Vibratory Ammunition Case Gauge Loading System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of verifying ammunition cartridge sizing using an ammunition case gauge is time-consuming and prone to errors, as users must manually place cartridges in apertures to confirm industry standards are met.
Innovation Solution
A loading system for an ammunition case gauge that includes a base plate, upper support plate, movable support assemblies, a feeder housing, pusher plate with shafts, and a vibratory motor, which automatically feeds cartridges into aligned apertures using a feeder plate, ensuring proper sizing and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual placement of cartridges in apertures is used, then the user can verify cartridge sizing, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibratory motor that generates vibrations to automatically feed cartridges through the feeder plate apertures and into the case gauge holes. This mechanical vibration eliminates the need for manual placement, significantly reducing verification time while maintaining measurement precision through consistent automated positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically feed and position cartridges without human intervention. The vibratory motor drives the cartridges through the aligned apertures and holes, allowing the system to serve itself by continuously loading and verifying cartridges until the gauge is full or a malfunction is detected
2Measurement precision
If manual placement of cartridges is used, then the user can inspect each cartridge, but the process is prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The consistent vibratory motion ensures that cartridges are uniformly fed and positioned through the aligned apertures and holes, eliminating variability introduced by manual placement. This standardized mechanical process improves reliability by ensuring each cartridge is positioned identically for verification
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-aligns the feeder plate apertures with the case gauge holes and positions the pusher plate shafts to extend into the holes before cartridges are fed. This preliminary alignment ensures that cartridges are automatically guided into the correct positions, preventing placement errors and improving verification reliability
3Productivity
If automated feeding system is implemented, then loading speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single vibratory motor provides the automated feeding function, replacing what would otherwise require complex mechanical feeders or automated positioning mechanisms. This simple vibratory approach achieves high loading speed while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The aligned apertures in the feeder plate serve multiple functions: they guide cartridges during vibration feeding, position cartridges for verification, and allow visual inspection through the sides. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate guiding and positioning mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity
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 system significantly reduces the time and effort required to verify ammunition cartridge sizing, enhancing efficiency and accuracy by automatically aligning and loading cartridges into the case gauge, thereby ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Implementation Method 1
a vibratory motor being coupled to the upper support plate such that the vibratory motor vibrates the feeder plate, the ammunition case gauge, and the pusher plate
Data Source
AI summary
A loading system for an ammunition case gauge is provided. The system includes first and second movable support assemblies that are coupled between a base plate and an upper support plate. The system includes a feeder housing coupled to the upper support plate having an interior region communicating with a top open end thereof and a side opening thereof. The system includes a pusher plate having a bottom wall and a plurality of shafts that receives the case gauge thereon. The system includes a feeder plate that is disposed on the case gauge such that the case gauge is disposed between the pusher plate and the feeder plate. The side opening is sized to receive the pusher plate, the case gauge, and the feeder plate therethrough. The system includes a vibratory motor that vibrates the feeder plate, the case gauge, and the pusher plate.