Ammunition Feeding Chute Layout for Weapon Elevation Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon systems, particularly those with turrets, face challenges in efficiently feeding ammunition due to space constraints and the need for flexible chutes that require bending and twisting, which complicates the feeding process.
Innovation Solution
A feeding chute arrangement with elements assembled in a stacked configuration about a shaft concentric to the elevation axis, allowing elements to pivot orthogonally for feeding ammunition, with fixed and displaceable ends, and controlled displacement using a spring member and gliding members to facilitate efficient ammunition delivery across all elevation angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible chute is used to feed ammunition to the weapon, then the chute can accommodate elevation movement of the weapon, but the chute requires bending and twisting abilities which increases device complexity and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding chute is divided into multiple individual elements (first end element, intermediate elements, second end element) that can move independently relative to each other. These segmented elements are arranged about a shaft and can pivot independently to accommodate weapon elevation movement, eliminating the need for a single flexible chute to bend and twist.
Solution Approach 2:
The individual elements are arranged in a stacked configuration about a shaft that is concentric with the elevation axis. This three-dimensional arrangement allows elements to pivot in a plane orthogonal to the elevation axis, providing adaptability to elevation movement without requiring bending or twisting of the chute structure.
2Volume of moving object
If individual elements are arranged about a shaft concentric to the elevation axis, then the feeding chute becomes compact with reduced space requirements, but the mechanism requires coordinated movement of multiple elements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual elements are merged into a single stacked configuration about a common shaft. The elements are connected in series along the shaft, creating a compact assembly where the total volume is minimized while maintaining the ability of each element to pivot independently to follow weapon elevation.
Solution Approach 2:
The individual elements are designed to be movable relative to each other, with each element capable of pivoting about the shaft. This dynamic configuration allows the feeding chute to adapt its shape as the weapon elevates, with elements coordinating their movement automatically through their mechanical connection along the shaft.
3Volume of moving object
If elements are tightly stacked together with short distances between them, then the feeding chute achieves compact configuration, but ammunition flow resistance may increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the feeding chute have different properties: the individual elements are tightly stacked to achieve compactness, but the interior surfaces of the elements are designed with smooth finishes and appropriate angles to minimize friction and resistance to ammunition flow. The gliding members also have specific surface characteristics to facilitate ammunition movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Gliding members are introduced as intermediary components between the individual elements. These gliding members facilitate ammunition flow through the stacked elements by providing smooth guiding surfaces that reduce friction and resistance, allowing ammunition to move efficiently through the compact configuration.
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 provides a compact and efficient ammunition feeding system that maintains seamless ammunition flow regardless of weapon elevation, optimizing space usage and reducing resistance, thus enhancing the operational reliability of weapon systems.
Implementation Method 1
an element displacement control arrangement for controlling mutual displacement of the individual elements of the set of element of the feeding chute arranged in connection to a front side, i.e. the side facing in the firing direction of the weapon, or an opposite rear side of the feeding chute
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an arrangement for feeding ammunition to a weapon. The weapon is mounted to an elevation device arranged to allow elevation movement of the weapon about an elevation axis. The arrangement includes a feeding chute connected at one end to the weapon. The feeding chute includes a set of elements assembled together in a stacked configuration. The set of elements is arranged about a shaft configured to be concentrically arranged relative to the elevation axis so as to allow movement of individual elements of the set of elements about the shaft in connection to elevation movement of the weapon about the elevation axis. The invention also relates to a vehicle with an arrangement according to the present invention.