Firing Pin Indent Gauge Sensor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy methods for gauging firing pin indent in weapon systems are labor-intensive, prone to manual errors, and require disposable copper cylinders, limiting accuracy and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A reusable sensor assembly with a housing, impact nose, sensor, and communication interface is designed to fit within the weapon system, measuring firing pin operational parameters like force, impulse, and energy electronically, reducing manual intervention and enabling precise data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If copper cylinders are used for gauging firing pin indent, then the measurement process can be performed, but the process becomes labor-intensive and requires multiple operator-performed steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical copper cylinder indent method with an electronic sensor-based measurement system. The sensor assembly includes a sensor that electronically measures firing pin indent parameters without requiring physical copper cylinders and manual measurement steps, thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed to be self-contained and reusable, automatically performing measurements without requiring operator intervention for positioning cylinders, measuring indents, and recording data. The system serves itself by integrating all measurement functions into a single reusable unit
2Measurement precision
If copper cylinders are used for gauging firing pin indent, then the measurement can be performed, but the cylinders are not reusable and must be replaced after each single use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the consumable copper cylinder with a reusable electronic sensor assembly. The sensor and housing can be used repeatedly without being consumed, eliminating the need to replace measurement components after each use while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the entire measurement component after each use (as with copper cylinders), the patent enables recovery and reuse of the sensor assembly. Only minor components like the impact nose may need replacement, while the main sensor housing and electronics are recovered and reused
3Measurement precision
If copper cylinders are used for gauging firing pin indent, then the measurement can be performed, but accuracy of results may be affected by manual errors in measuring or in material differences between cylinder lots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement processes with electronic sensing. The sensor electronically detects firing pin indent parameters, eliminating manual measurement errors and variability between operator techniques while providing consistent, reliable results across multiple measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter detection method from manual physical measurement to electronic sensing. This parameter change enables more precise and reliable measurement by using electronic signals rather than manual observation, reducing variability and improving result consistency
4Ease of manufacture
If copper cylinders are used for gauging firing pin indent, then the traditional method can be maintained, but the process is not scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual, step-by-step copper cylinder method with an integrated electronic sensor system that can perform measurements more rapidly and consistently. This substitution enables scaling of the gauging process by reducing the time and resources required per measurement while maintaining measurement quality
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 system provides accurate, efficient, and scalable measurement of firing pin operational parameters, reducing manual errors and allowing multiple uses of the sensor assembly with only the consumable nose portion needing replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The impact nose transfers the impact load to the housing. The sensor is located within the interior cavity of the housing and senses an effect of the impact load.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-weapon sensor enables electronic measurement of the firing pin indent force of a weapon system. The in-weapon sensor measures, either directly or indirectly, the indent force of the firing pin and communicates the information outside of the weapon to a data capture device. The data capture device provides a visual indication as to whether the firing pin indent force is sufficient or insufficient.