Electrically Initiated Primer Cap for Small-Caliber Ammunition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current primer caps for small-caliber ammunition lack versatile control over the initiation process, which is complex and not easily manageable.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrically initiated resistance bridge and an electrically conductive pole piece into the primer cap, allowing for the conversion of electrical energy into a chemical reaction to control the initiation process, while maintaining the same size and functionality as classical mechanical primer caps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a classical mechanical primer cap (ANZDH) is used, then the structure is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, but the initiation process lacks versatile control
Solution Approach 1:
The primer cap is designed to support both mechanical initiation (via firing pin impact on ANZDH) and electrical initiation (via resistance bridge and pole piece), making it a multi-functional component that can adapt to different initiation methods without requiring separate primer cap designs
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically conducting pole piece serves as an intermediary element that enables electrical initiation while maintaining compatibility with the existing mechanical primer cap structure. It acts as a mediator between the electrical initiation system and the primer composition, allowing controlled initiation through electrical energy conversion
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical initiation components are added to the primer cap, then versatile control of initiation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical initiation components (resistance bridge, pole piece, insulation) are merged into the existing primer cap structure. The resistance bridge is integrated with the primer composition, and the pole piece is positioned within the cup, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than separate assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical initiation components are nested within the compact primer cap structure. The resistance bridge is positioned within the cup, the pole piece protrudes from the cup, and insulation is placed between components, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization while maintaining functionality
3Volume of moving object
If the primer cap size is kept the same as classical mechanical primer cap, then compatibility with standard ammunition is maintained, but space for electrical components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the primer cap are assigned specific functions to optimize space utilization. The cup contains the resistance bridge and primer composition, the pole piece protrudes for electrical contact, and insulation is placed in specific locations. This local differentiation allows efficient packing of electrical components within the constrained volume
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
Enables more versatile and controlled initiation of the primer cap, ensuring reliable ignition of propellant powder with simpler execution, using electrical energy to heat the primer composition and ignite the propellant powder efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The heat which is created when electrical current flows through an ohmic resistor is used for this purpose
Implementation Method 2
a mixture of primary explosive substances and additives which release energy (the priming composition, AZM) are made to react chemically, and the hot combustion gases ignite the TLP
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a primer cap for small-caliber ammunition, having an outer metallic cup in which is arranged a priming composition which generates hot combustion gases following initiation. To enable more versatile control of the initiation process in the weapon, it is proposed that a resistance bridge which can be initiated electrically, and an electrically conductive pole piece, are additionally arranged in the primer cap, wherein the first pole of the resistance bridge is connected to the cup and the second pole is connected to the cup and the second pole is connected to the pole piece, which protrudes out of the cup and is electrically insulated from the same.