Universal Depth Gauge with Interchangeable Collars

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing depth measurement devices for ammunition production are imprecise and often specific to particular ammunition casing sizes, leading to variations in pocket depth and seated primer depth, which are problematic for high-accuracy applications.

Innovation Solution

A precision depth measurement device featuring a drop indicator with a stem and hub configuration, along with interchangeable collars of varying sizes to ensure consistent positioning and measurement across different ammunition casings, facilitating precise pocket depth and seated primer depth measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single drop indicator device is used for all ammunition casing sizes, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accommodate different casing sizes accurately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device is segmented into a universal hub component and multiple size-specific collar components. The hub contains the drop indicator mechanism, while interchangeable collars are provided for different ammunition casing sizes. This segmentation allows the device to maintain a simple core structure while achieving precise measurements across multiple casing sizes through component interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hub component is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple ammunition casing sizes through the interchangeability of collars. The stem and hub assembly serves as a universal measurement mechanism that can be adapted to different casing dimensions by simply changing the collar, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple complete measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple drop indicator devices are used for different ammunition casing sizes, then measurement precision is improved for each specific size, but device complexity and quantity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device is segmented into a universal hub component and multiple size-specific collar components. The hub contains the drop indicator mechanism, while interchangeable collars are provided for different ammunition casing sizes. This segmentation allows the device to maintain a simple core structure while achieving precise measurements across multiple casing sizes through component interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding entire measurement devices when switching between ammunition casing sizes, only the collar component needs to be changed. The hub and stem assembly are retained and reused, thereby reducing waste and the need for multiple complete devices while maintaining measurement precision for different sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Device complexity

If traditional measurement devices are used without interchangeable collars, then device structure is simplified, but adaptability to different ammunition casing sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hub component is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple ammunition casing sizes through the interchangeability of collars. The stem and hub assembly serves as a universal measurement mechanism that can be adapted to different casing dimensions by simply changing the collar, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple complete measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement device incorporates dynamic adaptability through interchangeable collars that can be added or removed based on the specific ammunition casing size being measured. This allows the device structure to be modified dynamically rather than being fixed, enabling versatility while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12123691B2Precision depth measurement device

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 DYKSTRA GREG

AI summary

A precision depth measurement device precisely measures pocket depth and seated primer depth for consistent ammunition production. The device includes a drop indicator having a stem. The stem has an outer peripheral surface. A hub is annular having an inner perimeter surface. The inner perimeter surface is complementary in size to the outer peripheral surface of the stem. Thus, the stem of the drop indicator is insertable into the hub. A collar is removably couplable to the hub. The collar has a collar lip extending inwardly from an internal surface of the collar. The collar lip defines a collar opening at a base end of the collar. The collar opening is complementary in size to an ammunition casing wherein the collar receives the ammunition casing and holds the drop indicator in a perpendicular position relative to the ammunition casing.