Breech Ring Level Gauge for Rear Recoil Fluid Checking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for checking the fluid level and pressure in artillery gun recoil damping systems require access to the sides of the gun, which is not feasible in a remotely-operated turret configuration.
Innovation Solution
A breech assembly with a level gauge integrated into the breech ring allows fluid level indication and viewing from the rear, using a movable indicator and a reflective viewing means, enabling access from the rear of the gun.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the level gauge is positioned on the side of the gun for visual checking, then the fluid level can be monitored, but the gun cannot be integrated into a remotely-operated turret without side access
Solution Approach 1:
The level gauge viewing direction is inverted from the conventional side access to rear access. The indicator moves in the opposite direction relative to the breech ring, and the viewing means is positioned at the rear of the breech ring, allowing operators to check fluid levels from the rear of the gun without requiring side access.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing approach transitions from a lateral (side) dimension to a longitudinal (rear) dimension. The level gauge system is reoriented so that the indicator moves axially relative to the breech ring, and viewing is accomplished through the rear opening rather than from the side, effectively changing the spatial dimension of access.
2Ease of operation
If the indicator is made movable in axial translation relative to the breech ring, then viewing from the rear is enabled, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator mechanism is merged with the existing recoil damping system components. The indicator is integrated into the rod assembly that already moves within the damping system, so that the indicator's axial movement is achieved through the existing mechanical motion of the damping system rather than requiring a separate complex actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing means acts as an intermediary that translates the axial position of the indicator into a visible display at the rear of the breech ring. The frustoconical recess with reflective surface serves as a mechanical-optical intermediary that amplifies and makes visible the indicator's position without requiring direct line-of-sight access from the side.
3Ease of operation
If a frustoconical recess with reflective surface is used for viewing, then rear viewing is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface in the frustoconical recess creates optical changes that enhance visibility. The reflective surface reflects light to make the indicator visible from the rear, and the frustoconical shape provides natural light gathering and reflection properties that reduce the stringency of surface finish requirements compared to a flat mirror surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The frustoconical recess uses a curved surface geometry instead of a flat surface. This curvature provides inherent optical properties that facilitate viewing from the rear by reflecting light at appropriate angles, and the curved surface is more tolerant of manufacturing variations than a precision flat mirror surface would require.
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 fluid level checking and filling without side access, facilitating integration into remotely-operated turrets and ensuring readiness assessment without architectural constraints.
Implementation Method 1
the recess has a reflective inner surface added to or machined in the mass of the breech ring. Such a reflective surface is capable of reflecting light, like a mirror, and thus of viewing the portion of the indicator and filling valve that extend through the recess.
Data Source
AI summary
A breech assembly including a breech ring, a recoil damping system, a fluid filling valve for the damping system and a level gauge including a fluid level indicator mounted movable in axial translation relative to the breech ring. According to the invention, the breech ring includes an axial inner housing opening out through an opening at the rear face of the breech ring, wherein the recoil damping system, the filling valve and the level gauge are received in the inner housing. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the fluid level in the recoil damping system of such a breech assembly.