Artillery Recoil Temperature Compensator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional recoil systems in artillery are susceptible to environmental temperature changes, which can alter the volume of compressible fluid, leading to inappropriate momentum for recoiling components, affecting the system's performance and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A temperature compensator is introduced to regulate the volume of compressible fluid by limiting the travel of a floating piston within a recuperator cylinder, using flow control features like one-way valves to manage fluid flow and maintain consistent momentum, even under varying temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the volume of compressible fluid is increased to provide sufficient recoil momentum, then the recoil momentum is improved, but the system becomes susceptible to temperature changes causing excessive momentum
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature compensator changes the physical state of the compressible fluid by introducing phase change capability. The fluid can transition between liquid and vapor phases within the compensator chamber, allowing volume regulation in response to temperature changes while maintaining consistent recoil momentum delivery to the recoil rod
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature compensator acts as an intermediary device between the compressible fluid reservoir and the recoil rod. It mediates the fluid's interaction with the recoil system by controlling volume expansion and contraction, preventing direct transmission of temperature-induced volume changes to the recoil mechanism
2Reliability
If the compressible fluid volume is regulated to maintain consistent momentum, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature compensator utilizes the natural physical properties of the compressible fluid, particularly its phase change characteristics, to automatically regulate its own volume in response to temperature changes. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems, sensors, or actuators, maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The compensator exploits phase transitions of the compressible fluid between liquid and vapor states to achieve volume regulation. During phase change, the fluid absorbs or releases latent heat while maintaining relatively constant pressure, enabling automatic compensation for temperature variations without complex mechanical controls
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 temperature compensator ensures that the recoil system maintains appropriate momentum for recoiling components, regardless of temperature changes, enhancing the system's reliability and accuracy in high-heat conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An increase or decrease in temperature, for example, can cause the fluid to expand or contract, respectively
Implementation Method 2
various flow control features, such as one-way valves, can alternate to permit flow back into the recuperator cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature compensator for a recoil system and methods of use therein are disclosed. The temperature compensator can be used to regulate compressible fluid flow in a recoil system for an artillery weapon, including limiting a total volume of compressible fluid used to drive recoiling components of the system. This allows the recoil parts be to driven with consistency, notwithstanding the volumetric expansion of the compressible fluid due to temperature changes. In certain embodiments, the temperature compensator can include a tube having opposing first and second ends, and an elongated through portion extending therebetween. A flange can extend radially from the first end of the tube and be configured for sliding engagement within a recuperator cylinder of the soft recoil system. A one-way valve can be coupled to the flange at the first end and configured to restrict fluid entry to the elongated through portion via the first end.