Powder Dispenser for Ammunition with Closed-Loop Weight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder dispensers for ammunition are either inaccurate due to fine granularity of powder or inefficient due to the need for multiple devices, leading to inconsistent and time-consuming loading processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained powder dispenser with a processor-controlled motor system that adjusts rotational speeds of barrels to accurately dispense powder based on type, using a scale for real-time measurement and a user interface for input, allowing for precise and efficient loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional powder dispensers use scales and volumes to dispense powder quickly, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the weight of powder dispensed using a scale and provides real-time feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the rotational speed of the dispensing barrel dynamically to maintain the target weight, preventing both under-dispensing and over-dispensing. This closed-loop control enables both high speed and high precision by allowing rapid dispensing while continuously correcting for variations in powder flow rate.
2Manufacturing precision
If devices are tuned to slowly dispense powder for accurate volume, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotational speed of the dispensing barrel based on real-time weight feedback. Rather than operating at a fixed slow speed, the system can operate at high speeds when powder flow is consistent and slow down or stop when approaching the target weight. This dynamic speed adjustment enables the system to achieve high precision without sacrificing overall productivity, as the majority of the dispensing process can occur at high speed.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate and independent devices are used for weighing and dispensing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the weighing function and dispensing function into a single integrated device. The scale, dispensing barrel, motor, and controller are all part of one unified system, eliminating the need for separate weighing devices and dispensing devices. This integration maintains high measurement accuracy while reducing device complexity, as the components work together in a coordinated manner rather than requiring independent operation of multiple devices.
4Manufacturing precision
If separate devices are operated independently in series, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs weighing and dispensing in a continuous, integrated process rather than in separate sequential steps. The scale continuously monitors weight during dispensing, and the dispensing operation continues uninterrupted until the target weight is reached. This eliminates the time losses associated with transferring powder between separate devices and allows the useful action of dispensing to continue without interruption, significantly reducing total loading time while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, device and method for accurately and efficiently dispensing powder for loading ammunition. The dispenser or loader is configured to autonomously determine the powder type and the dispense rate of powder is determined for selected rotational speeds based on powder type. The most efficient dispensing regime is determined using a number of fixed speeds of barrel rotation wherein switch points among the speeds of barrel rotation, stopping points and trickle rates to approach a target weight without overshooting.