Ammunition Loading Machine Ogive Datum Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ammunition loading machines lack precision in measuring and controlling the seating depth of bullets, which affects the ballistic consistency and accuracy of cartridges, particularly due to variations in bullet ogive configurations.
Innovation Solution
A small caliber ammunition production loading machine that measures the overall length of cartridges and specifically at a key datum location on the bullet's ogive, ensuring consistent seating depth and alignment, utilizing an upper and lower ram system with laser micrometers for precise length checks and a 24-position indexer for efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If only overall length (OAL) measurement is used, then the measurement process is simple, but the ballistic consistency and accuracy cannot be adequately controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is divided into two independent measurement systems: one for overall length (OAL) and another for ogive length. Each measurement station operates independently with its own laser micrometer, allowing precise control of bullet seating depth relative to the ogive while maintaining simple individual measurement processes.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated ogive measurement station acts as an intermediary between the bullet loading mechanism and the final quality control. This intermediate measurement point provides a reference datum on the bullet's ogive that mediates the relationship between bullet variations and final cartridge performance, enabling better ballistic consistency.
2Manufacturing precision
If bullet seating depth is not precisely controlled, then the loading process is faster, but the accuracy and consistency of ammunition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ogive measurement is performed during the loading process itself, before the cartridge is complete. The laser micrometer measures the ogive length and provides real-time feedback that allows immediate adjustment of bullet seating depth, ensuring precision is built into the process rather than added as a final check.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system incorporates feedback mechanisms where ogive length measurements are used to control and adjust bullet seating depth. The system continuously monitors ogive dimensions and adjusts the loading process accordingly, maintaining precise seating depth while automating the control loop to preserve productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different bullet ogive configurations are not accounted for, then the loading process is simpler, but the ballistic performance varies
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive to different bullet ogive configurations. The ogive measurement station can accommodate various ogive styles (tangent, secant, hybrid) by measuring to a consistent reference point on each bullet type, allowing the system to adapt to different bullet configurations while maintaining consistent measurement methodology and ballistic performance.
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
Enables the precise loading of cartridges at a rate of 100 per minute, improving accuracy and consistency by maintaining consistent bullet seating depth and overall length within industry standards, enhancing the quality of ammunition for competition and long-range shooting.
Implementation Method 1
an OAL laser height check and ogive length check
Data Source
AI summary
Herein described is a small caliber ammunition production loading machine with a novel measuring location and device. The machine will load one cartridge at a time and is referred to as a ‘single-out” machine (see FIG. 1). The machine will be similar in nature to existing loading machines with the following key novel aspects: a) The cartridge overall length (OAL) will be measured both as an overall dimension which is industry standard and also at a key datum location on a bullet's ogive. Measuring to a repeatable datum point on the bullet's ogive gives a more accurate representation of the cartridge's ballistic ability.