Aircraft Ammunition Tray Coupling for Rapid Safe Reloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current munition launch systems on aircraft, such as drones, require lengthy reloading times and lack safety mechanisms, posing risks during operations and compromising accuracy and safety.
Innovation Solution
A munition launcher system with a chassis, coupling mechanism, and removable ammunition tray, featuring latch pins, bolt receivers, and spring-activated fitting structures, allowing quick reloading and secure attachment during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional munition launch systems are used on aircraft, then the launcher can fire ammunition, but the reloading time is lengthy and the system must be removed from the aircraft to reload
Solution Approach 1:
The munition launch system is divided into separable components: a reusable chassis mounted on the aircraft and removable ammunition trays. This segmentation allows the trays to be quickly exchanged without removing the entire launcher from the aircraft, dramatically reducing reloading time while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs disposable or reloadable ammunition trays that can be quickly removed and replaced. Used trays are discarded or set aside for reloading, while fresh trays are rapidly installed on the chassis. This approach eliminates the need for time-consuming in-flight reloading procedures and allows continuous operation.
2Reliability
If the ammunition tray is securely attached to the chassis, then the ammunition remains safe during flight, but the attachment mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses a hierarchical locking system where latch pins provide primary retention, bolt receivers provide secondary securing, and additional safety features provide tertiary protection. This nested approach ensures redundant security without requiring an overly complex single-system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates safety features that prevent accidental detachment before it can occur. Latch pins are positioned to engage automatically upon tray installation, and the bolt receiver system is designed to prevent unintended release. These preemptive safety measures ensure secure attachment without requiring complex active monitoring systems.
3Productivity
If the launcher is designed for quick reloading, then the reloading speed increases, but the safety mechanisms may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the ammunition trays from the chassis, the system enables rapid tray exchange without compromising safety. The segmented design allows pre-loaded trays to be prepared independently and installed quickly, while the chassis retains all critical safety and firing control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Safety mechanisms are built into the tray-chassis interface itself rather than requiring separate safety systems. The latch pins and bolt receivers are designed to ensure positive engagement and secure retention during high-speed exchange operations, providing inherent safety that does not slow down the reloading process.
4Ease of operation
If the coupling mechanism uses movable fitting structures with springs and bearings, then the tray can be easily coupled and decoupled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from static rigid connections to dynamic movable fitting structures. Springs provide flexible engagement force that accommodates manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations, while bearings enable smooth lateral movement during tray installation and removal. This dynamic design simplifies operation despite the added mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-activated fitting structures automatically engage and disengage during tray coupling and decoupling operations. The springs provide the necessary force to guide latch pins into opening slots without requiring manual adjustment or complex actuation mechanisms, making the system self-regulating and easier to operate.
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 rapid ammunition reloading on aircraft in flight, ensuring safety and accuracy through redundant safety mechanisms and flexible tray configurations for various calibers.
Implementation Method 1
the fitting structures are attached to the chassis in a movable manner by springs and bearings
Implementation Method 2
the ammunition tray is preferably fitted with latch pins and a bolt receiver
Implementation Method 3
the fitting structures are attached to the chassis in a movable manner by springs and bearings
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
This Invention refers to a munition launcher (10) for aircraft that comprises a chassis (11), which may be attached to an aircraft and with embedded smart electronics, a coupling mechanism attached to the chassis (11), and at least one ammunition tray (20) coupled in a removable manner to the coupling mechanism. The ammunition tray (20) comprises a plurality of munition openings (24) configured to receive munitions, and at least one latch pin (22) that attaches the tray (20) to a munition launcher chassis. According to this invention, the ammunition tray (20) may be detached from the chassis by releasing at least one latch pin (22).