Multiplex Shotshell Cartridge with Segmented Payloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shotshell cartridges face difficulties in effectively delivering multiple sizes of projectiles downrange without increasing chamber pressure and complicating the loading process, particularly when loading different sizes of projectiles in a single cartridge.
Innovation Solution
The design of multiplex cartridges that include a cartridge case with a primer, propellant, an obturating component, and a separating component, where the obturating component functions as a seal and the separating component maintains separation between different payloads, allowing for the use of pre-formed gas seals that can deform to seal propellant gases while maintaining their shape to prevent rifling engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional loading methods are used to load multiple sizes of projectiles in a single cartridge, then the cartridge can deliver different sized projectiles downrange, but chamber pressure increases and the loading process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is segmented into distinct payload sections (first payload and second payload with different projectile sizes) separated by a separating component. This segmentation allows each payload type to be loaded and propelled independently, preventing pressure issues that would arise from mixing different projectile sizes in a single undifferentiated load, while still achieving the versatility of delivering multiple projectile sizes from one cartridge.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional loading methods are used to load multiple sizes of projectiles in a single cartridge, then the cartridge can deliver different sized projectiles downrange, but the loading process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The separating component is pre-positioned within the cartridge case before the payloads are loaded. This preliminary action establishes the structural framework in advance, allowing payloads of different sizes to be sequentially loaded into predetermined spaces without requiring complex loading procedures. The obturating component is also prepared in advance to seal the propellant gases effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating component acts as an intermediary element between the first and second payloads. It physically divides the cartridge interior into separate compartments, allowing each payload type to be loaded independently through simple procedures. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for complex loading mechanisms while enabling the delivery of multiple projectile sizes.
3Ease of manufacture
If pre-formed gas seals are used as obturating and separating components, then manufacturing costs are reduced and the process is simplified, but the components must simultaneously deform to seal propellant gases and maintain shape to prevent rifling engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The gas seal components are designed with local quality variations - specific regions of the component are engineered to be more compliant for sealing purposes while other regions maintain greater structural integrity to prevent rifling engagement. This localized differentiation of material properties or structural characteristics allows a single pre-formed component to reliably perform both sealing and shape-maintaining functions.
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 configuration allows for tighter or more dispersed downrange patterns depending on payload positioning, simplifies the manufacturing process, and reduces costs by eliminating the need for additional tooling, while maintaining the integrity of the projectile patterns through the barrel.
Implementation Method 1
the obturating component functions as a seal and the separating component maintains separation between different payloads, allowing for the use of pre-formed gas seals that can deform to seal propellant gases
Implementation Method 2
allowing for the use of pre-formed gas seals that can deform to seal propellant gases while maintaining their shape to prevent rifling engagement
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to cartridges, including shotshell cartridges, for launching multiplex projectile loads that contain different sizes or types of projectiles, and methods of loading the cartridges. In one aspect, for example, the present cartridges can contain an obturating component adjacent the cartridge propellant, a first payload adjacent the obturating component, a separating component adjacent the first payload, and a second payload adjacent the separating component. Shotshells of this configuration in which the first (aft) payload comprises birdshot and the second (forward) payload comprises buckshot are particularly useful.