Cellular End Cap Structure for Lightweight Gas-Tight Ammunition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ammunition end caps are heavy due to their conventional materials, which increases the overall mass of the cartridge case without providing a significant functional advantage.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight cellular structure end cap with a porous 3D spatial structure is introduced, featuring a surface skin that forms a gas-tight seal and includes a binder matrix to create voids, reducing mass while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional materials (brass, steel) are used for the end cap, then the end cap provides sufficient strength and gas-tight seal, but the mass of the end cap increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap employs a porous cellular structure where a porous substrate is coated with a polymer material. This porous configuration reduces the overall mass of the end cap while the coating layer maintains structural integrity and provides gas-tight sealing, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and strength maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap utilizes a composite structure combining a porous substrate (metal foam or ceramic) with a polymer coating layer. This composite approach allows the porous substrate to provide lightweight structural support while the polymer coating ensures gas-tight sealing and enhanced strength, achieving both mass reduction and functional performance
2Weight of moving object
If conventional solid structure end cap is used, then the end cap provides gas-tight seal, but the mass of the end cap increases
Solution Approach 1:
The porous substrate is coated with a continuous polymer layer that seals the porous structure. This coating transforms the inherently non-sealing porous material into a gas-tight component while maintaining the mass benefits of the porous configuration, achieving both lightweight design and reliable gas-tight sealing
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials (aluminum, titanium) are used for the end cap, then the mass of the end cap decreases, but the gas-tight seal may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lightweight porous substrate (aluminum or titanium foam) is combined with a polymer coating layer. The porous substrate provides lightweight structural support while the polymer coating ensures gas-tight sealing, allowing the use of lightweight materials without compromising sealing reliability
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 cellular structure end cap significantly reduces mass without compromising the performance of the cartridge case, ensuring a gas-tight seal and efficient energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a porous 3D spatial structure in the shape of said end cap, wherein in said porous 3D spatial structure comprises a surface skin; wherein said surface skin provides a gas tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of improved ammunition production, more specifically to a cellular structure end cap, suitable for an ammunition round, said end cap comprising a porous 3D spatial structure in the shape of said end cap, wherein in said porous 3D spatial structure comprises a surface skin.