Combustible Charge Mount for Gun Breech Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ammunition rounds with non-robust charge configurations tend to slide out of the breech during elevated gun positions, leading to malfunctions and reduced firing rates, as existing solutions like grooves do not reliably hold the charge at higher elevations or protect against vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A mount with dilation means, such as resilient petal structures or male-female member combinations, engages the breech to securely hold the charge at any elevation, fabricated from combustible materials like nitrocellulose, kraft paper, and resin binder to prevent slippage and ensure safe ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a groove is provided in the breech to hold the charge at elevated positions, then the charge can be held at modest elevations, but the groove does not reliably hold the charge at higher elevations or protect against vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is divided into multiple functional segments: a body member for structural support, resilient petal members for engagement and retention, and dilation means for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the resilient petal members providing reliable engagement at any elevation while the body member maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount incorporates resilient petal members that can dynamically adjust to different elevations and vibration conditions. The resilient nature of these members allows them to flex and adapt to varying operational conditions, maintaining reliable engagement of the charge regardless of gun elevation or external vibrations.
2Reliability
If the gun is lowered to load non-robust rounds, then the charge is protected from sliding out, but the firing rate is reduced due to continual raising and lowering
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is designed to be pre-installed in the breech before loading the charge. The dilation means is configured to automatically engage and secure the charge in its proper position without requiring gun elevation changes. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for lowering the gun during loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient petal members and dilation means work together to automatically secure the charge in position through self-contained mechanical engagement. The system performs the retention function autonomously without requiring external intervention or elevation changes, enabling rapid loading at any gun position.
3Reliability
If a robust cartridge case is used to prevent sliding, then the round can be clamped firmly in the breech, but the cartridge case must be ejected by the breech mechanism after firing
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is designed as a disposable component made from combustible materials that are completely consumed during firing. This eliminates the need for complex ejection mechanisms, as the mount automatically disappears after serving its function of securing and protecting the charge during firing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount material undergoes a parameter change from solid combustible material to gas/energy during firing. The combustible nature of the mount allows it to be completely consumed by the firing process, transforming from a structural retention element to a fuel source, thereby eliminating debris and the need for ejection.
4Ease of manufacture
If the mount is made from combustible materials, then the breech is free from debris after firing, but the mount must be completely consumed during the firing sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The mount material is specifically selected and engineered to undergo complete combustion during the firing sequence. The combustible materials (nitrocellulose, kraft paper, resin binder) are configured to burn completely, changing from solid to gas phase and leaving negligible debris, thereby ensuring both reliability and breech cleanliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount is constructed from a composite combination of nitrocellulose, kraft paper, and resin binder materials. This composite structure provides the necessary mechanical properties for reliable charge retention while ensuring complete combustion during firing, leaving the breech clean and ready for the next round.
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 solution allows for reliable loading and firing of non-robust rounds at any elevation, maintaining a high firing rate and minimizing debris post-firing, eliminating the need for ejection mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient petal flaring out from the body member
Implementation Method 2
the mount is formed of a material that is completely consumed during the firing sequence
Data Source
AI summary
The following invention relates to a mount for holding a charge in a breech. The mount attaches, or is integral to, a charge and is provided with a dilation means which rests within a breech of a gun to prevent the charge from sliding back out of the breech when the gun is held at a high angle. The dilation means is fabricated from a material which, when the gun is fired, combusts to leave negligible debris in the breech.