Bullet Tip Identification Marking via Rotating Support and UV Print Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for applying identification paint to bullet tips in ammunition manufacturing are slow and batch-oriented, limiting the throughput of ammunition production, as they require sequential dipping and drying for multiple color bands, which is not compatible with the rapid assembly processes used in modern cartridge manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving a bullet support apparatus that rotates the bullet about its longitudinal axis, allowing a print head to apply identification marks around the circumference of the bullet tip simultaneously or near-simultaneously, using UV-curable paint and various print head types such as spray or contact/pad heads, enabling continuous integration with automatic sealing machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential dipping and drying is used for multiple color bands, then identification accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous painting by rotating the cartridge through a series of paint immersion zones without stopping for drying between colors. The cartridge rotates continuously through paint containers arranged in sequence, allowing multiple color bands to be applied in one continuous operation rather than sequential batch processing with drying intervals between each color.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic rotation of the cartridge to control which portion of the bullet tip is immersed in each paint container at different times during the rotation cycle. By synchronizing the rotation period with the paint application zones, different color bands are applied at different rotational positions, achieving multi-color identification in a single continuous pass.
2Measurement precision
If multiple color bands are applied sequentially, then identification precision is improved, but loss of time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates idle drying time by maintaining continuous rotation through all paint application zones. Multiple color bands are applied in succession during one continuous rotational cycle, converting what would be sequential batch operations with drying intervals into a single continuous process where painting is the only active operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimensional element of rotational position to the painting process. Instead of applying colors sequentially in time with drying intervals, the system applies multiple colors at different rotational positions simultaneously in one cycle, transforming a time-sequential process into a spatially-distributed concurrent process.
3Productivity
If rapid assembly is used for cartridge manufacturing, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating cartridge holder serves multiple functions: it positions cartridges for rapid assembly, rotates them through multiple paint application zones, and controls the rotational timing for different color bands. This single rotating mechanism replaces what would otherwise require separate positioning, rotation, and painting systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the rapid assembly positioning system with the multi-color painting system into a single integrated rotating cartridge holder. The same rotational mechanism that enables rapid cartridge presentation for assembly also delivers the cartridges through the paint application zones, merging two functions into one device rather than requiring separate systems.
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 approach significantly increases the speed and efficiency of bullet tip identification marking, allowing for simultaneous application of multiple colors and integration into high-speed ammunition manufacturing processes, thus overcoming the bottleneck in paint application.
Implementation Method 1
using UV-curable paint
Data Source
AI summary
A system for printing a bullet tip identification includes a bullet support apparatus for holding and rotating a bullet about its longitudinal axis and a print head configured to be positioned in close proximity to a tip of a bullet. The print head is configured to apply an identification around the circumference of the bullet tip while the bullet is rotating about its longitudinal axis. A method of applying identification marks on bullet tip includes positioning a bullet tip in close proximity to a print head and rotating the bullet about a longitudinal axis of the bullet. An identification mark is then applied around the circumference of the bullet tip by the print head as the bullet rotates.