Electric Case Press with Load Cell and Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing case presses for assembling ammunition rely on manual operation and user feel, which can lead to user error in determining the state of the case, resulting in improper assembly and variations in the final cartridge.
Innovation Solution
An electrically operable case press equipped with a load cell to measure the load exerted by a ram on a die and a sensor to determine the relative movement between the ram and the base, providing a graphical representation of the force applied during bullet insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual operation with user feel is used to determine case state, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an electrically actuated system. The electric actuator (motor) drives the ram through a cam and connecting rod mechanism, substituting human hand operation with an automated mechanical system. This allows for consistent, repeatable operation while enabling precise measurement capabilities through integrated sensors and load cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating a load cell to measure the force applied during bullet insertion and a sensor to detect the case state. The system provides real-time feedback about the insertion process, allowing the controller to monitor and record the force-displacement relationship. This feedback mechanism enables objective assessment of case conditions without relying on subjective user feel.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The manual lever operation is replaced with an electric motor-driven system that automatically cycles the ram through the insertion stroke. The electric actuator provides consistent, repeatable motion without the variability introduced by different users' hand speeds and forces, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through simple button or pedal activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-recording of the insertion process through integrated sensors and data logging capabilities. The load cell and position sensor automatically track the force and displacement parameters, eliminating the need for user interpretation and reducing errors associated with subjective assessment. The system serves itself by objectively measuring and recording its own operational parameters.
3Device complexity
If factors such as malleability, neck tension, and surface state are assessed by feel, then measurement equipment is minimized, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish factors
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell provides continuous feedback on the insertion force, creating a force-displacement curve that objectively reflects case properties. Different case conditions (malleability, neck tension, surface state) produce distinct signatures in the force profile, allowing precise differentiation of these factors through objective measurement rather than subjective feel. The feedback data can be analyzed to identify specific case issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the assessment from qualitative sensory parameters (user feel) to quantitative physical parameters (force, displacement, time). By measuring the insertion force as a function of displacement and time, the system converts subjective sensations into objective, measurable data. This parameter transformation enables precise measurement of case properties that were previously indistinguishable by feel alone.
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
This solution enhances accuracy by providing a graphical display of insertion force relative to displacement, allowing for better understanding of the case condition and reducing user error in cartridge assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell for measuring a load exerted by the ram on a die positioned, in use, between the ram and the base
Implementation Method 2
a sensor for determining relative movement between the ram and the base
Data Source
AI summary
A case press is disclosed. The case press has a ram moveable relative to a base by an electric actuator. The case press also has a sensor for determining relative movement between the ram and the base. Further, the case press has a load cell for measuring a load exerted by the ram on a die positioned, in use, between the ram and the base.