Automated Missile Launcher Reloader With Pivot-Arm Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reloading of missile launcher cells is slow and manpower-intensive, particularly in battle environments where quick reloading is necessary.
Innovation Solution
An automated missile launcher reloader system utilizing a canister positioning device coupled to a pivot arm and hoist, controlled by a control system, to align and load canisters into launcher cells through a series of coordinated movements and alignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional reloading methods are used, then the system structure is simple, but the reloading speed is slow and manpower-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The reloader system is divided into multiple independent functional modules: a canister positioning device with multiple clamps for different canister types, a pivot arm mechanism for positioning, a hoist for vertical movement, and a control system. Each module operates independently but coordinates with others, allowing the system to achieve fast reloading while maintaining modularity and manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated reloader system performs the reloading operation autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The control system automatically coordinates the positioning device, pivot arm, and hoist to complete the reloading sequence, eliminating the need for multiple crew members and significantly reducing reloading time while the system manages its own operational complexity through integrated control.
2Loss of time
If manual reloading is used, then the equipment required is minimal, but the crew size must be large and reloading time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that coordinates electronic actuators, motors, and sensors. The control system processes sensor data about canister positions and launcher cell requirements, then automatically actuates the positioning device, pivot arm, and hoist, eliminating the need for multiple crew members and reducing loading time while achieving high-level automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the position of the canister positioning device, pivot arm, and hoist, as well as the status of launcher cells. This feedback allows the system to automatically adjust its operations in real-time, optimize the reloading sequence, and complete operations faster while managing the complexity of coordinated automated movements through closed-loop control.
3Productivity
If a highly automated system is implemented, then reloading efficiency increases, but the system complexity and initial resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The canister positioning device is designed with multiple clamps that can accommodate different canister types and sizes, making the system universally applicable to various missile configurations. The pivot arm and hoist mechanisms serve multiple functions including positioning, alignment, and insertion operations. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated system to handle diverse reloading scenarios, improving productivity while avoiding the need for multiple specialized devices that would increase overall complexity.
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 system reduces canister loading time, decreases the required crew, and enhances safety by automating the reloading process, improving efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
raising the pivot arm on the tower from a first position on the tower to a second position on the tower... lowering the hoist cable to lower the canister into the launcher cell
Implementation Method 2
a pivot arm coupled to the tower, a canister positioning device coupled to the pivot arm... adjusting a positioning of the pivot arm to position the canister proximate to a launcher cell
Implementation Method 3
adjusting a positioning of the pivot joints to align the canister with the launcher cell
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method of automated missile launcher reloading includes aligning one or more collars of a shelving system with a path of a canister and activating one or more rollers of the shelving system to translate the canister into the one or more collars. The method also includes coupling a first collar of the one or more collars to the canister and adjusting the one or more collars to align the canister with a path of a launcher cell. The method further includes translating the one or more collars into the path of the launcher cell to feed the canister into the launcher cell.