Ammunition Hoist Single Motor Epicycloidal Reducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ammunition hoists in naval applications require multiple motors and mechanical drive lines due to historical design, leading to inefficiencies and manual unloading processes, particularly when transporting heavy ammunition across multiple decks.
Innovation Solution
A single motor assembly with an epicycloidal reducer and a modular moving equipment system, including a hollow guide element, supporting beam, and automated blocking elements, allows for efficient and automated transportation of ammunition between decks, enabling both upward and downward movement with reduced mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple motors and mechanical drive lines are used in traditional ammunition hoists, then the hoist can transport ammunition between decks, but the mechanical complexity and device structure increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate motors and mechanical drive lines into a single motor assembly that controls a common cable system. Instead of having separate drive mechanisms for each ammunition container, a single motor winds and unwinds a cable that moves multiple containers simultaneously, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining transportation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor assembly serves multiple functions: it can lift and lower different types of ammunition containers (projectiles and charges), control their movement between decks, and operate in both upward and downward directions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized motors for each ammunition type
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hoists are designed with separate motors for projectiles and charges, then specific ammunition types can be handled, but the control system complexity increases due to stroke control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable as an intermediary element that connects the single motor to multiple ammunition containers. The cable acts as a flexible transmission medium that distributes the motor's motion to different containers without requiring complex mechanical linkages or separate drive lines for each container type
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic positioning of blocking elements that can be engaged or disengaged at different levels (first level for projectiles, second level for charges). This dynamic control allows the same motor-cable system to adaptively handle different ammunition types by selectively blocking and unblocking containers at appropriate levels
3Ease of operation
If manual unloading processes are used in traditional hoists, then ammunition can be returned to store, but the operation time and manual intervention increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist system is designed to automatically return ammunition containers to the store without requiring manual intervention. The motor assembly automatically winds the cable to retrieve containers from the deckhouse and returns them to the first level store, enabling the system to serve itself in the unloading process and eliminating the need for operators to manually strike down ammunition
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 enables efficient, automated, and reversible operation of ammunition hoists, reducing mechanical complexity and manual intervention, while accommodating various ammunition types and configurations, and allowing for easy adjustment to different ship or submarine deck layouts.
Implementation Method 1
a motor assembly (5) for the movement of ammunitions (3); in particular, motor assembly (5) comprises, besides an actual motor (5a), also an epicycloidal reducer (5b)
Data Source
AI summary
An ammunition hoist (1) includes a supporting beam (4) set alongside a hollow guide element, and a movement system (5), adapted to enable movement of the ammunition (3) along a supporting beam (4) between a first level and a second level set at a different height with respect to one another. The hoist includes moving equipment (6), sliding with respect to the supporting beam (4) and to which the ammunition (3) is associated at least temporarily; the movement of the ammunition (3) occurs in an automated way from and towards the first or second level.