Rotatable Propellant Cylinder for Selectable Munition Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Munitions are typically designed for a single operational range and use, requiring either carrying ineffective or unsafe single munitions or large quantities to accommodate multiple ranges, limiting user mobility and increasing weight.
Innovation Solution
A munition with a propellant unit capable of carrying multiple propellant charges of different capacities, allowing for adjustable engagement distances and multi-use functionality by rotating and indexing propellant charges within the unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single munition is designed for a specific operational range, then accuracy and maximum effect are achieved, but the user must carry large quantities of different munitions for multiple ranges, increasing weight and reducing mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The propellant unit is designed to perform multiple functions by housing several propellant charges of different capacities within a single unit. The user can select different propellant charges to achieve different operational ranges, making one munition versatile enough to replace multiple specialized munitions, thereby reducing the total weight carried by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The propellant unit is segmented into multiple discrete propellant charges (first propellant charge, second propellant charge, etc.) with different capacities. Each charge can be independently selected and used, allowing the user to optimize the propellant capacity according to the specific operational range required, rather than carrying multiple complete munitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple munitions are carried to accommodate multiple operational ranges, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and equipment burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single propellant unit incorporates multiple propellant charges with different capacities, enabling one munition to serve multiple operational ranges. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to carry and manage multiple different munition types, simplifying the equipment burden while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple propellant charges that would traditionally require separate munitions are merged into a single propellant unit. The unit includes a first propellant charge, second propellant charge, and potentially additional charges, all housed together with a common case, base, and indexing mechanism, reducing the number of separate equipment items the user must carry.
3Adaptability or versatility
If propellant charges are made selectable for different ranges, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to indexing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The propellant unit incorporates a rotatable cylinder containing the propellant charges, allowing dynamic selection of different charges based on operational requirements. The cylinder can be rotated to index different propellant charges into the firing position, providing adaptability while using a relatively simple rotational mechanism rather than complex switching systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The propellant charges are pre-positioned within the rotatable cylinder at specific indices, allowing for quick selection without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms. The indexing system is designed so that each propellant charge is already in its optimal position, and selection is achieved by rotating the cylinder to the desired pre-configured index.
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 a single munition to serve multiple operational roles, reducing weight and bulk by allowing selectable propellant charges for varying ranges and enabling reloadable use, thereby enhancing user mobility and reducing equipment burden.
Implementation Method 1
The propellant charge is actuatable to transform chemically to mechanically to propel the projectile along a barrel of a launcher
Data Source
AI summary
A munition includes a projectile and a propellant unit. The propellant unit includes a shell having a cylindrical configuration centered on a longitudinal central axis of the munition. The shell has a cylinder opening that receives a cylinder. The cylinder is selectively rotatable in the cylinder opening about a cylinder axis, offset from the munition axis, between a plurality of firing positions. The cylinder has a plurality of propellant chambers each with a respective propellant charge. The propellant chambers are located in the cylinder so that when the cylinder is in a firing position one of the propellant chambers is on munition axis.