Automatic Depriming Device with Adjustable Fins for Firearm Cases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manual depriming devices for firearm cartridge cases are inefficient for depriming multiple cases in series and require specific tools for different calibers, leading to long processing times and limited capacity.

Innovation Solution

An automatic depriming device with a surface plate and adjustable fins for positioning cases of varying calibers, combined with a geared mechanism and cam system to facilitate automatic depriming, allowing for continuous processing without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual depriming tools are used, then the device structure is simple, but the productivity is low and processing time is long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepriming speedVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a movable main support that can be positioned at different locations along the conveyor path, allowing the depriming operation to be performed at various points during the automatic feeding and positioning sequence. This dynamic positioning enables continuous processing without interrupting the workflow, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The depriming device is integrated with an automatic feeding system that continuously supplies cases to the depriming position. The main support moves continuously along the conveyor, and the depriming pin operates automatically as cases pass by, eliminating idle time between operations and ensuring continuous productive action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Measurement precision

If caliber-specific trays are used to hold cartridges, then the positioning precision is improved, but the adaptability to different calibers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecase positioning accuracyVSAvoidcaliber compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a universal main support structure that can accommodate cases of different calibers through adjustable positioning. The fins on the surface plate can be repositioned to match different case diameters, and the depriming pin can be adjusted to reach the primer cavity in cases of varying sizes. This multi-functional design allows a single device to handle multiple calibers while maintaining accurate positioning through the conveyor mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system employs movable fins that can be adjusted along the surface plate to accommodate different case calibers. The main support also moves dynamically along the conveyor path, allowing the depriming operation to be performed at the optimal position for each caliber type, thus maintaining positioning accuracy across varying case dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If manual positioning of each case is required, then the device structure is simple, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepriming cycle timeVSAvoidfeeding mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates an automatic feeding mechanism that self-supplies cases to the depriming position without requiring manual intervention. The conveyor system automatically positions cases, and the movable main support automatically brings the depriming pin into contact with each case in sequence. This self-service operation eliminates the time loss associated with manual case handling while the mechanical automation remains relatively simple in design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3404353B1Depriming device and method of deprimimg cartridge cases
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 TOMASONI RINO PIERINO
  • EP3404353B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3404353B1 patent drawingFigure 2~6
  • EP3404353B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

A depriming device (1) and a relative method for the removal of the primer (3) from the head (4) of cases (2) of cartridges for firearms are described. The device comprises depriming means (5, 6), means for positioning and restraining (11) at least one case on a surface plate (8), at the depriming means, and movement means (10) to shift the depriming means (5, 6) from a raised position, in which the latter are moved away from the case (2) to be deprimed, to a lowered position, in which they come into contact with the primer (3) of the case (2) and push it thereby causing its detachment from the case itself.