Rigid Combustible Charge Container for Munitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular charge container systems for propelling munitions face challenges in robustness, flexibility, and usability due to loose coupling of charges, human error in charge selection, and handling issues with combustible materials like cotton, which can lead to inaccurate launches.
Innovation Solution
A charge container device made from a substantially rigid and combustible material, featuring a base portion with an ignition means and a top portion with an aperture, designed to fill the barrel chamber, with modular cartridge cases that can be stacked and reversibly attached, using a hook and loop arrangement or spacers for uniform ignition and energy propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual charges are loosely coupled together using recess/extrusions, then modular assembly is enabled, but rapid movement or formation of desired charge becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The charge system is divided into multiple individual charges that can be independently selected and assembled. Each charge is a separate unit with standardized coupling features, allowing flexible configuration while maintaining rapid assembly through the standardized interface design.
2Strength
If charges are made from rigid outer case containing loose energetic material, then structural integrity is provided, but flexibility for rapid change of energetic material quantity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The charge system transitions from fixed rigid cases to a more dynamic configuration where individual charges can be easily added or removed. The standardized coupling interface enables rapid reconfiguration of the charge train, allowing the energetic material quantity to be dynamically adjusted while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid outer cases of individual charges.
3Ease of manufacture
If combustible bags are used to contain charges, then cost savings and flexibility are achieved, but handling becomes difficult and material is prone to snagging and tears
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses flexible combustible bags to contain the energetic material, providing cost savings and flexibility in charge configuration. The bags are designed with sufficient strength and smooth surfaces to minimize snagging and tearing during handling, while still maintaining the advantages of flexible, lightweight containment compared to rigid cases.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual assembly of charges is performed, then flexibility in charge selection is achieved, but human error increases leading to inaccurate launches
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized coupling interface provides tactile and visual feedback during assembly, ensuring that charges are correctly connected in the intended sequence. This feedback mechanism reduces human error by making incorrect assembly obvious, while still allowing flexibility in charge selection and configuration.
5Adaptability or versatility
If cotton material is used for combustible bags, then flexibility and cost effectiveness are improved, but the material is prone to snagging and tears during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The combustible bag is constructed from composite materials that combine the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of cotton with additional strength properties. This may involve layering cotton with other materials or treating the cotton to enhance its resistance to snagging and tearing while maintaining its flexible, combustible characteristics.
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 provides a robust, flexible, and user-friendly system that minimizes human error and energy loss, ensuring accurate projectile launches with easy handling and reduced residue post-use, while allowing for adjustable energetic output by varying the number of cartridge cases.
Implementation Method 1
Each charge contains an energetic material and is made from a rigid, combustible case... the ignition means on the case (e.g. an igniter pad) is struck and causes an explosive train sequence to begin
Implementation Method 2
The explosive train serves to take a small energetic event and amplify the output as it moves through the explosive train
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a charge container device, said charge container device having a volume suitable to substantially fill a barrel chamber, said charge container device is formed from a substantially rigid and combustible material, wherein said charge container device comprises at least one wall to define a cavity for the retention of at least one cartridge case, said at least one cartridge case comprising an energetic material, wherein said at least one cartridge case is arranged in a stacked formation within said charge container, the charge container device further comprising a base portion and a top portion, wherein the top portion comprises an aperture to allow for expulsion of energy and the base portion comprising an ignition means.