Electrode for electronic weaponry that dissipates kinetic energy

An electrode comprising:

• a body comprising a surface, a rapidly expanding gas applies a force on the surface to impart a kinetic energy to the electrode to launch the electrode in a forward direction from an electronic weapon toward a human or animal target;
• and
• a spear comprising one or more resilient ribs, the spear having a first shape prior to launch, the spear mechanically coupled to a forward portion of the body;
• wherein:
• upon impact of the electrode with the target, the one or more ribs deform to dissipate the kinetic energy, deforming the one or more ribs causes the spear to acquire a second shape, the second shape different from the first shape;
• after dissipating the kinetic energy, the one or more ribs cease to deform and the spear returns to the first shape;
• and
• the electrode provides a current from the electronic weapon through tissue of the target, the current for inhibiting voluntary movement by the target.

An electrode comprising:

• a body comprising a surface and a central axis along a length of the body, a rapidly expanding gas applies a force on the surface to impart a kinetic energy to the electrode to launch the electrode in a forward direction from an electronic weapon toward a human or animal target;
• and
• a spear comprising one or more resilient ribs, and a tip, the tip comprising a central axis along a length of the tip, the spear mechanically coupled to a forward portion of the body;
• wherein:
• before impact, the central axis of the body is in line with the central axis of the tip;
• upon impact of the electrode with the target:
• the tip penetrates tissue of the target to place the spear in or near target tissue;
• the body moves with respect to the tip so that the central axis of the body is positioned at an angle to the central axis of the tip;
• and
• responsive to movement of the body, the one or more ribs flex to dissipate the kinetic energy;
• after dissipating the kinetic energy, the one or more ribs cease to flex so that the body returns to its pre-launch position and the central axis of the body is substantially in line with the central axis of the tip;
• and
• the electrode provides a current from the electronic weapon through tissue of the target, the current for inhibiting voluntary movement by the target.