Firearm Primer Housing With Angled Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional primers for firearms and munitions are hazardous due to their toxicity and require labor-intensive manual manufacturing, and existing primer installations are not designed to handle pressures generated by advanced primer and propellant designs.
Innovation Solution
A primer assembly comprising a disk with a pressure-resisting configuration and a retention piece with angled channels, designed to withstand high pressures and safely contain ignitable materials like thermite, which can be easily manufactured and installed within a modified cartridge casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional primers use lead azide or lead styphnate, then ignition function is achieved, but toxicity and hazardous nature increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful lead-based compounds (lead azide, lead styphnate) from the primer composition entirely, replacing them with non-toxic alternatives such as aluminum powder and iron oxide that provide the same ignition function without the toxic effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful lead-based chemistry into beneficial non-toxic thermite or aluminum-based chemistry, which provides reliable ignition while eliminating toxicity and environmental hazards associated with conventional primer materials
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional primer manufacturing methods are used, then primer production is achieved, but labor intensity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the primer into separate functional components (oxidizer, fuel, binder, initiator) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled, allowing for automated production processes and reducing manual labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and composition parameters of the primer materials to enable automated handling and processing, such as using powdered materials that can be easily dosed and compressed by automated equipment rather than requiring manual assembly
3Ease of operation
If conventional primer cup structure is used, then primer installation is achieved, but pressure resistance is insufficient for advanced propellants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the primer cup, combining materials with different mechanical properties to achieve both ease of installation and high pressure resistance, such as using copper or brass alloys that provide both formability and strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates curved and rounded geometric features in the primer cup design, such as rounded corners and smooth transitions, which distribute stress more evenly and prevent stress concentration points that would lead to failure under high pressure
4Ease of operation
If conventional primer installation design is used, then cartridge assembly is achieved, but it cannot withstand pressures generated by advanced primer designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary design features in the cartridge casing and primer interface, such as pre-formed primer pockets with appropriate geometry and reinforcement features, that prepare the structure to withstand high pressures before the actual firing event occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates cushioning and pressure-distributing features in the primer installation design, such as recesses, chamfers, and reinforcement ribs, that absorb and distribute the extreme pressures generated during firing, preventing catastrophic failure of the cartridge assembly
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
The primer assembly provides reliable ignition while being safer and more cost-effective to produce, capable of withstanding pressures exceeding conventional primer limits, suitable for various munitions beyond firearm cartridges.
Implementation Method 1
The burning primer then ignites another flammable substance such as smokeless powder, explosive substances, etc.
Implementation Method 2
A thermite reaction occurs between a metal oxide and a reducing metal.
Data Source
AI summary
A primer structure is provided for holding a deposited ignitable material, and for holding the ignitable material within a firearm cartridge or within another munition. The primer includes a disk and a retaining ring. Ignitable material is deposited on a surface of the disk. The retaining ring is positioned in front of the disk. The retaining ring includes angled passageways for reaction products to travel from the ignitable material to the propellant. The forwardmost surface of the retaining ring, as well as the angle of the passageways, dissipate pressure that would otherwise be borne by the disk. Both the disk and retaining ring include angled or stepped surfaces to resist movement under pressure.