Portable Cartridge Case Washer Drier With Hydraulic Agitation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for washing and drying cartridge cases are inefficient, requiring manual intervention, lengthy cleaning times, and often result in environmental pollution due to silica powders and inadequate cleaning of both inner and outer surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A portable machine with a cylindrical washing chamber, rotating body, and hydraulic circuit that automatically washes and dries cartridge cases using a detergent recovery system, reducing cleaning time and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a needle cleaner or ultrasonic cleaner is used, then the cartridge cases can be washed, but additional manual steps are required to separate needles, rinse, and dry the cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines washing, rinsing, and drying functions into a single integrated machine. The washing chamber receives cartridge cases and automatically performs all three cleaning operations sequentially, eliminating the need for separate needle cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, and household ovens, thereby reducing manual intervention while consolidating device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing chamber is designed as a multi-functional unit that can wash, rinse, and dry cartridge cases of various calibers. The rotating body with lifting elements provides universal agitation suitable for different case types, while the hydraulic circuit handles multiple fluid operations, making the device adaptable to diverse cleaning needs without requiring separate specialized equipment.
2Productivity
If a dry tumbler is used, then cartridge cases can be cleaned externally, but the process takes several hours and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating body with lifting elements creates mechanical agitation that repeatedly lifts and drops cartridge cases during rotation. This dynamic mechanical action intensifies the washing process by forcing detergent solution into crevices and accelerating dirt removal, reducing cleaning time from several hours to a fraction of that duration while maintaining thorough external and internal cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic circuit provides automated control of washing, rinsing, and drying operations. Water and detergent are pumped into the washing chamber under pressure, and the hydraulic system manages fluid flow and timing, enabling rapid sequential operations that dramatically reduce total cleaning time compared to manual tumbling processes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If granules are used in a dry tumbler, then external cleaning is achieved, but silica powders are released which are harmful to health
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical abrasion of solid granules with a hydraulic washing system. Instead of using silica-based granules that generate harmful dust, the invention uses water and detergent solution delivered through a hydraulic circuit to achieve thorough cleaning without releasing toxic particles, thereby eliminating health hazards while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the cleaning medium from solid granules to liquid detergent solution. This parameter change from solid to liquid eliminates dust generation and silica powder release, while the liquid form can more effectively penetrate and flush out dirt from cartridge case surfaces without creating harmful airborne contaminants.
4Extent of automation
If a rotating body with lifting elements is used, then automatic washing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating body is segmented into multiple lifting elements distributed around its circumference. Each element independently performs the lifting and dropping action on cartridge cases as they pass by during rotation. This segmentation allows the automation function to be distributed across multiple simple components rather than requiring a single complex mechanism, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automatic operation.
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 machine provides a fully automatic, efficient washing and drying process that significantly reduces cleaning time, conserves energy, and minimizes environmental pollution through detergent recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic circuit (8) operatively connected to the washing chamber (2) and to said inlet and discharging ports (5, 6), the hydraulic circuit (8) being configured to allow the washing liquid to enter into the washing chamber (2) by means of said inlet port (5), and the washing liquid extracted from the washing chamber (2) to be discharged by means of said discharging port (6)
Implementation Method 2
a rotating body (9) arranged to rotate about a rotation axis (X1), said rotating body (9) comprising at least one cartridge case movement element (10) which is integral in rotation with the rotating body (9), said at least one movement element (10) protruding into the washing chamber (2) and being configured to repeatedly lift and release the cartridge cases in the washing chamber (2) during the rotation of the rotating body (9)
Implementation Method 3
the cartridge cases to be washed, the detergent and a multitude of small metal needles
Data Source
AI summary
A portable machine for washing and drying cartridge cases for a gun or rifle includes a washing chamber having a cartridge case introduction opening, an inlet port, a discharging port, and a door configured to hermetically close the cartridge case introduction opening. The portable machine also includes a hydraulic circuit configured to allow washing liquid to enter the washing chamber via the inlet port to be discharged via the discharging port. The portable machine also includes a rotating body arranged in the washing chamber to rotate about an axis, the rotating body including a movement element. The movement element protrudes into the washing chamber and is configured to repeatedly lift and release the cartridge cases in the washing chamber during rotation of the rotating body. The portable machine also includes an operating motor, and a drying device arranged to dry the cartridge cases in the washing chamber.