Ammunition Container Seal Structure Without Clamping Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ammunition containers often require a clamping force to maintain a compression seal, which can be cumbersome and may compromise the seal under external pressure.
Innovation Solution
The ammunition container features a flexible circumferential seal supported by a lid inner, which is in contact with the side wall of the box and a rib of the lid, allowing for a seal that does not rely on clamping force and can effectively seal under external pressure, with a corrugated side wall design that distorts without breaking upon impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression seal with clamping force is used to seal the box and lid, then the sealing is maintained under normal conditions, but the seal may be compromised under external pressure and the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible circumferential seal that relies on its material properties rather than mechanical clamping force. The flexible seal can deform and conform to the mating surfaces, maintaining sealing effectiveness without requiring complex clamping mechanisms, thus improving ease of operation while preserving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sealing mechanism from force-dependent (clamping) to geometry-dependent (flexible seal deformation). By utilizing the elastic properties and geometric configuration of the flexible seal, the system maintains reliability without the need for high clamping forces, simplifying the operation
2Strength
If a rigid side wall is used to maintain structural integrity, then the box strength is high, but the side wall may break upon impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a corrugated shape with alternating radii in the side wall, creating a curved, wave-like structure. This curvature allows the side wall to absorb impact forces through controlled deformation of the corrugations, preventing catastrophic failure while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The corrugated structure acts as a pre-designed energy absorption mechanism. The alternating radii create zones that can deform in anticipation of impact, dissipating energy before it reaches critical structural points, thereby protecting the contents without requiring additional cushioning materials
3Ease of operation
If a simple lid attachment is used for ease of operation, then the lid is easy to open and close, but the sealing effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circumferential seal is integrated with the lid assembly, allowing the lid to be easily attached and detached while the flexible seal maintains continuous contact with the box surface. This combination achieves both ease of operation and reliable sealing without requiring complex locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible seal acts as an intermediary element between the lid and box, enabling simple attachment while ensuring effective sealing. The seal compensates for any gaps or irregularities in the mating surfaces, maintaining reliability without complicating the lid attachment mechanism
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
The flexible seal maintains a secure closure without clamping force and enhances sealing effectiveness under pressure, while the corrugated design absorbs impact without breaking, protecting the contents.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible circumferential seal supported by the lid inner, the flexible circumferential seal being in contact with the side wall of the box and with the rib of the lid
Implementation Method 2
the side wall includes a corrugated shape including alternating radii, such that the side wall of the box is configured to distort without breaking, upon occurrence of an impact to the side wall
Data Source
AI summary
An ammunition container includes a box including a side wall. A lid covers the box. A flexible circumferential seal is supported by the lid in contact with the side wall of the box. The lid can include a lid inner that supports the seal, the sidewall can be corrugated, and/or the side wall of the box and the lid can form a hinge.