Ammunition Feeder for RCWS Using Segmented Chutes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) face challenges in efficiently feeding ammunition in metallic link chains/belts to weapons due to limitations in ammunition volume, weight, and the need for dynamic balancing, as well as issues with chain lengthening/shortening and stoppages caused by elevating/lowering movements.
Innovation Solution
A feeding mechanism comprising two rigid chute assemblies, one mounted on the rotatable turret assembly and the other on the weapon mounting bracket, which routes the ammunition in a direction matching the elevating/lowering axis, allowing the first chute to remain static while the second chute moves with the mounting bracket, preventing chain shortening/lengthening and reducing traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the ammunition box is rigidly affixed to the rotatable turret assembly, then the ammunition volume can be large and dynamic balancing is not required, but the chain length must adjust to elevating/lowering movements causing stoppages
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding mechanism is divided into two separate chute assemblies: a first chute assembly mounted on the rotatable turret assembly for receiving ammunition, and a second chute assembly mounted on the weapon mounting bracket for delivering ammunition to the weapon. This segmentation allows each assembly to independently handle its mounting movements without causing chain length adjustments or stoppages.
Solution Approach 2:
The first chute assembly acts as an intermediary between the ammunition reservoir and the second chute assembly. It receives ammunition from the reservoir and transfers it to the second chute assembly, which then delivers it to the weapon. This intermediary structure enables the ammunition to be fed reliably even when the two mounting assemblies move independently.
2Reliability
If the ammunition box is affixed to the mounting bracket, then the chain path is stable, but the ammunition volume is limited and dynamic balancing control is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding mechanism separates the ammunition receiving function (first chute on turret) from the ammunition delivery function (second chute on mounting bracket). This allows the first chute to accommodate large ammunition volumes on the turret while the second chute maintains stable chain path to the weapon, eliminating the need to choose between volume and stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible chute system is used to connect the ammunition box to the weapon, then chain length adjustments can be accommodated, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a flexible chute to accommodate movement differences, the invention inverts the approach by making both chute assemblies rigid and mounting them on separate movable platforms (turret and mounting bracket). This allows the system to accommodate movements through the independence of the two mountings rather than through flexibility of the chute itself, resulting in a simpler, more reliable system.
Data Source
AI summary
Belt/Metallic Link Chain Loaded Ammunition Feeder in a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS). The feeder includes a feeding mechanism for routing chained ammunition from ammunition reservoir means towards the weapon's bullets entrance opening. The feeding mechanism has a first chute assembly for routing chained ammunition from the ammunition reservoir means towards the region of the RCWS's elevating/lowering axis, and a second chute assembly for continuing routing the chained ammunition from the region of the elevating/lowering axis towards the entry opening of the bullets entrance of the weapon. The chained ammunition traverses over the elevating/lowering axis region by passing from the first chute assembly to the second chute assembly. The first chute assembly remains static and the second chute assembly is dynamic and propelled together with the mounting bracket assembly around the elevating/lowering axis.