PROJECTILE PROPULSION SYSTEM

PROJECTILE PROPULSION SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from co-pending provisional patent application having serial number 61/130,547 and filed June 2, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Currently, projectile systems require combustible fuels which explode to propel an object. Such systems pollute the environment, use non-renewable resources, create dangerous explosions, and are expensive. [0003] There is a need to create a projectile propulsion system.

SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a projectile propulsion system includes a launch tube, multiphase material, and a membrane. The launch tube has an interior cavity, the multiphase material disposed therein. The launch tube also has an opening to receive the multiphase material. The membrane seals the opening while the multiphase material is disposed in the interior cavity of the launch tube so as to allow the launch tube to be pressurized. [0005] In some embodiments, when the membrane is broken, a supersonic wave thrusts the contents of the interior cavity, such as a projectile, outwards with a high velocity and force. [0006] Other aspects and features of the present invention, as defined solely by the claims, will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following non-limited detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a projectile propulsion system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 is a projectile propulsion system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3 is a projectile propulsion system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. [0010] Figure 4 is a projectile propulsion system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figures 5A-B (collectively Figure 5) is a multistage projectile propulsion system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 6 illustrates a method of operation of the multistage projectile propulsion system of

Figure 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 7 is a multistage projectile propulsion system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 8 is a block schematic diagram of an example of a system for projectile propulsion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 9 is a method of operation of a projectile propulsion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figures 10A-B illustrates a method of operation of the projectile propulsion system of

Figure 3.

[0017] Figures 1 IA-C illustrates a method of operation of the projectile propulsion of Figure 2.

[0018] Figure 12-36 illustrate a cross-sectional view of the projectile propulsion system according to various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of method and apparatus (systems). It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and/or combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be controlled by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[0020] Figure 1 is a projectile propulsion system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The projectile propulsion system 100 includes a launch tube 102, multiphase material (MPM) 104 and a membrane 106. The launch tube 102 may be any container which is capable of holding material (e.g. MPM 104) and capable of being pressurized. The launch tube 102 has an interior cavity 107 for receiving such material. The launch tube 102 may be of any shape or size. For example, the launch tube 102 may be a cylindrical shape, as shown in Figure 1. The launch tube 102 may be of any size including a hand-held device or a large aerospace rocket. At least a portion of the launch tube 102 is initially hollow. Any type of materials that make up the body of the launch tube, including metals (e.g. steel, aluminum, etc.), plastic (e.g. PVC) and the like. In one embodiment, the launch tube 102 is a hollow pipe or a plastic tube. The launch tube has at least one opening 108 to receive MPM 104 and/or pressurized air/gas.

[0021] The MPM 104 is any material having a mulitphased composite structure. An example of such MPM 104 includes sand. In one embodiment, MPM 104 includes any material which has a multiplicity of elements bonded together such that when such bond is broken energy is released. The MPM 104 has porosity greater than 0 but less or equal to 1. At least a portion or all of the interior cavity 107 of the launch tube 102 is filled with MPM 104.

[0022] The membrane 106 is a device which seals the launch tube 102 by covering the opening 108 of the launch tube 102. The membrane 106 may be made of any material, including plastic, rigid materials, elastic, or any other material. In one embodiment, the membrane 106 is a material which is allowed to be ripped or compromised in response to a predetermined trigger, such as heat, ignition, sharp object, and the like. In another embodiment, the membrane 106 may be a door or other apparatus which may be removable from the opening 108 of the launch tube 102. The membrane 106 is secured to the launch tube 102 via any manner, such as glue, fasteners, hinge, friction, cap, and the like, to removably seal the launch tube 102. In one embodiment, multiple membranes (not shown) may be employed to cover multiple openings (not shown). [0023] Figure 2 is another projectile propulsion system 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates the projectile propulsion system 100 of Figure 1 with a projectile 202 inserted in the interior cavity 107 of the launch tube 102. At least a portion of the projectile 202 is surrounded by MPM 104. For example, as illustrated, the projectile 202 is completely surrounded by MPM 104.

[0024] Figure 3 is a projectile propulsion system 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates the projectile propulsion system 100 of Figure 1 with a launch tube 302 having at least one characteristic of a rocket. For example, as illustrated, the launch tube 302 has an aerodynamic shape (e.g. pointed front 304) and fins 306 to direct the launch tube. It should be noted that no projectile in located in the launch tube 302 through space. [0025] Figure 4 is a multiphase projectile propulsion system 400 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates the projectile propulsion system 100 of Figure 1 with a projectile 404 inserted in the interior cavity 107 of the launch tube 102. The projectile 404 is another projectile propulsion system similar to the projectile propulsion system of Figure 2. Both the interior cavity 102 of the projection propulsion system 400 and the interior cavity 406 of the imbedded projectile propulsion system 404 include MPM 104. [0026] Figures 5A-B (collectively Figure 5) is a multistage projectile propulsion system 500 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 A illustrates a plurality of active propulsion systems 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, and 514, each similar to the propulsion system 300 of Figure 3. Specifically, as illustrated in Figure 5B, seven projectile propulsion systems 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, and 514 are attached together to form a single multistage projectile propulsion system 500. Three of the projectile propulsion systems 502, 504, 506 of the multistage projectile propulsion system are paired together with three other projectile propulsion systems 508, 512, 514, respectively. The center projectile propulsion system 510 is not paired in the exemplary illustration.

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates a method 600 of operation of the multistage projectile propulsion system 500 of Figure 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the first stage 602 of the multistage projectile propulsion system 600, the first pair of projectile propulsion systems 502, 508 is activated. After the first pair 502, 508 is activated, the second pair of projectile propulsion systems 506, 514 is activated in a second stage 604. Thereafter, for a third stage 606, the third pair 504, 512 of projectile propulsion systems is activated. For the last stage 608, the center projectile propulsion system 510 is activated. It should be understood that any of the above activations 602- 608 of the projectile propulsion systems of the multistage projectile propulsion system 600 may be activated in different orders and/or simultaneously with any other stage(s) 602-608. Additionally, any number of stages may be included in the multistage projectile propulsion system. [0028] Figure 7 is another multistage projectile propulsion system 700 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 includes a double multistage projectile propulsion system 703, which includes a thrust projectile propulsion system 701 attached to a multistage projectile propulsion system 705. The thrust projectile propulsion system 704 is similar to the projectile propulsion system 100 of Figure 1 and includes a MPM 714, launch tube 712, a membrane 716, and an attachment means 710, such as adhesive, releasably fasteners, etc., to attach to the multistage projectile propulsion system 705. The multistage projectile propulsion system 705 is similar to the multistage projectile propulsion system 500 of Figure 5 and each projectile propulsion system 750-758 of the multistage projectile propulsion system 705 includes MPM 704, launch tube 702, and a membrane 706. The double multistage projectile propulsion system 703 is located in an interior cavity 760 of a launching projectile propulsion system 762, which is similar to the projectile propulsion system of Figure 1. The launching projectile propulsion system 762 includes MPM 104, launch tube 102, and a membrane 106. To launch the double multistage projectile propulsion system 703 of Figure 7 the launching projectile propulsion system 762 is first activated. After the double multistage projectile propulsion system 703 is launched a predetermined time or distance from the launching projectile propulsion system 762, the thrust projectile propulsion system 701 is activated. After the thrust projectile propulsion system 701 is activated for a predetermined time, the multistage projectile propulsion system 705 is activated, similar to that described above with regard to Figure 6. The description of how to operate or activate each projectile propulsion system 762, 701, 750-758 is described below with reference to Figure 9. [0029] Figure 8 is a block schematic diagram of an example of a system 800 for projectile propulsion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 800 includes at least one projectile propulsion system 802, as previously described with respect to Figures 1-7. Also, the system 800 may include one or more input systems 804, such as a system to pressurize the projectile propulsion system 802 with air, gas and the like. The input system 804 may be connected to any portion of the projectile propulsion system 802, including any opening or valve. Additionally, the system 800 may include an activation system 806, which releases the membrane to allow a sudden equalization of pressure between the interior cavity and the exterior of the projectile propulsion system 802. The system 800 may further include a system 808 to capture outward forces released from the projectile propulsion system 802. For example, the capture system 808 may capture MPM expelled from the interior cavity of the projectile propulsion system 802. [0030] Figure 9 is a method 900 of operation of any projectile propulsion system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In block 902, a launch tube is provided. As previously discussed, the launch tube may be a hollow container capable of receiving MPM and capable of being pressurized. In block 904, the launch tube is filled with material, such as MPM, projectiles, other projectile propulsion systems, or any other material and/or device. In block 906, the launch tube is sealed with a membrane so as to form an airtight seal. In block 908, the launch tube is pressurized by adding air and/or gas to the launch tube to achieve a predetermined pressure in the cavity. In block 910, the pressure of the launch tube is released by, for example, breaking the membrane, opening a door on the launch tube, igniting gas/fuel in the launch tube, heating the launch tube and/or membrane, and any other way to allow the launch tube to release pressure. By equalizing the pressure of the exterior of the launch tube with the interior cavity of the launch tube, a supersonic wave travels down the longitudinal length in the interior cavity of the launch tube and then travels back up the launch tube toward the opening of the launch tube pushing out any projectile and at least some MPM therein. Additionally, energy from the MPM may be released contributing to the supersonic wave.

[0031] Figures 10A-B visually illustrates an exemplary method of operation of the projectile propulsion system 300 of Figure 3. Figure 1OA illustrates the projectile propulsion system 300 of Figure 3 after pressurization. Figure 1OB illustrates the projectile propulsion system 300 immediately after the membrane 106 is broken, resulting in MPM 104 thrust in a first direction and the launch tube propelled in an opposite direction. As shown, the MPM 104 is released from the interior cavity of the launch tube 302.

[0032] Figures 1 IA-C illustrates an exemplary method of operation of the projectile propulsion system 200 of Figure 2. Figure 1 IA illustrates the projectile propulsion system 200 of Figure 2 when the membrane 106 of projectile propulsion system 200 is first broken. As shown, a supersonic wave 1100 travels down the longitudinal length of the launch tube 102 toward the end 1102 of the launch tube 102. After the supersonic wave 1100 reaches the end 1102 of the launch tube 102, the supersonic wave 1100 travels back toward the opening 1104 of the launch tube 102 propelling the projectile 202 of the projectile propulsion system 200, as shown in Figure 1 IB. MPM 104 is shown as being expelled out of the launch tube 102 along with the projectile 202. As illustrated in Figure 11C, the projectile 202 is forced completely out of the launch tube 102 with a tremendous amount of force and velocity.

[0033] Other embodiments of the projectile propulsion system are illustrated in Figures 12-36. These Figures include multiphase material 120, a launch tube 130, compressed gas 140 in porous spaces of the multiphase material, a membrane 150, and a projectile 160. Figure 12 illustrates a cross-section of the apparatus for launching projectile(s). Figures 12-14 illustrates the system having a gas inlet 110. Figure 14 illustrates the projectile can be hollow. Figure 15 illustrates the outer surface of the projectile having ridges to achieve increased surface friction force and range. Figure 16 illustrates the projectile being located inside an outer body shell that is covered with circular ridges to achieve increased surface friction force and decreased aerodynamic resistance forces during the time of flight. Figure 17 illustrates the inner surface of launch tube has circular ridges to achieve decreased recoil. Figure 18 illustrates the launch tube having multiple passive projectiles. Figure 19-21 illustrate various objects may be attached to the projectiles, such as a net, rope or chain, respectively. Figures 22-23 illustrate the projectile being guided inside the launch tube by linear longitudinal ridges or spiral ridges, respectively, along the longitudinal axis of the launch tube. Figures 24-26 illustrate the launch tube having several gas inlets to pressurize the launch tube. Figure 25 illustrates having a membrane to partially or non-hermetically seal the launch tube. Figure 26 illustrates the launch tube having no membrane sealing the launch tube. Figure 27 illustrates inserting chemicals or chemical charges into the interior of the launch tube to cause chemical reactions within the launch tube. Figures 28-31 illustrate the launch tube being active, which means that the launch tube itself becomes a projectile upon activation or breaking of the membrane. Figure 29 illustrates a gas inlet located on the membrane. Figure 30 illustrates separating plates within the launch tube for preventing motion of the non-cohesive loose granular multiphase material inside the interior of the launch tube under the influence of inertial forces. Figure 31 illustrates aerodynamic control surfaces on the launch tube's outer surface. Figure 32 illustrates an active projectile with anchoring foldable or fixed hooks attached to the outer surface of the projectile. Figure 33 illustrates an active projectile located inside the launch tube, where the active projectile has with a hose inside a chamber of the active projectile. Figure 34 illustrates a flexible cord or rope being fixed to one end of the active projectile inside the launch tube and a movable weight, charge, an anchor or another payload attached to the other end of the active projectile. Figure 35 illustrates an active projectile and compressed gas being produced by a chemical charge which is located inside the interior of the active projectile. Figure 36 illustrates several active projectiles which are located inside a launch tube. It should be understood that other embodiments may also be employed.

[0034] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems and methods according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable steps for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems which perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. [0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0036] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein