Movable Ammunition Workpiece Carrier for Faster Rotary Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated ammunition assembly systems require complex and space-consuming processing stations, limiting cycle rates and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A rotary cycle production line with flexible, movable conveying devices and workpiece carriers that hold and orient ammunition parts, allowing simultaneous processing and reduced station complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rigid and immovable ammunition cases are moved through individual stations, then the ammunition case can be processed at each station, but the cycle rate is greatly restricted and processing stations become complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the workpiece carrier movable and adjustable relative to the processing stations. Instead of rigidly fixed ammunition cases, the carrier can be positioned at different locations and orientations to accommodate multiple processing operations. This dynamic positioning capability enables faster cycle rates while simplifying individual station designs, as stations no longer need complex mechanisms to handle rigidly fixed workpieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece carrier serves multiple functions: it holds ammunition cases, positions them for processing, and can be moved to different stations. This multi-functional carrier consolidates what would otherwise require separate complex mechanisms at each processing station, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
2Ease of operation
If elaborately constructed individual processing stations are used to handle rigid ammunition cases, then necessary handling and processing can be performed, but installation space becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
By making the workpiece carrier dynamically adjustable in position and orientation, the system achieves versatile handling capability without requiring large, elaborate processing stations. The carrier's mobility allows it to be positioned optimally for each processing operation, reducing the need for space-consuming fixed handling mechanisms at each station.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the handling, positioning, and processing functions into an integrated system where the movable workpiece carrier performs multiple operations. This consolidation reduces the total installation space required compared to having separate elaborate stations for each function.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate receptacles are provided at each processing station for holding ammunition components, then assembly can be performed, but the system becomes complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece carrier serves as a universal receptacle system that can hold and position ammunition cases and components for multiple processing operations. This single multi-functional carrier replaces the need for separate specialized receptacles at each station, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining full assembly capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a workpiece carrier for an automated production line for ammunition having at least two ammunition parts, comprising a carrier base, such as a carriage, which is configured to be conveyed along the production line, and at least one receptacle arranged on the carrier base for holding at least two ammunition parts of the same type, such as two ammunition cases, two ammunition projectiles, two ammunition cartridges or two ammunition lighting caps, wherein the at least one ammunition part receptacle is mounted so as to be movable relative to the carrier base.