Air Gun System Pneumatic Control for Rapid Firing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air cannon systems are limited by the need for complete tank refilling after each shot, resulting in inefficiency and high costs, as the compressed air is used only once, and the mass of air evacuated beyond supersonic speeds does not contribute significantly to system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The air cannon system incorporates a pneumatic device with a secondary piston and pressure chamber, allowing for multiple shots by utilizing secondary compressed air to maintain pressure and enable repeated operation, optimizing air consumption and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the reservoir is completely emptied after each shot to release maximum compressed air, then the shot power and efficiency are improved, but the system requires time-consuming refilling between shots, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is segmented into two independent reservoirs: a first reservoir for storing compressed air and a second reservoir for storing atmospheric air. This segmentation allows the system to use different air sources for different phases of operation, enabling continuous operation without complete refilling of the main compressed air reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The second reservoir pre-stores atmospheric air before it is needed. During the shot execution phase, this pre-stored atmospheric air is introduced into the pressure chamber to maintain pressure and enable the main piston to return to its initial position, allowing for rapid successive shots without waiting for refilling.
2Power
If all compressed air is evacuated during the shot, then the shock wave intensity is maximized, but the mass of air evacuated beyond supersonic speeds does not contribute to efficiency, representing wasted energy
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful or non-useful portion of the air evacuation process is extracted and separated from the useful portion. The system introduces atmospheric air from the second reservoir to replace and supplement the evacuated compressed air, allowing the system to maintain pressure without evacuating additional compressed air that would not contribute to shock wave generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the composition parameter of the air in the pressure chamber by introducing atmospheric air from the second reservoir to mix with or replace the compressed air from the first reservoir. This parameter change allows the system to maintain the necessary pressure and mass for shock wave generation while conserving the valuable compressed air supply.
3Device complexity
If a single reservoir is used for compressed air storage, then the device structure is simple, but the system requires complete refilling after each shot, increasing loss of time and operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The single reservoir is segmented into two separate reservoirs with distinct functions: the first reservoir stores compressed air for shock wave generation, while the second reservoir stores atmospheric air for pressure maintenance during successive shots. This segmentation eliminates the need for complete refilling between shots.
Solution Approach 2:
The second reservoir serves multiple functions: it stores atmospheric air that can be introduced to maintain pressure in the pressure chamber, enables the main piston to return to its initial position, and allows for rapid successive shots. This multi-functionality compensates for the increased structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for multiple successive shots, optimizing compressed air usage, reducing time and cost, and maintaining high operational performance by interrupting non-useful air evacuation and enabling faster filling and energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic device which includes a control member controlled by a movement of the main piston from its first position to its second position, a secondary source of compressed air
Implementation Method 2
According to one feature, the system includes a spring arranged between said body and said secondary piston to force said secondary piston towards its first position
Implementation Method 3
A filling air inlet duct controlled by a solenoid valve and opening into said internal volume to ensure the filling of the system with compressed air
Implementation Method 4
A rapid exhaust valve positioned between the air inlet and the internal volume of the reservoir... Under the effect of the compressed air present in the internal volume, the piston moves to its second position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to an air gun system comprising: - A body (1) forming an internal volume (V), - A main inlet (IN) intended to be connected to a source of compressed air and opening into said internal volume (V) of the body, - A main outlet (OUT) connected to the internal volume (V) of the body and intended to expel compressed air to the outside, - A main piston (12) movable between two positions, a first position closing said main outlet (OUT) and a second position opening said main outlet (OUT), - A pneumatic device which includes a control member controlled by a movement of the main piston (12) from its first position to its second position, a secondary source of compressed air and at least one volume (V4) in contact with said main piston (12) and into which said secondary source of compressed air opens, - Means for resetting said pneumatic device.