Ammunition Extraction Device With Pole And Return Pulley

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for extracting ammunition from a cannon tube, such as the 120 mm rifled mortar, are unsafe and inefficient, particularly when the ammunition is stuck at the muzzle, as they require operators to insert their hands into the tube, risking accidental firing and lack effective grip for extraction.

Innovation Solution

An extraction device with a pole and return pulley system that positions the point of curvature of the rope far from the tube's mouth, allowing for safer and more ergonomic extraction by gripping the ammunition rather than the extractor, reducing the risk of the ammunition falling and enabling extraction beyond the muzzle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the extractor is inserted into the barrel tube by hand, then the extractor can reach the ammunition, but the operator's hand is exposed to the risk of accidental firing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction operationVSAvoidrisk of accidental firing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pole as an intermediary tool between the operator and the barrel tube. The pole allows the operator to manipulate the extractor and retrieve ammunition without inserting hands into the barrel tube, thus eliminating direct exposure to the hazard zone while maintaining operational capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction system is segmented into distinct functional components: the extractor (for gripping ammunition), the pole (for extended manipulation), and the rope (for retrieval). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while isolating the operator from harmful areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the extractor is used to grip the ammunition, then the ammunition can be extracted, but the extractor may come loose and cause the ammunition to fall back

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidgrip stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares for potential grip failure by having the rope already attached to the extractor handle. If the extractor claws slip or come loose, the rope maintains continuous connection to the extractor, preventing complete loss of control and allowing the operator to re-engage the extractor or retrieve it safely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The rope is pre-attached to the extractor handle before insertion into the barrel. This preliminary connection ensures that from the moment the extractor engages the ammunition until it is fully retrieved, there is continuous mechanical linkage, eliminating gaps where control could be lost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Force

If the pulley is positioned at the mouth of the barrel, then the rope can provide traction, but the operator has little grip on the ammunition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction forceVSAvoidgrip control
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pole extends the operational dimension away from the barrel mouth, allowing the operator to apply force and control the extractor from a distance. This spatial extension provides better leverage and control over the ammunition extraction process while maintaining effective traction through the rope-pulley system

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

4Length of moving object

If the extractor is positioned close to the barrel tube, then it can engage the ammunition, but the operator cannot pull the ammunition beyond the mouth of the tube

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction distanceVSAvoidextraction system
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extractor is nested within the pole structure, which itself is part of the larger extraction system including the rope and pulley. This nested arrangement allows the compact extractor to engage the ammunition while the extended pole and rope system provides the reach necessary to pull the ammunition completely clear of the barrel tube

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution enhances safety by preventing hand exposure to the tube's mouth and improves ergonomics by allowing easier rotation and traction during extraction, ensuring the ammunition is held securely until removed, reducing the risk of accidental firing and physical strain.

Implementation Method 1

a return pulley (16) fixed to the second end (15) of the pole (13), intended to be positioned at a distance from an outlet end of the tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Implementation Method 2

at least one rope (19) connected to the handle (18) of the extractor (17), passing through the return pulley (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP4198444B1Extraction device for ammunition and associated extraction method
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 THALES SA
  • EP4198444B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4198444B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4198444B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an extraction device (10) for a munition (11) to be extracted from a tube (12) extending along a first axis, the extraction device comprising: - a pole (13) having a first end (14) and a second end (15), the pole (13) being intended to be positioned at a distance from the tube; - a return pulley (16) fixed to the second end (15) of the pole (13), intended to be positioned at a distance from an exit end of the tube (12); - an extractor (17) comprising a handle (18), the extractor (17) being configured to grasp the munition at its contact when a pulling force is applied to the handle (18); - at least one rope (19) connected to the loop (18), passing through the return pulley (16), and extending along a second axis (Y) between the loop and the pulley, and extending along a third axis (Z) distinct from the second axis (Y) downstream of the pulley (16).