remains elevated relative to the ground. This helps improve communications (in case any antennas end up on the ground-side of the projectileupon landing) and keeps the projectileand its contents off of ground that could be wet, cold, etc.

In other embodiments, the bagsare designed to absorb the impact by deflating upon impact with the ground. This results in the projectiletravelling less along the ground once it first impacts, resulting in greater pin-point accuracy upon delivery.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the bagsare filled with a material that is lighter than water, such that if the projectilelands in water, it will float.

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

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 cavityto find the projectile. 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.

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. 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.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectilecan include a cooling system that provides a cooled environment within the cavity. This can include coolant stored under pressure in a tank that is vented into the cavity. 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.