WO2008073058A1

WO2008073058A1 - Adaptor for coupling projectile and propulsion unit

Info

Publication number: WO2008073058A1
Application number: PCT/SG2007/000428
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cheng Hok Aw; Yong Mong Goh; Chee Keong Yak
Original assignee: Advanced Material Engineering Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2006-12-14
Filing date: 2007-12-14
Publication date: 2008-06-19
Also published as: SG143993A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to cartridged ammunition for conventional weaponry comprising an adaptor for coupling a projectile and a propulsion unit. The projectile has a head section and a base section. The adaptor has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, wherein the top surface is configured to accommodate the base section of the projectile. The propulsion unit has a base, and a cylindrical wall extending from the base to form a receptacle, wherein the receptacle is configured to accommodate the adaptor and the base section of the projectile. The adaptor enables the projectile to be coupled to propulsion units made of different materials. Furthermore, the adaptor couples different profiles of projectiles and propulsion units without any need for design modifications. The assembled cartridged ammunition can be fired electrically or mechanically.

Description

ADAPTOR FOR COUPLING PROJECTILE AND PROPULSION UNIT

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to ammunition for conventional weaponry, and more particularly to an adaptor for coupling a projectile to a propulsion unit used in weapons that do not incorporate chemical, biological or nuclear payloads.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Typically, a cartridged ammunition comprises a projectile coupled to a propulsion unit. Fig. 1 illustrates one such cartridged ammunition having a projectile 2 and a propulsion unit 4. The projectile 2 is usually filled with explosive or inert materials. The propulsion unit 4 is a metal cartridge case that usually houses a primer 6 and propellant 8.

[0003] The common methods of coupling a projectile to the propulsion unit include crimping the projectile to the propulsion unit, and screw-threading the projectile to an insert assembled in the propulsion unit. Both crimping and screw-threading are direct approaches of joining the projectile to the propulsion unit, and can be done with or without a sealant. One of the reasons for crimping and screw-threading is to properly secure the propulsion unit to the projectile, thereby ensuring proper ignition of the propellant during firing. However, crimping and screw-threading are not suitable if the propulsion unit is made of different materials. For example, the projectile is made of metal and the propulsion unit is made of plastic.

[0004] Furthermore, different manufacturing parties produce different profiles of projectiles and propulsion units, so crimping and screw threading may not be the appropriate methods for joining different profiles of projectiles and propulsion units. In order to couple the different profiles of projectiles to propulsion units, the profile of the propulsion unit is usually redesigned to accommodate the profile of the projectile. Alternatively, the profile of the projectile can be redesigned to accommodate the profile of the propulsion unit. However, redesigning the profile of the projectile or propulsion unit can be time consuming and costly. [0005] Therefore, there is an imperative need to couple different types of projectiles and propulsion units without any design modifications. This invention satisfies this need by disclosing an adaptor for coupling the projectile to the propulsion unit. Other advantages of this invention will be apparent with reference to the detailed description.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides an adaptor for coupling a projectile to a propulsion unit.

[0007] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides an ammunition comprising: a projectile having a head section and a base section; an adaptor having a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, wherein the top surface is configured to accommodate the base section of the projectile; and a propulsion unit having a base, and a cylindrical wall extending from the base to form a receptacle, wherein the receptacle is configured to accommodate the adaptor and the base section of the projectile, wherein the side surface of the adaptor is configured to fit into the receptacle, thereby when the ammunition is assembled, the top surface of the adaptor is coupled to the base section of the projectile, and the side surface of the adaptor is coupled to the cylindrical wall of the propulsion unit.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for assembling an ammunition, comprising the steps of: providing a projectile having a head section and a base section; providing a propulsion unit having a base, and a cylindrical wall extending from the base to form a receptacle; providing an adaptor for coupling the projectile to the propulsion unit, wherein the adaptor has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, the top surface of the adaptor is configured to accommodate the base section of the projectile, and the side surface of the adaptor is configured to fit into the receptacle of the propulsion unit; coupling the top surface of the adaptor to the base section of the projectile; and coupling the side surface of the adaptor to the cylindrical wall of the propulsion unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0009] Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the Figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements.

[0010] FIG 1 is an illustrative diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a prior art cartridged ammunition.

[0011] FIG 2 is an illustrative diagram showing a cross-sectional view of an unassembled cartridged ammunition in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG 3 is an illustrative diagram showing a crόss-sectional view of the cartridged ammunition of FIG 2 in an assembled configuration.

[0013] FIG 4 is an illustrative diagram showing a cross-sectional view of an unassembled cartridged ammunition in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG 5 is an illustrative diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the cartridged ammunition of FIG 4 in an assembled configuration.

[0015] FIG 6 is an illustrative diagram showing a cross-sectional view of an unassembled cartridged ammunition in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG 7 is an illustrative diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the cartridged ammunition of FIG 6 in an assembled configuration.

[0017] FIG 8 is an illustrative diagram showing a cross-sectional view of an unassembled cartridged ammunition in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG 9 is an illustrative diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the cartridged ammunition of FIG 8 in an assembled configuration.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0019] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention. [0020] The present invention relates to cartridged ammunition comprising an adaptor for coupling different designs of projectiles and propulsion units. The adaptor can be designed for different caliber of ammunition and is not restricted to the following embodiments.

[0021] Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate one embodiment of a cartridged ammunition comprising a projectile 20, an adaptor 30, and a propulsion unit 40. The projectile 20 has a head section 22 and a base section 24. The projectile is preferably made of metal, metal alloys or other materials of the like. Furthermore, the projectile 20 contains highly explosive energetic materials with a safety fusing mechanism (not shown). Alternatively, the projectile may be filled with inert materials such as sodium bicarbonate, sand, epoxy and others non-explosive materials.

[0022] The adaptor 30 includes a top surface 32, a side surface 33 and a bottom surface 34. The top surface 32 is configured to accommodate the base section 24 of the projectile 20. In particular, the top surface 32 is preferably coupled to the base section 24 using adhesives, wherein the top surface 32 provides additional surface area for adhering the projectile 20 to the adaptor 30. The adaptor 30 can be made from materials such as metal, metal alloys, or the like. In particular, the adaptor 30 can be made from ferrous or non-ferrous materials. It is also contemplated that the adaptor 30 can be made from other non-metal materials such as plastics.

[0023] The propulsion unit 40 comprises a base 41, and a cylindrical wall 43 extending from the base to form a receptacle 42, wherein the receptacle 42 is configured to accommodate the adaptor 30 and base section 24 of the projectile 20. In particular, the side surface 33 of the adaptor 30 is configured to fit into the receptacle 42. Furthermore, the side surface 33 of the adaptor 30 can be coupled to the cylindrical wall 43 of the propulsion unit 40 using adhesives. The propulsion unit 40 can be made from metal materials, plastic materials, or the like. A primer 52 and a propellant 54 can be centrally disposed at the base 41 of the propulsion unit 40. The base 41 may have a high pressure chamber 46 that houses the propellant 54. The bottom surface 34 of the adaptor can be coupled to the high pressure chamber 46 on the base 41 of the propulsion unit 40 using adhesives.

[0024] When the cartridged ammunition is assembled as shown in Fig. 3, a low pressure space 47 is formed between the adaptor 30 and propulsion unit 40. The primer 52 can be initiated by mechanical means such as a weapon striker pin. Alternatively, the primer can be initiated by electrical means. Once initiated, the primer 52 ignites the propellant 54, thereby causing a rapid burning effect and a high pressure build up of the propellant 54 in the high pressure chamber 46. This burning effect releases a large amount of propellant gas that eventually bursts into the low pressure chamber 47, thereby expelling the projectile 20 from the propulsion unit 40, wherein the projectile 20 is propelled towards a desired target.

[0025] Figs 4 and 5 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the cartridged ammunition shown in Figs 2 and 3. In particular, the cylindrical wall 43 of the propulsion unit 40 comprises an internal thread 48. The side surface 33 of the adaptor 30 is configured with an external thread 38 that engages the internal thread 48 of the propulsion unit 40, thereby allowing the adaptor 30 to be screwed onto the propulsion unit 40. Then, the top surface 32 of the adaptor 30 may be coupled to the base section 24 of the projectile 20 using adhesives. Furthermore, the bottom surface 34 of the adaptor can be coupled to the high pressure chamber 46 on the base 41 of the propulsion unit 40 using adhesives. [0026] Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the cartridged ammunition comprising a projectile 20, an adaptor 60 and a propulsion unit 70. The adaptor 60 includes a top surface 62, a side surface 63 and a bottom surface 64. Similarly, the top surface 62 is configured to accommodate the base section 24 of the projectile 20.. The top surface 62 is preferably coupled to the base section 24 by adhesives, wherein the top surface 62 provides additional surface area for adhering the projectile 20 to the adaptor 60. The adaptor 60 is also made from materials such as metal, metal alloys, or the like. In particular, the adaptor 60 can be made from ferrous or non-ferrous materials. It is also contemplated that the adaptor 60 can be made from other non-metal materials such as plastics.

[0027] The propulsion unit 70 comprises a base 71, and a cylindrical wall 73 extending from the base to form a receptacle 72, wherein the receptacle 72 is configured to accommodate the adaptor 60 and the base section 24 of the projectile 20. Similarly, the side surface 63 of the adaptor 60 is configured to fit into the receptacle 72. Furthermore, the side surface 63 of the adaptor 60 can be coupled to the cylindrical wall 73 of the propulsion unit 70 using adhesives. The propulsion unit 70 can be made from metal materials, plastic materials, or the like. A primer 82 may be centrally disposed at the base of the propulsion unit 70. [0028] When the cartridged ammunition is assembled as shown in Fig. 7, a propellant 84 is disposed between the adaptor 60 and the propulsion unit 70. The primer 82 can be similarly initiated by mechanical means such as a weapon striker pin, or by electrical means. Once initiated, the primer 82 ignites the propellant 84, thereby causing a rapid burning effect of the propellant 84. This burning effect releases a large amount of propellant gas that expels the projectile 20 from the propulsion unit 70, thereby propelling the projectile 20 towards the desired target.

[0029] Figs 8 and 9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the cartridged ammunition shown in Figs 6 and 7. In particular, the cylindrical wall 73 of the propulsion unit 70 comprises an internal thread 78. The side surface 63 of the adaptor 60 is configured with an external thread 68 that engages the internal thread 78 of the propulsion unit 70, thereby allowing the adaptor 60 to be screwed onto the propulsion unit 70. Then, the first surface 62 of the adaptor 60 is coupled to the base section 24 of the projectile 20 using adhesives.

[0030] As discussed above, the adaptor couples different profiles of projectiles and propulsion units without any need for design modifications. Furthermore, the adaptor allows the projectile to be coupled to propulsion units made of different materials. This facilitates the testing of the projectile by coupling it to different propulsion units without any need of redesigning the profile of the projectile. In addition, different types of propulsion units can be coupled to the projectile to enable the cartridge ammunition to be fired mechanically or electronically. Also, the current production process need not be modified too drastically for producing the cartridged ammunition.

[0031] While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the invention scope is not so limited. Alternative embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Such alternate embodiments are considered to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is described by the appended claims and is supported by the foregoing description.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A cartridged ammunition comprising: a projectile having a head section and a base section; an adaptor having a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, wherein the top surface is configured to accommodate the base section of the projectile; and a propulsion unit having a base, and a cylindrical wall extending from the base to form a receptacle, wherein the receptacle is configured to accommodate the adaptor and the base section of the projectile, wherein the side surface of the adaptor is configured to fit into the receptacle, thereby when the ammunition is assembled, the top surface of the adaptor is coupled to the base section of the projectile, and the side surface of the adaptor is coupled to the cylindrical wall of the propulsion unit.

2. The ammunition of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the adaptor is coupled to the base section of the projectile using adhesives.

3. The ammunition of claim 2, wherein the side surface of the adaptor is coupled to the cylindrical wall of the propulsion unit using adhesives

4. The ammunition of claim 2, wherein the side surface of the adaptor has an external thread and the cylindrical wall of the propulsion unit has an internal thread, and wherein the external thread on the side surface of the adaptor is configured to engage the internal thread on the cylindrical wall of the propulsion.

5. The ammunition of claim 1, wherein the base of the propulsion unit comprises a primer.

6. The ammunition of claim 5, wherein the base of the propulsion unit comprises a chamber for housing a propellant.

7. The ammunition of claim 6, wherein the bottom surface of the adaptor is coupled to the chamber on the base of the propulsion unit using adhesives.

8. The ammunition of claim 5, wherein a propellant is disposed between the bottom surface of the adaptor and the base of the propulsion unit.

9. The ammunition of claim 1, wherein the adaptor can be made of any materials selected from the group consisting of metal, metal alloys or plastics.

10. The ammunition of claim 1, wherein the propulsion unit can be made from any materials selected from the group consisting of metal, metal alloys or plastics.

11. A method for assembling a cartridged ammunition, comprising the steps of: providing a projectile having a head section and a base section; providing a propulsion unit having a base, and a cylindrical wall extending from the base to form a receptacle; providing an adaptor for coupling the projectile to the propulsion unit, wherein the adaptor has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, the top surface of the adaptor is configured to accommodate the base section of the projectile, and the side surface of the adaptor is configured to fit into the receptacle of the propulsion unit; and coupling the top surface of the adaptor to the base section of the projectile; and coupling the side surface of the adaptor to the cylindrical wall of the propulsion unit.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of coupling the top surface of the adaptor to the base section of the projectile is using adhesives.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of coupling the side surface of the adaptor to the cylindrical wall of the propulsion unit is using adhesives.

14. The ammunition of claim 12, further comprising the step of providing an external thread on the side surface of the adaptor and providing an internal thread on the cylindrical wall of the propulsion unit, wherein the external thread on the side surface of the adaptor is configured to engage the internal thread on the cylindrical wall of the propulsion unit.

15. The ammunition of claim 11, further comprising the step of providing a primer at the base of the propulsion unit.

16. The ammunition of claim 15, further comprising the step of providing a chamber at the base of the propulsion unit, wherein the chamber houses a propellant.

17. The ammunition of claim 16, further comprising the step of coupling the bottom surface of the adaptor to the chamber on the base of the propulsion unit using adhesives.

18. The ammunition of claim 15, further comprising a step of providing a propellant between the bottom surface of the adaptor and the base of the propulsion unit.

19. The method of claim 11 , wherein the adaptor can be made of any materials selected from the group consisting of metal, metal alloys or plastics.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the propulsion unit can be made from any materials selected from the group consisting of metal, metal alloys or plastics.

21. An adaptor for coupling a warhead to a propulsion unit to form a cartridged ammunition, including: an adaptor having a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, wherein the top surface is configured for connection to a base section of the warhead and the side surface is configured for connection to a wall portion of the propulsion unit.

22. An adaptor according to claim 21 having a substantially solid body of plastics or metallic material, and wherein the top surface is substantially concave, the bottom surface is substantially flat, and the side surface is substantially cylindrical.

23. An adaptor according to claim 22 wherein the side surface includes screw threads for connection to the propulsion unit.