Ammunition Extraction Cradle with Receiving Bag

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for extracting ammunition from gun barrels, such as the use of claw extractors and compressed air expulsion systems, are unsafe and inefficient, particularly when dealing with stuck ammunition, as they require manual intervention near the barrel muzzle and can lead to accidental firing or dropping of the ammunition.

Innovation Solution

A receiving cradle system that includes a fixing base, a receiving bag, and a stop cone mechanism to safely capture ammunition expelled from the barrel using compressed air, allowing for secure collection without manual intervention near the muzzle, and is adaptable to various types of ammunition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a claw extractor is used to extract ammunition, then the extractor can be attached to a rope for manual extraction, but the user must pass hands in front of the barrel muzzle which creates safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual extraction capabilityVSAvoidsafety risk of accidental firing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A receiving cradle is introduced as an intermediary device between the barrel and the user. The cradle captures the ammunition after expulsion and transfers it to a safe location, eliminating the need for users to place their hands near the muzzle. The cradle includes a receiving bag that moves along the barrel axis to catch and secure the ammunition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical extraction system (claw extractor with rope) is replaced with an automated expulsion system using compressed air or gas. This substitution eliminates manual intervention near the muzzle while maintaining extraction capability. The system uses pneumatic pressure to expel ammunition automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If compressed air is used to expel ammunition, then extraction can be automated, but complex pressure regulation equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated ammunition expulsionVSAvoidpressure regulation equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses variable pressure zones created by the receiving cradle's movement rather than requiring precise pressure regulation. The cradle's position changes the effective pressure area, allowing simple high-pressure gas sources to be used without complex control systems. The pressure is naturally modulated by the cradle's motion along the barrel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

A pneumatic system using compressed air or gas is implemented to automate ammunition expulsion. The system connects a gas source to the barrel and uses the pneumatic pressure to expel stuck or normal ammunition. The receiving cradle works in conjunction with this pneumatic system to capture and transport the expelled ammunition safely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Speed

If ammunition is expelled using compressed air, then extraction speed increases, but ammunition may fall from height causing detonation risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction speedVSAvoidrisk of detonation from falling

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving cradle acts as an intermediary that continuously supports the ammunition during and after expulsion. The cradle's receiving bag captures the ammunition as it exits the barrel, preventing it from falling to the ground. The cradle moves with the ammunition, maintaining support throughout the extraction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving cradle is positioned in advance at the barrel muzzle to catch the expelled ammunition. The receiving bag is designed to absorb and cushion the impact of the expelled ammunition, preventing hard impacts that could cause detonation. The cradle provides a controlled deceleration zone for the ammunition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The receiving cradle system ensures safe and efficient extraction of ammunition by preventing manual handling near the barrel muzzle, eliminating the risk of accidental firing or dropping, and is compatible with different types of ammunition, regardless of their position within the tube.

Implementation Method 1

extraction of ammunition from a gun barrel, for example (non-limiting) a 120 mm rifled mortar... by injection of compressed air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed air injection: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3748277B1Cradle for receiving ammunition and associated extraction method

Publication Date: 2022.03.16 THALES SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a receiving cradle (10) for receiving a round (11) extracted from a tube (12) extending along a first axis X by means of an ejection device (13) comprising: a. A structure (14) including a mounting base (15) for attachment to an exit end (16) of the tube (12); b. A receiving bag (17) extending substantially along the first axis X attached to the structure (14), for receiving the round (11). The invention also relates to a method for extracting a round from a tube.