Multi-Part Ammunition Cartridge With Forward Propellant Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ammunition cartridges face limitations in generating high and controlled projectile acceleration without exceeding chamber pressure tolerance, and they are costly to manufacture due to the use of single, deep-drawn brass or steel casings.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ammunition cartridge with a rigid casing comprising a tubular sleeve and a base, a propellant charge contained inside, and an ignition device that ignites the propellant charge at a point distal from the base and proximal to the projectile, allowing for controlled combustion and improved propulsion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional base-ignition systems are used, then the propellant charge can be ignited, but the chamber pressure exceeds safe limits and projectile acceleration cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the ignition charge and ignition channel to ignite the propellant charge before the projectile reaches the barrel, ensuring controlled combustion starts at the optimal moment and location, thereby managing chamber pressure while maximizing propulsion force
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition channel acts as an intermediary, directing the ignition flame from the base-located ignition charge to the propellant charge in the barrel chamber, enabling controlled ignition that prevents pressure spikes while ensuring complete propellant combustion
2Strength
If conventional single-piece deep-drawn brass casings are used, then the casing provides structural integrity, but manufacturing costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is segmented into multiple components: a base portion and a barrel portion that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation enables the use of cost-effective materials like steel instead of expensive brass, while maintaining structural integrity through proper design of the assembly interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable, cost-effective materials such as steel for the casing components, replacing traditional expensive brass. The single-use nature of ammunition casings allows optimization for cost rather than reusability, making steel an economically viable alternative
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 design enables the generation of high and controlled acceleration of the projectile while maintaining chamber pressure within safe limits, and it reduces material usage and manufacturing costs by using a multi-part casing and alternative materials like steel.
Implementation Method 1
the ignition charge ignites the propellant charge whereby during the explosion the projectile is accelerated
Implementation Method 2
the ignition charge ignites the propellant charge whereby during the explosion the projectile is accelerated
Data Source
AI summary
Ammunition cartridge (1) comprising a rigid casing (4) including a tubular sleeve (16) and a base (14) closing an end of the casing, a projectile (6) mounted at another end of the casing, a propellant charge (10) contained inside the casing, and an ignition device (8). The ignition device comprises an ignition charge (56) arranged to ignite the propellant charge at a point of ignition distal from the base (14) and proximal the projectile (6).