Projectile Pusher Plate Axial Projections Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polymer sabots used in firearms often experience uneven axial deformation and disintegration under high pressure, leading to reduced accuracy and stability of projectiles due to the lack of effective reinforcement, especially at elevated temperatures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rigid pusher plate with axial projections into the sabot's projectile seating base to stabilize and align the projectile, reducing deformation and disintegration by transferring propellant forces effectively and maintaining alignment with the barrel's rifling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a polymer sabot is used for conventional firearms, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost is low, but the sabot experiences uneven axial deformation and disintegration under high pressure forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polymer material with a metal disc reinforcement element to create a composite sabot structure. The metal disc is embedded within the polymer projectile seating base to provide structural reinforcement while maintaining the overall polymer construction for ease of manufacturing. This composite approach allows the sabot to withstand high pressure forces without disintegration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies reinforcement locally at the projectile seating base where the highest stress concentration occurs during firing. The metal disc is positioned specifically at this critical location to prevent uneven axial deformation, rather than reinforcing the entire sabot structure uniformly. This localized reinforcement maintains manufacturing simplicity while addressing the specific weakness under pressure.
2Strength
If metal discs are added to reinforce the projectile seating base, then the sabot strength is improved, but the overall weight of the saboted projectile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal disc reinforcement is applied locally only at the projectile seating base where structural strength is most critical, rather than reinforcing the entire sabot. This localized approach provides necessary strength to prevent deformation under pressure while minimizing the additional weight compared to full-sabot metal reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a relatively small, lightweight metal disc rather than extensive metal reinforcement structures. The focus is on providing just enough reinforcement at the critical seating base area to prevent failure, accepting that the disc will experience high stress and deformation during firing. This approach minimizes weight while ensuring structural integrity where needed.
3Strength
If larger metal discs are used for reinforcing sabots, then the projectile seating base is better reinforced, but the manufacture requires more difficult and complicated molding techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The metal disc is nested within the polymer sabot structure during the injection molding process. The disc is placed in the mold cavity before the polymer resin is injected, allowing the polymer to flow around and encapsulate the disc. This nesting approach integrates the reinforcement element into the manufacturing process rather than requiring separate assembly steps, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while providing structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer resin acts as an intermediary material that bonds the metal disc to the sabot structure. During injection molding, the polymer flows around the disc and creates a mechanical and chemical bond, integrating the reinforcement element into the overall sabot structure. This eliminates the need for separate attachment operations and simplifies the manufacturing process.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the saboted projectile is positioned directly against the propellant charge in muzzle loaded firearms, then the propulsion efficiency is improved, but the deformation of the projectile seating base is exaggerated
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure of polymer with embedded metal disc reinforcement provides the necessary strength to withstand the direct contact with propellant charge in muzzle-loaded firearms. The metal disc prevents the projectile seating base from excessive deformation under the high compression forces, allowing direct positioning against the propellant for efficient energy transfer while maintaining structural integrity.
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 enhances the accuracy and stability of projectiles by minimizing wobble and deformation, maintaining alignment, and reducing the impact of high temperatures on sabot integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the pusher plate with the at least one forwardly extending axial projection extending into the cylindrical polymer base... transferring propellant forces effectively and maintaining alignment with the barrel's rifling
Implementation Method 2
the wings and/or projectile seating base engage the rifling of the barrel to impart spin to the projectile
Implementation Method 3
Polymers, such as high density polyethylene, provide favorable characteristics such as engagement of barrel rifling, absorption of shock peaks from the propellant
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile assembly comprises a base portion for receiving projectiles such as slugs and has an associated pusher plate at a rear end thereof for minimizing or controlling deformation of the rear end of the base portion during firing. The pusher plate has a disc with one or more axially extending projections that extend axially into the rearward end of the base portion thereby reinforcing the base portion and upon firing providing uniform axial deformation and/or obturation of the base portion with respect to a firearm barrel. The projectile assembly may be, for example, part of a shotgun shell slug cartridge, and provides enhanced accuracy over the prior art.