Propulsion Device Regulated Gas Flow for ALR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large-caliber projectile propulsion devices are not suitable for ALR applications due to uncontrolled unburned propellant powder, leading to inconsistent exit velocities and potential jamming or degradation of the device, as they require a reduced quantity of propellant powder which results in insufficient confinement and combustion inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design featuring a rear chamber with igniting means and confinement vents, an intermediate chamber of constant volume, and a low-pressure chamber with a regulated orifice for controlled gas flow, ensuring complete combustion and progressive pressure increase for safe and controlled ejection of large-caliber projectiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a reduced quantity of propellant powder is used to achieve low exit velocity for ALR applications, then the projectile exit speed is reduced to compatible levels, but the combustion becomes incomplete and unburned powder remains in the chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion chamber is divided into a first chamber for propellant combustion and a second chamber for projectile propulsion, separated by a diaphragm. This segmentation allows the first chamber to maintain high pressure and temperature for complete combustion of reduced powder quantities, while the second chamber receives controlled gas flow to propel the projectile at reduced velocity without requiring excessive powder that would cause incomplete combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
A diaphragm acts as an intermediary element between the first combustion chamber and the second propulsion chamber. It transmits pressure from the combustion gases to propel the projectile while maintaining separate combustion conditions in each chamber, ensuring complete burning of the propellant before gas expansion occurs.
2Force
If a large quantity of propellant powder is used to ensure safe propulsion of large-caliber projectiles, then the propulsion force is sufficient, but the exit velocity becomes too high for ALR applications and unburned powder increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into two chambers: the first chamber generates high propulsion force through complete combustion of a controlled powder quantity, while the second chamber allows gradual gas expansion to propel the projectile. This segmentation enables sufficient force generation without excessive exit velocity or unburned powder.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter through controlled gas flow regulation. The first chamber maintains high pressure for complete combustion and force generation, while the second chamber allows pressure to decrease gradually as the projectile moves along the barrel, achieving both sufficient propulsion force and controlled exit velocity.
3Volume of moving object
If the volume of the combustion chamber is increased to accommodate large-caliber projectiles, then the projectile can be propelled, but the risk of unburned powder increases due to insufficient confinement
Solution Approach 1:
The large-volume combustion chamber is segmented into a first chamber with restricted volume for propellant combustion and a second chamber for projectile propulsion. The diaphragm separates these functions, ensuring that the combustion phase occurs in a confined space that maintains high pressure and temperature for complete burning, while the larger second chamber volume allows controlled gas expansion without compromising combustion efficiency.
4Speed
If the quantity of propellant powder is reduced for ALR applications, then the exit velocity is reduced to acceptable levels, but the projectile may jam or progress jerkily in the barrel due to insufficient thrust
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous useful action by maintaining pressure in the second chamber throughout the projectile's travel along the barrel. The regulated gas flow from the first to the second chamber provides continuous thrust, preventing the projectile from stopping or progressing jerkily, while still achieving reduced exit velocity suitable for ALR applications.
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 solution ensures complete combustion of propellant powder, reducing the risk of unburned matter and pressure peaks, allowing for controlled and safe ejection of large-caliber projectiles at low speeds, preventing jamming and ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
an ignition system aimed at igniting a propellant powder placed in a combustion chamber, the pressure thus generated in the combustion chamber causing the propulsion of the projectile
Implementation Method 2
means for confining the powder in the rear chamber while allowing the gases resulting from the combustion of the powder to pass through vents in the rear chamber
Implementation Method 3
a low pressure chamber, forming the projectile propulsion chamber, and communicating with the intermediate chamber through an orifice of predetermined section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The cartridge has a rear chamber (1) including an ignition unit. A confining unit confines a propelling powder i.e. progressive combustion powder, in the rear chamber, while allowing passage of gases resulting from combustion of the powder via vents of the rear chamber. A low pressure chamber (3) forms a projectile propulsion chamber, and is communicated with an intermediate chamber (2) having constant volume by an opening (13) of a predetermined section. A wedging disk is made of polystyrene, felt or carton, and placed around an igniting tube.