Ammunition Transport Device Single Drive Linear Chain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for transporting and storing weapons, such as torpedoes, require multiple drives and complex mechanisms, increasing maintenance effort and susceptibility to errors, and often necessitate multiple steps to move the weapon from a storage trough to a firing position.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing a single drive system with a linear chain connected to a loading stand, allowing the weapon to be moved directly from a storage position to a firing position in a single step, featuring a rigid linear chain that can be deflected in one direction to accommodate the weapon's length and weight, and additional stabilization elements like guide lugs and slide rails to reduce friction and ensure stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If multiple drives are used to transport the weapon from the cradle into the gun barrel, then the weapon can be transported over the required distance, but the complexity of the system increases and maintenance effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport distanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate drive systems into a single drive unit that operates both the cradle and the bridge. This single drive unit replaces what would traditionally require two separate drives, thereby reducing system complexity and maintenance effort while still achieving the full transport distance from cradle to gun barrel through coordinated movement of both components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Force

If a loading bracket pushes the weapon through the cradle, then the weapon can be moved, but large forces occur that may damage the weapon's propulsion system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepushing forceVSAvoidweapon propulsion system integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The loading bracket serves as an intermediary mechanism between the drive system and the weapon. It is designed to distribute and control the pushing forces, ensuring that the weapon is moved without applying damaging loads to its propulsion system. The bracket acts as a mediator that protects the weapon while enabling necessary movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the cradle and gun barrel are spaced apart with a bridge, then technical requirements are met, but the transport distance increases beyond the cradle length

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetechnical feasibilityVSAvoidtotal transport distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge is designed as a dynamic component that can move vertically to accommodate the weapon during transport. This dynamic adjustment allows the bridge to bridge the gap between the cradle and gun barrel effectively, enabling the system to meet technical spacing requirements while managing the total transport distance through coordinated movement of the cradle, bridge, and loading mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution simplifies the transportation process, reduces maintenance complexity, and enhances reliability by using a single drive system and rigid chain design, enabling efficient and stable movement of heavy weapons over long distances with minimal space and weight requirements.

Implementation Method 1

additional stabilization elements like guide lugs and slide rails to reduce friction and ensure stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3256808B1Watercraft with device for moving and storing ammunition
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 THYSSENKRUPP AG
  • EP3256808B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3256808B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3256808B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for moving and keeping ammunition (20). The device (10) is designed for moving ammunition (20) from the device (10) into the barrel (40) of a launcher. The device (10) has a loading block (50), wherein the loading block (50) can be connected to the ammunition (20) and the loading block (50) is designed for carrying the ammunition (20) along when moving the ammunition (20).