Wireless Instrumented Ammunition Round for Gun Bore Temperature Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring gun barrel temperatures in auto-loading weapons like the 30 mm GAU-23 are inadequate, as they require manual loading or wired rounds that complicate the firing process and are not suitable for wireless data transmission in a closed-bolt system.

Innovation Solution

A wireless, inert ammunition round with a hollow annular cartridge and instrument package, including a dielectric rim disk, antenna, and thermocouples, designed to measure and transmit temperature data without modifying the gun or firing operations, using aerogel insulation to withstand extreme temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional measurement techniques are used, then the gun barrel can be measured, but the system requires manual loading or wired rounds that complicate the firing process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiring processVSAvoidmeasurement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical measurement systems with a wireless instrumented round that uses electromagnetic communication. The round includes an antenna and control circuit board that transmit temperature data wirelessly to an external receiver, eliminating the need for physical wiring connections that complicate the firing process in auto-loading weapons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The instrumented round is self-contained with an onboard battery, instrument circuit board, and antenna that enable it to autonomously measure temperature and transmit data without external assistance. The round serves itself by incorporating all necessary measurement and communication functions within its structure, allowing seamless integration with auto-loading weapons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If wired rounds are used for measurement, then data can be transmitted, but the system is not suitable for wireless data transmission in a closed-bolt system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmissionVSAvoidwireless transmission capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired data transmission with wireless electromagnetic communication. The instrument package includes an antenna that transmits temperature measurements via electromagnetic waves to an external receiver, enabling wireless data transmission that is adaptable to closed-bolt systems where wired connections are not feasible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the instrument package is added to measure temperature, then accurate measurement is achieved, but the round must withstand extreme temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurementVSAvoidextreme temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses aerogel insulation material with exceptionally low thermal conductivity to thermally isolate the instrument package from the extreme temperatures in the gun chamber. This parameter change in thermal properties allows the electronic components to operate at controlled temperatures while the surrounding environment experiences extreme heat during firing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument package is constructed using composite materials including aerogel insulation layers combined with heat-resistant structural components. This composite structure provides both thermal insulation for temperature measurement accuracy and mechanical strength to withstand the harsh thermal environment of the gun chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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, real-time temperature measurement and data transmission in auto-loading weapons, reducing the risk of thermal cook-off and improving firing safety by allowing seamless integration and rapid data collection.

Implementation Method 1

The antenna transmits measurement data via electromagnetic propagation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using aerogel insulation to withstand extreme temperatures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

including a dielectric rim disk, antenna, and thermocouples

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermocouple effect: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentUS20250377183A1Instrumented Ammunition Round

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

AI summary

An inert round is provided for data collection in a gun bore. The round includes a hollow annular cartridge, an instrument package, a circular dielectric disk, an annular projectile and a conical nose tip. The cartridge defines an interior volume longitudinally bounded by a fore neck and an aft terminus. The instrument package is disposed into the volume for data transmission. The circular dielectric disk secured at the aft terminus. The projectile includes an ogive forebody and a cylindrical aftbody that inserts into the neck. The nose tip attaches into the forebody.