Autonomous Shell Loading System for Fixed Guns
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current process of conveying and loading large-caliber tank gun shells for testing relies heavily on human labor, leading to safety risks, musculoskeletal issues, and reduced efficiency due to high work fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A system for autonomously conveying and loading shells into a fixed gun, utilizing an autonomous conveyance device, a shell lifting device, and an automatic loading device, which work together to perform the loading process in an unmanned manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual conveyance and loading of shells is performed by test operators, then the shell can be loaded into the fixed gun, but the test operator is exposed to safety risks and high work fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous conveyance device performs shell conveyance and the automatic loading device performs shell loading without human intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously navigating to the fixed gun, positioning the shell, and executing the loading operation, thereby eliminating operator exposure to safety risks and work fatigue while maintaining reliable shell loading functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of operator-driven shell handling with an autonomous robotic system. The autonomous conveyance device uses sensors and control systems to navigate and position shells, while the automatic loading device uses mechanical actuators to load shells into the fixed gun, substituting human physical labor with automated mechanical systems to improve safety and reduce operator workload
2Productivity
If manual shell conveyance and loading is performed repeatedly, then the testing process can continue, but the test operator experiences musculoskeletal diseases and high degree of fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous conveyance device and automatic loading device form a self-service system that performs repeated shell loading operations without human intervention. The system autonomously replenishes shells from the shell storage location, navigates to the fixed gun, and executes loading operations, thereby maintaining continuous testing productivity while eliminating operator physical strain and fatigue associated with repeated manual shell handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the repetitive and physically demanding shell handling tasks from the operator and assigns them to autonomous robotic devices. By taking out the manual conveyance and loading operations and automating them, the system maintains high testing productivity through continuous automated operations while preserving operator physical condition by eliminating exposure to repetitive strain
3Reliability
If autonomous conveyance device and automatic loading device are used, then operator safety risks are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shell loading system into distinct functional modules: an autonomous conveyance device for shell transport, an automatic loading device for shell insertion, and a shell storage location for shell replenishment. Each module operates independently with specialized functions, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through modular design while managing complexity by dividing the overall system into manageable, functionally-separated components that can be developed and maintained independently
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 significantly reduces operator fatigue and safety risks by automating the shell conveyance and loading process, improving efficiency and flexibility in gun shell testing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic actuator configured to rotate the lifting members about the hinge shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system for autonomously conveying and loading a shell into a fixed gun, the system including an autonomous conveyance device configured to autonomously travel and move according to an autonomous driving program from a shell storage location to a fixed gun fixed to a gun mount that is a destination, an automatic loading device configured to hold a testing shell and automatically load the testing shell into a cartridge chamber of the fixed gun, and a shell lifting device mounted on an upper surface of the autonomous conveyance device and a lower surface of the automatic loading device and configured to move the automatic loading device upward or downward. According to the present invention, a process of conveying and loading the shell into the testing fixed gun may be autonomously performed in an unmanned manner.