Ammunition Belt Linking Tool with Pivoting Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for linking ammunition strips are difficult to use and remove when the strips are stored in ammunition boxes within a compartment, due to their small size and requirement for access to the end of the projectile.

Innovation Solution

A tool with a frame that can be secured to an ammunition rack, featuring a pivoting mechanism and locking means, allowing easy insertion and removal, and a lever with a retractable handle for linking ammunition strips without needing to access the end of the projectile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional linking tool is used to connect ammunition belts, then the linking operation can be performed in an uncluttered environment, but the tool becomes difficult to remove when ammunition belts are stored in confined spaces like ammunition boxes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of tool removalVSAvoidtool size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into two separate parts: a first part that remains attached to the ammunition belt and a second part that is removed for use. This segmentation allows the bulk of the tool to stay in place while only a small portion needs to be removed and manipulated, solving the contradiction between tool size and ease of removal in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linking operation is extracted from the confined ammunition box environment and performed externally. The tool is designed to attach to the ammunition belt outside the box, allowing the linking operation to be performed in a larger workspace while the ammunition remains in its confined storage container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If a linking tool requires access to the end of the projectile, then the linking operation can be performed, but the tool becomes impossible to use when ammunition belts are stored in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of ammunition endVSAvoidadaptability to confined storage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring access to the end of the projectile from the traditional direction, the tool approaches the linking operation from a different angle and position. The first part of the tool attaches to the ammunition belt in a way that allows the second part to be removed and used without requiring direct access to the projectile end, enabling operation in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The tooling operation is moved from a one-dimensional linear approach (requiring access to the end of the projectile) to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional approach. The first part attaches to the belt from one direction while the second part can be removed and manipulated from a different spatial dimension, allowing operation in confined storage environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3746734B1Tool for connecting ammunition belts
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 KNDS FRANCE
  • EP3746734B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3746734B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3746734B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool (100) intended for connecting an end of a first chained ammunition belt to an end of a second chained ammunition belt, using a piece of connecting ammunition. The tool (100) includes a mounting (3) intended for setting the connecting ammunition radially and longitudinally. A lever (1) hingedly connected to the mounting (3) includes a push member (7) intended for engaging with a link of one end of the first belt and for pushing the link radially relative to the connecting ammunition into a second position in which the link is coaxial with the connecting ammunition. The tool includes a frame (2) rigidly connected to the mounting (3), said frame (2) including first and second adjacent portions (2a, 2b) pivoting relative to one another about an axis (4a) parallel to the hinge (6) of the lever (1) in order to allow easy removal of the tool (100). The frame (2) includes a means (9) for blocking the pivoting of the portions (2a, 2b).