Laser Engraved Bullet Jackets for Programmable Terminal Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing ammunition, such as jacketed bullets, are inflexible and require multiple steps to achieve consistent and predetermined upset configurations, often necessitating retooling for different patterns, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The use of high-energy beams, such as lasers and electron beams, to engrave, cut, harden, or anneal specific patterns on the ogive and meplat regions of ammunition, allowing for pre-programmed terminal performance characteristics by selectively treating the bullet core or jacket before or after jacketing, using scanning laser or electron beam systems for precise pattern application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional dies and machine tools are used for shaping and scoring bullet tips, then repeatable performance is achieved, but flexibility is limited and retooling is required for different patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical dies and machine tools with a laser system that uses optical energy to engrave patterns on bullet jackets. The laser beam can be programmed to create different patterns without physical contact, eliminating the need for mechanical retooling while maintaining precision through digital control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing approach from mechanical force-based shaping to laser-based thermal processing. By adjusting laser parameters (power, speed, pattern), different engraving designs can be achieved with a single system, providing flexibility without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple steps are used in traditional manufacturing, then consistent upset configurations are achieved, but manufacturing efficiency is reduced and time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manufacturing operations (shaping, scoring, patterning) into a single laser engraving process. The laser system can create complex patterns and upset configurations in one step, eliminating the need for sequential mechanical operations while maintaining consistency through programmed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs the patterning and shaping operations before jacketing or during the manufacturing process using laser engraving. This preliminary action allows the bullet to be pre-programmed with specific upset patterns, reducing the need for subsequent processing steps and improving overall manufacturing efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If retooling is performed for different cut or score patterns, then design changes are achieved, but manufacturing time and costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical tooling with a programmable laser system. Different design patterns are achieved by changing digital parameters and software programs rather than physically replacing dies and tools. This eliminates retooling time entirely while maintaining full design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system serves multiple functions (engraving, shaping, patterning, hardening) with a single device. The same laser can create various patterns and designs by adjusting parameters, making the system universal and eliminating the need for specialized tools for each design variation.
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 approach enables faster, more consistent, and flexible production of ammunition with predetermined performance characteristics, reducing manufacturing steps and costs, while allowing for easier changes in design without retooling, resulting in more reliable and predictable terminal performance.
Implementation Method 1
performing selective laser and/or electron beam cutting, engraving and/or combinations thereof of a given pattern upon the meplat and/or ogive of a metallic jacketed bullet
Implementation Method 2
directing a beam onto the surface of the cup shaped jacket blank in the shape of the pattern at sufficiently high power densities to cause an incandescent reaction above the melting temperature of the material with the cup shaped jacket blank
Implementation Method 3
performing selective laser and/or electron beam cutting, engraving and/or combinations thereof of a given pattern upon the meplat and/or ogive of a metallic jacketed bullet
Implementation Method 4
having predetermined patterns of hardening and/or annealing imparted to the ogive and/or meplat regions and/or core using lasers and/or electron beams to effect predetermined and consistent upset configurations
Implementation Method 5
having predetermined patterns of hardening and/or annealing imparted to the ogive and/or meplat regions and/or core using lasers and/or electron beams
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention in some aspects is directed to small arms ammunition and programmed upset characteristics thereof imparted to them using high energy beams. More particularly, the invention relates to ammunition and methods of making ammunition having predetermined patterns of engraving and/or cutting or hardening and/or annealing imparted in the ammunition's forward portion using a programming laser or electron beam system adapted for treating projectiles to effect predetermined and consistent upset configurations.