Nested Dummy Ammunition Rounds for Artillery Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional indirect-fire training systems using simulated ammunition face issues such as the need for frequent round removal, which introduces false training drills and safety hazards, and is costly.
Innovation Solution
The development of dummy ammunition rounds with disengageable brake mechanisms that allow nested loading and firing without removing previous rounds, enabling multiple simulations in a cost-effective and safe manner, using resistance brakes and interlock mechanisms for secure positioning within the weapon's barrel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If simulated ammunition is used for training, then training cost is reduced, but false training drills are introduced requiring round removal
Solution Approach 1:
Training rounds are designed to nest within one another in a nested configuration, allowing multiple rounds to be loaded into the breech simultaneously. Each round contains an interlock member that engages with the breech block, and the nested arrangement enables sequential firing without requiring removal of previous rounds, thus eliminating false drills while maintaining cost effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The breech block incorporates a disengageable interlock mechanism that dynamically changes state between engaged and disengaged positions. During firing, the interlock is engaged to secure nested rounds; after firing, it can be disengaged to allow breech opening and loading of new rounds, providing operational flexibility without compromising training authenticity
2Ease of operation
If simulated rounds are ejected from the barrel, then a propellant mechanism is required, but this introduces safety hazards and additional costs
Solution Approach 1:
The propellant mechanism is extracted and removed from the training system entirely. Instead of using simulated propellants that would require safety precautions and create hazardous ejection areas, the system relies on the mechanical nested configuration of rounds and interlock members to enable loading and firing sequences without any ejection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The training system uses dummy ammunition rounds that are physical copies of real ammunition but without explosive or propellant components. These inert rounds replicate the external dimensions, loading procedures, and firing mechanics of live ammunition, providing realistic training without the safety hazards associated with actual propellants
3Ease of operation
If simulated rounds are removed from the breech, then the training drill becomes false, but keeping rounds requires a mechanism to secure them
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock member and securing function are merged into a single integrated component. The interlock member on each round serves both to secure the round to the breech block during firing and to enable the nested configuration of multiple rounds. This eliminates the need for separate securing mechanisms while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of rounds is established in advance during loading, with each round positioned to engage with the breech block and subsequent rounds. The interlock members are pre-positioned to automatically engage when rounds are nested, eliminating the need for additional securing actions during the training drill
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 solution allows for realistic and repeated artillery training simulations without the need for frequent round removal, reducing costs and safety risks while maintaining realistic training conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance brake extending outward from the outer periphery and configured to contact a wall of the cavity of the firing instrument and provide resistance that secures the projectile training shell at a position within the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
An indirect fire mission training round includes a projectile training shell having an outer periphery, a proximal end, and a distal end, the proximal end defining an interior chamber. The projectile training shell is configured to be inserted within a cavity of a projectile firing instrument. The round includes an interlock member configured to securely receive a proximal portion of a subsequent training round within the interior chamber of the projectile training shell. The round includes a resistance brake extending outward from the outer periphery and configured to contact a wall of the cavity of the firing instrument and provide resistance that secures the projectile training shell at a position within the cavity. The resistance break is selectively disengageable such that the position of the projectile training shell is adjustable.