Artillery Sabot Articulation for Symmetric Sector Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for launching sub-caliber artillery projectiles face challenges in reducing aerodynamic drag and ensuring precise, disturbance-free separation of sabot sectors, particularly when using a slip belt, which can disrupt the projectile's trajectory due to asymmetrical openings and parasitic stresses.
Innovation Solution
A launching device with sabot sectors connected to the base via an articulation having a specific geometry, featuring a notch and tooth configuration that allows symmetrical separation without interference, utilizing pressure screws for axial bearing adjustment and clamping screws to prevent radial movement, ensuring the base is moved away from the projectile by aerodynamic drag without disturbing the trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sabot sectors are connected to the base with simple joints, then the structure is simple, but the sectors open asymmetrically disturbing the projectile trajectory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - by designing a highly symmetrical articulation system where identical notches and teeth are positioned at equal radial intervals on the base and sectors. This symmetrical configuration ensures that all sectors open simultaneously and symmetrically, eliminating asymmetric disturbances to the projectile trajectory during separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation components (notches and teeth) act as intermediaries between the base and sectors, providing a controlled separation mechanism. The specific geometry of these articulation elements ensures symmetric opening while preventing interference, mediating the separation process to maintain trajectory stability.
2Device complexity
If the tooth and notch geometry allows free pivoting, then the articulation is simple, but interference with the inclined surface causes asymmetric opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the tooth and notch with specific geometric properties at different locations. The notch includes an inclined surface and an abutment surface with perpendicular orientation, while the tooth has a bearing surface positioned at a precise distance from the rotation axis. This localized geometric differentiation ensures symmetric opening without interference during pivoting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters of the articulation components - specifically the distance from the rotation axis to the tooth bearing surface, and the orientation of the notch surfaces. By optimizing these parameters, the design achieves both free pivoting capability and interference-free symmetric opening.
3Ease of operation
If the base is pushed back by sector pressure, then the base separates from the projectile, but parasitic stress disturbs the trajectory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the separation function from the articulation components themselves. The notches and teeth are designed to facilitate base movement away from the projectile through controlled pressure from the sectors, while the symmetrical configuration ensures this separation occurs without generating parasitic stresses that would disturb the trajectory.
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 precise and reliable separation of sabot sectors from the projectile, minimizing parasitic stress and maintaining the projectile's trajectory integrity by using a symmetrical and interference-free articulation design, ensuring accurate and efficient release.
Implementation Method 1
to combine these means with an undercalibration of the projectile in order to reduce its aerodynamic drag
Implementation Method 2
the tooth and the notch furthermore having a geometry such that the tooth pivots during the opening of the sector around the instantaneous axis of rotation without interference with the inclined surface
Implementation Method 3
the base is also moved away from the projectile by the support of the sectors on the base combined with the force generated by its own aerodynamic drag
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (1) has two cylindrical sectors (5) surrounding a sub-caliber artillery projectile (2), where the sectors are in contact with the sub-caliber artillery projectile by an interior support form (5a). An articulation (6) is provided to each sector, where the articulation materializes an instant rotation axis. The articulation connects a cup (3) to the sectors. A tooth and a notch have geometry such that the tooth pivots an opening of the sectors around the axis without interference with an inclined surface of the notch.