Pneumatic Bolt Valve Single Pulse Chambering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic projectile launchers, such as paintball markers, require complex mechanisms and continuous gas pressure to chamber and launch projectiles efficiently, often leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to projectiles due to high forces or prolonged gas exposure.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic bolt/valve assembly that utilizes a single, fast-acting pulse of compressed gas to chamber and launch projectiles, featuring a biasing element to keep the bolt in a retracted position until activated, with a design that prevents pressurized gas from reaching the projectile until it is properly chambered, allowing for efficient and controlled launch without continuous gas supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms and continuous gas pressure are used to chamber and launch projectiles, then reliable operation is achieved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a single pulse of gas pressure instead of continuous gas pressure to chamber and launch the projectile. The gas pulse is delivered in a controlled sequence: first to extend the bolt and chamber the projectile, then to propel the projectile down the barrel. This periodic approach simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for continuous gas supply and complex control systems while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the gas pressure delivery into distinct phases: a first gas pulse to extend the bolt and chamber the projectile, and a second gas pulse to propel the projectile. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently and reduces the overall complexity by avoiding the need for continuous gas pressure control mechanisms.
2Productivity
If high gas pressure is applied continuously, then efficient projectile launching is achieved, but the risk of damage to the projectile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to apply gas pressure in controlled pulses rather than continuously. The first pulse extends the bolt and chambers the projectile gently, while the second pulse propels it efficiently. This timing separation prevents excessive pressure from damaging the projectile while maintaining launching efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first extending the bolt and chambering the projectile before applying the propelling gas pressure. This sequence ensures the projectile is properly positioned and protected during the chambering phase, and only exposed to high gas pressure when ready for launch, minimizing damage risk.
3Reliability
If continuous gas pressure is supplied, then reliable projectile chambering is achieved, but gas loss and energy waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates gas loss by using periodic pulses instead of continuous gas supply. The gas is delivered only when needed - first to extend the bolt and chamber the projectile, then to propel it. The system includes a gas supply valve that controls pulse delivery, preventing unnecessary gas release and improving energy efficiency while maintaining reliable chambering.
4Device complexity
If a single pulse of gas pressure is used, then device simplicity and reduced gas loss are achieved, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary - a gas supply valve - that controls the single pulse of gas pressure. This valve acts as a mediator between the gas source and the bolt assembly, precisely controlling when and how much gas is delivered. The valve simplifies the overall system while providing the necessary control precision for reliable operation.
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
Enables efficient and controlled projectile launching with reduced risk of damage and gas loss, requiring only a single input pulse of air pressure and minimizing the need for highly efficient gas seals, thus improving operational efficiency and rate of fire.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes a biasing element to keep the bolt in the retracted or 'open' position
Implementation Method 2
utilizes a nonexplosive propelling agent—compressed gas
Implementation Method 3
expose the projectile after it is chambered to the pressurized gas, thus launching the projectile
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a pneumatically operated, projectile impelling apparatus having a single pulse driven pneumatic bolt/valve assembly. The assembly is used in an action mechanism in operative communication with a trigger group and a gun barrel. A single gas pulse operated bolt/valve assembly in the action mechanism operates on the input of a single gas pressure flow signal pulse to complete a complete firing cycle of chambering and launching a loaded projectile and to load a next projectile. The gas pulse is provided by trigger actuated fast acting, high flow rate gas valve disposed between a constant gas pressure flow supply and the action mechanism.