Self-Locking Projectile Extraction Jaws for Ammunition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing projectiles from ammunition cartridges are inefficient, prone to damaging the projectile, and fail to accommodate variations in diameter, leading to tool slippage and increased costs due to the need for individual adjustments and high maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A projectile extraction device with a body and extraction jaws that move axially and radially to engage the projectile without the cartridge case, featuring hardened materials and a bias element for secure grip, allowing for self-location and self-locking, and accommodating various projectile diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw-tightened collet is used to hold the projectile, then the projectile can be gripped and extracted, but the collet must be tightened and loosened individually for each cartridge which is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction device automatically tightens the collet onto the projectile through the pressing action itself, eliminating the need for manual tightening. The collet is designed to self-tighten as the press applies force, and self-release when the force is removed, enabling continuous operation without individual adjustment for each cartridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet transitions from a static, manually-adjusted component to a dynamic element that automatically adjusts its grip force in response to the pressing action. The collet's grip strength varies during the extraction process, tightening during pressing and releasing during retraction, optimizing both reliability and speed.
2Reliability
If the collet is tightened to hold the projectile securely, then extraction reliability improves, but the collet may lose its hold during the extraction stroke requiring re-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The collet continuously maintains its grip on the projectile throughout the extraction stroke through self-adjustment. As the press moves, the collet automatically adjusts its tightness to match the applied force, ensuring continuous secure holding without loss of grip or need for re-tightening.
3Ease of operation
If claw-type projectile pullers with self-tightening jaws are used, then gripping force is applied automatically, but excess gripping force can damage the projectile making it unsuitable for reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The collet applies a dynamic, controlled gripping force that increases with the pressing action but remains within safe limits. Unlike claw-type pullers that may apply excessive static force, the collet's grip is proportional to the extraction force needed, automatically adjusting to prevent projectile damage while ensuring secure holding.
4Ease of operation
If claw-type projectile pullers are used, then self-tightening gripping is achieved, but the puller must be independently aligned to the projectile of each cartridge which is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction device is designed with universal compatibility for different cartridge and projectile types through standardized dimensions and a diameter-adjustable collet mechanism. The device performs multiple functions including automatic alignment, gripping, and extraction without requiring separate alignment procedures for each cartridge type, significantly improving efficiency.
5Productivity
If existing extraction methods are used, then projectiles can be removed, but variations in projectile diameter cause tool slippage and failure to accommodate different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The collet's internal diameter can be adjusted to match different projectile sizes, allowing the same extraction device to handle various calibers effectively. This parameter adjustment ensures optimal gripping force and contact area for each projectile type, preventing slippage while maintaining extraction capability across different dimensions.
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 device enables safe, reliable, and efficient removal of projectiles from cartridges without damage, reducing tool slippage and maintenance costs by providing a self-locating and self-locking mechanism that adapts to different projectile sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a bias element for secure grip
Data Source
AI summary
An ammunition projectile puller includes a body with one or more jaws to engage the projectile. The jaws can generally displace axially or radially relative to an axis of a through opening, and/or rotate around an axis transverse to the through axis, all within a predetermined range of motion. The jaws obtain a reliable purchase on the projectile to facilitate the extraction. The extracted projectile is cleared from the puller by the insertion of the next projectile to be extracted. The device is thus self-locating, self-locking, self-clearing, tolerant of projectile variation, operable with different projectile types and calibers, reliable, and efficient.