Distribution module for a propulsion module of a projectile launcher

Abstract

A projectile launcher may comprise a propulsion module configured to deploy, or cause deployment of, one or more projectiles. The projectiles may be housed within a magazine coupled within a bay of the projectile launcher. The propulsion module may comprise a distribution module configured to selectively cause deployment of one or more projectiles. The distribution module may be configured to rotate into one or more deployment positions. Each deployment position may align with a separate projectile housed within the magazine. The distribution module may be configured to translate from a resting position to a deployment position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A propulsion module for a projectile launcher comprising:
 a valve assembly; and   a distribution module in fluid communication with the valve assembly, wherein the distribution module is configured to adjust to selectively provide a propellant to one or more projectiles, and wherein the distribution module is configured to adjust by a physical movement of the distribution module from a first position to a second position.   
     
     
         2 . The propulsion module of  claim 1 , wherein the physical movement comprises a rotational movement. 
     
     
         3 . The propulsion module of  claim 2 , wherein the second position is circumferentially offset from the first position. 
     
     
         4 . The propulsion module of  claim 1 , wherein the physical movement comprises an axial translation. 
     
     
         5 . The propulsion module of  claim 4 , wherein the second position is axially offset from the first position. 
     
     
         6 . The propulsion module of  claim 1 , wherein the physical movement comprises a rotational movement and an axial translation. 
     
     
         7 . The propulsion module of  claim 6 , wherein the first position comprises a first rotational position and a first translation position, wherein the second position comprises a second rotational position and a second translation position, wherein the second rotational position is circumferentially offset from the first rotational position, and wherein the second translation position is axially offset from the first translation position. 
     
     
         8 . The propulsion module of  claim 6 , wherein the rotational movement occurs before the axial translation. 
     
     
         9 . The propulsion module of  claim 6 , wherein the rotational movement occurs at least one of before or during the axial translation. 
     
     
         10 . The propulsion module of  claim 1 , wherein the distribution module comprises a static outer housing and a rotating inner housing. 
     
     
         11 . The propulsion module of  claim 10 , wherein the static outer housing remains stationary during the physical movement, and wherein the rotating inner housing adjusts during the physical movement. 
     
     
         12 . A handle for a projectile launcher comprising:
 a body defining a bay; and   a propulsion module disposed within the body proximate the bay, wherein the propulsion module comprises a distribution module configured to adjust to selectively provide a propellant to one or more projectiles, and wherein the distribution module is configured to adjust by a physical movement of the distribution module from a first position to a second position.   
     
     
         13 . The handle of  claim 12 , wherein in the first position the distribution module is configured to provide the propellant to a first group of projectiles from the one or more projectiles, and wherein in the second position the distribution module is configured to provide the propellant to a second group of projectiles from the one or more projectiles. 
     
     
         14 . The handle of  claim 13 , wherein the distribution module is configured to rotate from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
         15 . The handle of  claim 14 , wherein the distribution module comprises an outlet, and wherein responsive to rotation of the distribution module the outlet is configured to align with a different group of projectiles from the one or more projectiles. 
     
     
         16 . The handle of  claim 12 , wherein in the first position the distribution module is separated from the one or more projectiles by a gap, and wherein in the second position the distribution module is proximate the one or more projectiles. 
     
     
         17 . The handle of  claim 12 , wherein the distribution module is configured to translate from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
         18 . The handle of  claim 17 , wherein the distribution module comprises an outlet, and wherein responsive to translation of the distribution module the outlet is configured to seal against a projectile from the one or more projectiles. 
     
     
         19 . A method of deploying a projectile from a projectile launcher, the method comprising:
 receiving a trigger activation;   rotating a distribution module of a propulsion module, wherein in response to the rotating an outlet of the distribution module is aligned with the projectile;   activating a valve assembly of the propulsion module, wherein in response to the activating the valve assembly provides a propellant to the distribution module; and   translating the distribution module in an axially forward direction towards the projectile, wherein the distribution module provides the propellant to the projectile to cause deployment of the projectile.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the rotating is in response to the trigger activation, and wherein the translating is in response to the valve assembly providing the propellant to the distribution module.