Multiple Projectile Cartridge Retention Insert Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiple projectile cartridges face issues with projectile alignment, mass imbalance, and complexity in manufacturing, leading to reduced accuracy and increased production costs, particularly when used in subsonic loads where energy is insufficient to reliably cycle the weapon.
Innovation Solution
A multiple projectile fixed cartridge design featuring a retention insert within the casing that aligns and supports projectiles, maintaining collinear central axes and utilizing a frustoconical and cylindrical configuration to restrain movement and direct combustion gases effectively, allowing for improved alignment and propulsion of multiple projectiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If internalized support structures with recesses are used to support projectiles, then projectile alignment is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into two separate components: the retention insert (containing support surfaces) and the projectiles (with engagement features). This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, eliminating the need for complex tight-mating recesses while maintaining proper projectile alignment through the engagement between the insert's support surfaces and the projectiles' engagement features.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention insert acts as an intermediary component between the cartridge casing and the projectiles. It provides the necessary support and alignment functions through its support surfaces, which interface with engagement features on the projectiles. This intermediary approach simplifies manufacturing by separating the alignment function from the projectile structure itself.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple projectiles are inserted as a single unit requiring precise alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention insert is pre-configured with support surfaces at specific positions and orientations before projectile insertion. This preliminary arrangement of support structures eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment procedures during assembly, as the insert already provides the necessary geometric constraints for proper projectile positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectiles are designed with self-aligning engagement features that automatically interface with the retention insert's support surfaces during insertion. This self-service mechanism allows projectiles to be assembled in a straightforward sequence without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If subsonic loads use increased propellant mass to compensate for reduced velocity energy, then weapon cycling reliability is improved, but cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The propellant energy is segmented and directed through combustion gas ports to individually actuate each projectile in the multi-projectile cartridge. This segmentation of energy delivery ensures that the reduced velocity of subsonic projectiles still generates sufficient localized gas pressure to reliably cycle the weapon, eliminating the need for excessive propellant mass while maintaining cycling reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The combustion gas ports are strategically positioned to deliver propellant energy locally to where it is most needed for weapon cycling. This local quality approach concentrates the available energy from subsonic projectiles at critical points in the weapon mechanism, maximizing the effectiveness of each unit of propellant and avoiding waste from excessive propellant consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple projectile fixed cartridge includes a casing, a retention insert arranged in the casing, and a plurality of projectiles arranged proximate the retention insert. The retention insert is configured to align and support at least a first projectile of the plurality of projectiles, and the casing is configured to align and support a second projectile of the plurality of projectiles.