Oscillatory Ammunition Reloading Actuation for Variable Stroke Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary drive reloading systems lack granular control over press stroke speed at different positions within the stroke cycle, limiting the effectiveness of automated ammunition reloading.
Innovation Solution
An ammunition reloading system incorporating a motor, frame, power transmission assembly, and control system with sensors and actuators that allow for oscillatory actuation and differential speed control during the reloading process, enabling precise control of the reloading press's movement and detection of defective cases for automated removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional rotary drive reloading system is utilized, then automated operation is achieved, but granular control of press stroke speed at different positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a conventional rotary drive with constant rotation to a dynamic oscillating mechanism that can vary stroke speed at different positions. The oscillating mechanism adjusts the speed profile during the stroke cycle, enabling faster movement during non-critical phases and slower movement during critical operations like powder dispensing and bullet seating, thereby achieving granular speed control while maintaining automation.
2Device complexity
If constant rotation at constant speed is used, then simple drive mechanism is maintained, but ability to control stroke speed at different positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an oscillating mechanism that replaces the constant rotation system. This dynamic mechanism allows the press to accelerate and decelerate at different phases of the stroke cycle, providing granular speed control without requiring a completely complex drive system. The oscillation pattern is designed to optimize speed at each position while maintaining reasonable mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the drive mechanism by transitioning from constant speed rotation to variable speed oscillation. The oscillating mechanism modifies the speed parameter dynamically throughout the stroke cycle, enabling faster operation during transport phases and slower operation during loading phases, thereby achieving position-dependent speed control.
3Productivity
If automated reloading is implemented, then productivity is increased, but precision of reloading process is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating mechanism enables the system to maintain high productivity by moving quickly during non-critical phases while ensuring precision during critical operations. The variable speed profile allows the press to slow down automatically during powder dispensing, bullet seating, and crimping operations, thereby maintaining reloading accuracy even at elevated production rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic oscillation with varying speed profiles for different phases of the reloading cycle. Each oscillation cycle includes accelerated phases for rapid case advancement and decelerated phases for precise component placement. This periodic variation in action speed allows the system to achieve both high throughput and high precision by matching speed to operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic ammunition reloading system includes an actuation assembly in communication with a control system. The actuation assembly is joined to a reloading press by attaching to a control segment of the ammunition press so as to put the reloading press in operative relation with the actuation assembly. The control system receives input from one or more press position sensors to determine an actuation distance of the control lever for a full stroke of the reloading press. The control system controls operation of the actuation assembly so as to power the reloading press.