Configurable Ammunition Packaging System for Multi-Caliber Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small ammunition manufacturers face challenges in automating the packaging of various calibers and types of ammunition due to the high costs and limited flexibility of existing robotic systems, which are labor-intensive and ineffective for lighter-weight bullets and rifle rounds.

Innovation Solution

A configurable ammunition packaging apparatus that includes an ammunition collator, channel, flipper tray, and down chute assembly, allowing for reconfiguration to accommodate different calibers by replacing component sets and using software to adjust positions, enabling efficient and automated loading of ammunition into trays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If robotic ammunition-loading machines are used, then automated tray-loading is achieved, but the system is too expensive and lacks flexibility for small manufacturers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated tray-loadingVSAvoidflexibility to accommodate different calibers

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular caliber-specific component sets that can be independently replaced. Each component set includes caliber-specific elements such as collator plates, channels, flipper trays, and down chutes that can be quickly swapped to accommodate different ammunition calibers, making the automated system adaptable to various calibers without requiring complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging apparatus is designed with universal features that allow a single base system to handle multiple calibers through interchangeable components. The common framework supports different component sets, enabling the same machine to perform automated loading for various ammunition types (handgun, rifle, frangible rounds) by simply changing the caliber-specific modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If caliber-specific robotic systems are used, then high-rate automated loading is achieved, but reconfiguration time increases when switching calibers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading rateVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Caliber-specific component sets are pre-configured and pre-assembled units that can be quickly installed as complete modules. The collator plates, channels, flipper trays, and down chutes are designed as predetermined assemblies for specific calibers, allowing operators to switch between calibers by simply replacing entire pre-configured component sets rather than individually adjusting multiple components, thereby minimizing reconfiguration time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If shaker tables are used for loading, then handgun rounds can be loaded, but the system is labor-intensive and ineffective for rifle rounds and lighter-weight bullets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading capability for handgun roundsVSAvoidautomation level and effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the manual shaker table mechanism with an automated controlled-release mechanism. Instead of using vibration and gravity alone, the system employs a collator with calibrated openings and a controlled release system that positively directs each round into the channel, providing automated loading that works effectively for all ammunition types including rifle rounds and lighter-weight frangible bullets that cannot be reliably handled by shaker tables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 apparatus simplifies the ammunition-loading process for small manufacturers, providing high-rate, automated tray-loading with flexibility to handle multiple calibers, reducing reconfiguration time and increasing efficiency in packaging various types of ammunition.

Implementation Method 1

one or more rounds of ammunition are delivered sequentially from the ammunition collator to a first opening of the ammunition channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The horizontal orientation referred, as discussed herein, is defined as when the longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular with a gravitational force and the vertical orientation is defined as when the longitudinal axis is substantially parallel with the gravitational force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12007215B2Configurable ammunition packaging system

Publication Date: 2024.06.11 CK MFG LLC

AI summary

An ammunition packaging apparatus and system is reconfigurable to package a select caliber of ammunition by changing a set of components to those associated with the selected caliber of ammunition and selecting the corresponding operating procedure. An ammunition collating and packaging apparatus can be quickly reconfigured from packaging a first caliber of ammunition to packaging a second caliber of ammunition by quickly replacing a define set of components and modifying operationally timings to correspond to the selected caliber.