Cartridge Loading Machine Quick Caliber Change Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cartridge loading machines require extensive manual effort and time for caliber changes, leading to prolonged production stops, reduced productivity, and safety hazards for operators due to the need for precise recalibration and alignment of components.

Innovation Solution

The loading machine incorporates automated shifting means for the abutment bar and interchangeable spacers to adjust the distance between the abutment bar and race, allowing quick and precise caliber changes without the need for manual measurement and alignment, facilitated by a control unit and pneumatic cylinders for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of the abutment bar and conveyor guide is used for caliber changes, then the machine can be prepared for different calibers, but the preparation time becomes excessively long (up to an hour)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecaliber change capabilityVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The abutment bar is made dynamically adjustable through a motorized shifting mechanism that can automatically reposition it in the transverse direction according to the selected caliber, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing preparation time while maintaining adaptability to different cartridge calibers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated system comprising a control unit and motorized shifting mechanism that electronically controls the position of the abutment bar and conveyor guide, substituting human operation with automated control to reduce preparation time from hours to minutes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual measurement and alignment instruments are used to position components during caliber changes, then precise alignment is achieved, but the complexity of the setup process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidsetup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-alignment through the automated shifting mechanism that programmatically positions the abutment bar and conveyor guide at the correct locations for each caliber, eliminating the need for external measurement instruments and manual alignment procedures, thereby reducing setup complexity while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pre-programmed positional parameters for different calibers that automatically adjust the location of the abutment bar and conveyor guide, replacing manual measurement and alignment with electronic parameter-based positioning, thus simplifying the setup process while ensuring precise alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If operators work under the heavy operating beam during caliber changes, then adjustments can be made, but safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manual adjustment operation under the operating beam is replaced with an automated system controlled from a safe location, eliminating the need for operators to position themselves under the heavy beam during caliber changes, thus removing the safety hazard while preserving the ability to make precise adjustments through electronic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2827092B1Cartridge loading machine with quick caliber change system

Publication Date: 2016.03.23 EMG SRL

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The invention concerns the field of cartridge production and loading lines, and relates to a loading machine (1) for cartridges (2) with quick caliber change system, where said machine (1) comprises: a frame structure (3); feed means (4) for a plurality of empty cartridges (2); an operating beam (5); feed and conveying means (100) of said cartridges (2); ejection means for the loaded cartridges; motor means (6) for activation of kinematic mechanisms; a control unit (7). Said and conveying means (100) comprise: - a race (8) adapted to support and allow feed of said cartridges (2) in a given direction; - a conveyor guide (9), arranged parallel to said race (8), adapted to convey said cartridges (2) along said race (8); - an abutment bar (10), arranged parallel to said race (8), symmetrical with respect to said conveyor guide (9), adapted to act as vertical support and stop surface for said cartridges (2) in production; - shifting means (11) of said abutment bar (10) in transverse direction with respect to the direction of feed of said cartridges; - interchangeable regulating means (12), adapted to cooperate resting against said abutment bar (10) to selectively define an appropriate distance between said bar (10) and said race (8) as a function of the caliber (c, c1, c2) of said cartridges (2).