Cartridge Case Ink Marking System for Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional approaches fail to efficiently identify and recover reusable cartridge cases, leading to mixed-up cases during shooting, potential safety hazards, and increased costs due to the need for additional inspection and handling.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising platforms with case holder elements and interchangeable marking elements that securely hold and mark cartridge cases, allowing for precise identification through ink marking, enabling easy recognition and recovery of individual cases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cartridge cases are manually handled and inspected after firing, then they can be identified for reuse, but the process is time-consuming and prone to mixing up cases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecase identification accuracyVSAvoidinspection and handling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies ink markings to cartridge cases before they are fired, so that identification is already in place before the cases need to be recovered and inspected. This preliminary marking action eliminates the need for time-consuming post-firing inspection and ensures accurate identification is already present when cases are recovered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual visual inspection and handling with an automated ink marking mechanism. The marking device uses mechanical ink application to permanently mark cases with identification information, substituting the need for manual inspection processes with an automated marking system that provides both identification and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If cartridge cases are not properly identified, then mixing up cases can occur, but implementing an identification system increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of case reuseVSAvoidmarking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses ink markings of different colors or patterns to identify cartridge cases. By applying visual color changes through ink application, the system provides clear, easily distinguishable identification marks that enhance safety and reliability of case reuse without requiring complex electronic or mechanical identification systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The ink marking serves as an intermediary between the cartridge case and the user's identification needs. Rather than requiring complex scanning, reading, or electronic identification systems, the ink mark acts as a simple visual mediator that allows users to quickly and reliably identify their cases without complex device infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If cartridge cases are recovered without proper marking, then recovery costs increase due to additional inspection and handling, but implementing marking systems adds manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecase recovery efficiencyVSAvoidmarking system manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables cartridge cases to essentially mark themselves by applying ink directly to the case during or after the reloading process. The case passes through the marking device which applies identification marks automatically, allowing the case to receive its own identification without requiring external manual intervention or complex additional manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the surface properties of the cartridge case by applying ink markings. This parameter change (adding a visible ink layer) provides permanent identification that survives the firing process and recovery, enabling efficient case recovery without requiring complex manufacturing or inspection infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system effectively identifies and separates cartridge cases by caliber, reducing the risk of mixing and enhancing safety by ensuring only familiar, correctly identified cases are reused, thereby reducing costs and improving the shooting experience.

Implementation Method 1

At least a subset of the set of marking elements can thereby be enabled to mark at least a subset of the set of cartridge cases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInk marking:

Data Source

PatentUS9908321B1Systems and methods for identifying cartridge cases based on ink marking

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 KALVANI IP HLDG LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods can removably secure a set of cartridge cases on a first platform. A set of marking elements can be provided on a second platform. At least one of the first platform or the second platform can be moved to shorten a distance between the first platform and the second platform. At least a subset of the set of marking elements can thereby be enabled to mark at least a subset of the set of cartridge cases. In some cases, the first platform can be configured to removably secure the set of cartridge cases. The second platform can be configured to provide the set of marking elements. One or more moving mechanisms can be configured to facilitate moving the at least one of the first platform or the second platform.