Extraction Pole Assembly Centering Coupler for Bore
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing artillery projectiles from breeches during field testing often cause damage to the projectile or the barrel, such as using weights or push rods, which can damage the rifling or bend and bind within the barrel.
Innovation Solution
An extraction pole assembly comprising a first and second extraction pole, and a centering coupler with a spacer and axial bar, designed to transmit axial force while maintaining centering within the bore, reducing the risk of damage through low-friction materials and load-bearing ledges, and a press assembly to apply force efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dropped weight is used to dislodge the projectile, then the projectile can be removed from the breech, but the rifling of the barrel or the projectile may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the extraction system with padded push rod and centering coupler) that mediates between the operator and the projectile. This intermediary transfers the extraction force while protecting both the projectile and barrel through cushioning elements and centering mechanisms, resolving the contradiction by enabling removal without direct harmful contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating padded ends on the push rod and cushioning elements in the centering coupler before the extraction process begins. This pre-applied cushioning protects the projectile and barrel from impact damage during the extraction operation, allowing forceful removal without harmful effects
2Ease of operation
If a push rod is used with hydraulic jack or hammer to dislodge the projectile, then the projectile can be removed, but the push rod can bend, bind in the barrel, or damage the inner surface of the barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extraction tool into multiple functional components: a push rod for force application, a centering coupler for alignment, and padded elements for protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while reducing the risk of overall system failure or damage to the barrel
Solution Approach 2:
The centering coupler acts as an intermediary between the push rod and the projectile, ensuring proper alignment and distributing forces evenly. This intermediary prevents the push rod from binding in the barrel or bending, while also protecting the barrel's inner surface from direct contact with hard surfaces
3Reliability
If the projectile fits snuggly within the breech, then the projectile is securely held, but the projectile cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a centering coupler that can move and adjust during the extraction process. The coupler centers itself within the bore and maintains proper alignment dynamically as force is applied, enabling the extraction of tightly fitted projectiles through controlled dynamic motion rather than static force 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
Effectively removes projectiles from breeches without causing damage, ensuring the projectile can be reused and minimizing risk to the barrel, by centering the extraction poles and applying force through a controlled mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The centering coupler comprises a spacer and an axial bar. The spacer comprises a central aperture and a partial spherical outer surface sized to complement an inner diameter of the bore
Implementation Method 2
an extraction pole assembly comprising a first extraction pole, a second extraction pole, and a centering coupler... designed to transmit axial force while maintaining centering within the bore
Data Source
AI summary
An extraction system for removing an object from a bore, the extraction system comprising an extraction pole assembly comprising a plurality of extraction poles, each extraction pole having a proximal end and a distal end; and a plurality of centering couplers, each centering coupler of the plurality of centering couplers comprising a partial spherical outer surface sized to complement a diameter of the bore, a proximal end configured to couple to a distal end of an extraction pole, and a distal end configured to couple to a proximal end of the extraction pole. The extraction pole assembly can be operable with a press assembly comprising a clamp configured to secure to the structure having the bore, and an extendable member configured to provide an input force to an extraction pole of the extraction pole assembly.