Variable Velocity Piston Propulsion Ammunition Case
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low velocity shells, such as 40 mm grenades, are limited to a single velocity and trajectory path, making it difficult for riflemen to hit targets at close or high/low angles, especially when targets are outside the line of sight, rendering weapon sights obsolete.
Innovation Solution
A medium caliber ammunition case with an adjustable velocity variator collar that controls muzzle velocity and recoil impulse by altering the venting of combustion gases, allowing for lower or higher velocities and angles of attack, enabling effective targeting of dead space areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional low velocity shells are used with fixed trajectory, then the structure is simple, but the ability to hit targets at various angles and distances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge incorporates a movable piston that can be positioned at different locations within the combustion chamber, allowing the trajectory and velocity of the projectile to be dynamically adjusted based on target distance and angle, transforming a static system into a dynamic one
Solution Approach 2:
The combustion chamber is divided into multiple segments or zones along the barrel axis, with the piston able to stop at different positions within these segments, creating discrete trajectory options that balance complexity with functional versatility
2Reliability
If fixed velocity firing is used, then the cartridge structure is simple, but the effectiveness against targets in dead space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The piston position is made adjustable to dynamically control the volume of the combustion chamber, thereby varying the gas pressure and muzzle velocity to reliably engage targets at different ranges including dead space areas
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of combustion chamber volume by moving the piston to different positions, which directly affects the muzzle velocity and trajectory of the projectile, enabling reliable target acquisition across varying distances
3Speed
If higher velocity is used to extend range, then the angle of attack must be increased, but this makes sight use obsolete and requires estimation
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the combustion chamber volume through piston positioning, the system can achieve higher velocities at lower angles of attack, keeping the trajectory within the effective range of weapon sights and eliminating the need for estimation
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides discrete velocity options corresponding to different piston positions, allowing the operator to select appropriate velocity levels for different target ranges, maintaining periodic control over the projectile's flight characteristics
4Speed
If lower velocity is used for close targets, then the angle of attack can be reduced for sight use, but the velocity control is not adjustable in conventional shells
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is designed to be movable to different positions, creating a dynamic velocity control system that can be adjusted for close targets requiring lower velocities and smaller angles of attack, as well as distant targets requiring higher velocities
Solution Approach 2:
The single cartridge design with adjustable piston position can serve multiple functions by achieving different velocity levels and trajectories, making it universally applicable to various target scenarios from close to distant ranges
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 accurate targeting of targets at various angles and distances using weapon sights, reducing ammunition waste and increasing shooter efficiency by controlling muzzle velocity and recoil.
Implementation Method 1
a combustible compound disposed within a cavity of the piston to push the piston through the cylinder via a gas generated upon ignition of the combustible compound
Implementation Method 2
the forces generated by the expanding gasses within this chamber push the grenade 12 through the firing chamber 14
Data Source
AI summary
A medium caliber round of ammunition capable of being fired at variable velocities and trajectories, and methods of firing such, are presented herein. The ammunition round includes a grenade and a cartridge received in a firing chamber. The cartridge has a front case for receiving the grenade, and a rear case for receiving a primer. An adjustable variator collar is disposed between the front and rear cases. The variator collar is adjustable between a first position that chokes the venting of gas from a high-side stage to a low-side stage for low muzzle velocity, and a second position for un-choking the venting of gas from the high-side stage to the low-side stage for a rapid rise in pressure during the low-side stage, resulting in a high muzzle velocity. The collar may further be adjusted in any position between the first and second for relative amounts of controlled fluid flow.