"valveless" cartridge concept
Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 8:48 am
I've flirted with the idea of a "valveless" cartridge before, the performance benefits are obvious - zero opening time, instant full flow - however the projectile release mechanism would invariably be an intricate system which would not lend itself to mass production.
Here's conceptual alternative that might be more practical, the diagram represents the launcher seen from above. The cartridge is a simple tube with a seal on both ends (silicone tubing or similar) with the projectile being retained in the front seal.
The launcher itself has a blowback action, the bolt comprising a spring loaded needle-like tube which fits into the base of cartridge. The trigger is a ball valve or similar, feeding HPA through the injector into the cartridge until enough pressure is reached to "pop" the projectile out of the seal. Since the injector has a very small diameter, it will not take a very hard spring to keep it in place.
When the projectile pops, the rapid overpressure in the breech should be enough to blow the cartridge out, striking the ejector and exiting via the ejection port. This allows a new cartridge to feed from the magazine and so the cycle continues.
The benefits compared do this coaxial design include cheaper and easier construction due to the lack of internal barrel and filling valve, which also means lower weight as well as over 200% of the coaxial's internal volume for the same external dimensions. All of these factors give the design a much better chance of functioning effectively as a true blowback semi/auto design.
Any thoughts?
Here's conceptual alternative that might be more practical, the diagram represents the launcher seen from above. The cartridge is a simple tube with a seal on both ends (silicone tubing or similar) with the projectile being retained in the front seal.
The launcher itself has a blowback action, the bolt comprising a spring loaded needle-like tube which fits into the base of cartridge. The trigger is a ball valve or similar, feeding HPA through the injector into the cartridge until enough pressure is reached to "pop" the projectile out of the seal. Since the injector has a very small diameter, it will not take a very hard spring to keep it in place.
When the projectile pops, the rapid overpressure in the breech should be enough to blow the cartridge out, striking the ejector and exiting via the ejection port. This allows a new cartridge to feed from the magazine and so the cycle continues.
The benefits compared do this coaxial design include cheaper and easier construction due to the lack of internal barrel and filling valve, which also means lower weight as well as over 200% of the coaxial's internal volume for the same external dimensions. All of these factors give the design a much better chance of functioning effectively as a true blowback semi/auto design.
Any thoughts?