Weapon Barrel Thermal Compensation via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gun barrel systems face significant thermal deflection issues due to temperature differences, affecting hit probability and requiring complex, energy-intensive, or mechanically stressful compensation methods.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing temperature sensors to measure and calculate temperature differences across the gun barrel and cradle, allowing for rapid compensation of barrel deflection through azimuth and elevation adjustments, integrated with the weapon's servomotors, without requiring a non-shooting maintenance state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive protective sleeves or static thermal protection casings are used, then thermal insulation is provided, but the system cannot react to changing environmental conditions and shot-related heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an active thermal management system that dynamically adjusts heating element operation based on real-time temperature sensor feedback. The control unit processes temperature data and modulates heating element activation to adapt to varying environmental conditions and shot-related thermal loads, transforming the static protective casing into a dynamic, responsive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors positioned at multiple locations along the barrel that continuously monitor thermal conditions. This feedback is processed by a control unit that adjusts heating element operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual thermal states rather than relying on passive insulation alone.
2Reliability
If active heating elements are applied directly to the weapon barrel, then thermal compensation is achieved, but the method is very energy-intensive and sluggish
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly heating the entire barrel, the system applies heating elements selectively at specific locations and durations based on real-time temperature sensor feedback. The control unit activates heating elements only when and where thermal deflection compensation is needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective barrel alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heating parameters (power level, duration, location) based on measured temperature gradients and predicted barrel deflection. By changing these parameters in response to actual thermal conditions rather than applying constant heating, the system achieves effective compensation with reduced energy expenditure.
3Measurement precision
If optical methods are used to determine barrel deflection, then measurement precision is achieved, but the mechanical system load increases when shots are fired
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs optical barrel deflection measurements and calculates compensation requirements before the shot is fired. By determining the necessary barrel orientation adjustment in advance and pre-positioning the barrel correctly, the system eliminates the need for high-speed mechanical adjustments during firing, reducing mechanical load while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active mechanical adjustment mechanisms during firing with pre-calculated optical measurements and predictive thermal modeling. The system uses temperature sensor data and thermal expansion models to predict barrel deflection and compensate for it through pre-positioning, substituting mechanical reaction with computational prediction.
4Reliability
If complex hydraulic cylinder systems are used for compensation, then barrel deflection compensation is achieved, but the device complexity increases and compensation is limited to one plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compensation function from complex hydraulic mechanisms and implements it through computational methods. By using temperature sensor data and thermal expansion calculations, the system determines compensation requirements software-based, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic cylinders and reducing the system to simpler mechanical adjustment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions using the same sensor and computational infrastructure: it monitors temperature at multiple locations, predicts thermal deflection in both azimuth and elevation, calculates compensation requirements, and controls barrel positioning. This multi-functional approach replaces specialized hydraulic systems for each plane with a unified computational platform.
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
Enables fast and cost-effective compensation of thermally induced barrel deflection during firing, extending weapon lifespan and maintaining accuracy without mechanical stress or energy-intensive processes.
Implementation Method 1
The resulting thermal difference leads to a different thermal expansion between the upper and the lower side of the cradle, so that as a result a tube with a certain length I is deflected downwards
Implementation Method 2
Then the heat is concentrated at the breech end of the gun and on the top of the barrel - where the heat is transferred by convection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for the thermal compensation of a weapon barrel of a gun (10) comprising at least one weapon barrel (11) that is mounted in a cradle (3) and in a barrel support (4) as an extension of the cradle (3). Multiple temperature sensors (p1-p16) are integrated in the cradle (3) and the barrel support (4). The sensors are connected to a data box (7) via data lines (6), and the data box (7) is connected to a data processing device (9). The data processing device (9) can act on actuators of the gun (10). The temperature of the cradle (3) and the barrel support (4) is measured by means of the temperature sensors (p1-p16). Then, the temperature differences between the upper and lower sides and the right and left sides of the cradle (3) and of the barrel support (4) are ascertained. The barrel inclination is calculated from said values, and then a compensation for the barrel inclination is carried out by adjusting the alignment of the weapon barrel (11) in azimuth and/or elevation.