Cannon Casing Ejection Duct for Efficient Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon systems struggle to efficiently and quickly handle and direct different types of ammunition components, leading to inefficiencies in ammunition handling and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A cannon system with a turret assembly and ammunition feed unit that allows for the alignment of multiple magazines around a traverse path, enabling the turret assembly to position the ammunition feed unit to receive ammunition from different magazines, and an ammunition transport system to deliver components to the firing chamber, with the turret assembly being rotatable and pivotable for efficient ammunition handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single ammunition storage rack is used in existing weapon systems, then the structure is simple, but the ammunition handling speed and efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ammunition storage system is segmented into multiple racks (first rack, second rack, third rack, fourth rack) arranged around the traverse path, with each rack serving a specific angular position. This segmentation enables parallel ammunition loading from multiple directions, significantly improving handling speed while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single linear ammunition storage rack to a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple racks positioned at different angular locations around the traverse path. This spatial dimensionality change allows the ammunition feed unit to access ammunition from multiple directions simultaneously, enhancing productivity without proportionally increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple magazines are positioned around the traverse path, then ammunition type versatility is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each magazine rack is designed with universal functionality to handle different ammunition types (HE shells, smoke shells, illumination shells, training shells) while maintaining a consistent structural design. The ammunition feed unit and transport system serve all racks uniformly, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing system complexity through standardized interfaces and procedures
Solution Approach 2:
Different angular positions around the traverse path are assigned to different magazine racks, with each location optimized for specific ammunition types based on tactical requirements. This local differentiation enables versatile ammunition handling while maintaining overall system simplicity through consistent rack designs at each position
3Speed
If the turret assembly is made rotatable and pivotable for efficient ammunition handling, then the ammunition delivery speed is improved, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turret assembly incorporates rotational and pivotal movements to dynamically position the ammunition feed unit at different angular locations around the traverse path. This dynamic positioning enables rapid ammunition delivery from multiple magazine racks while the mechanical complexity is managed through integrated drive mechanisms and standardized mounting interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The ammunition feed unit serves as an intermediary component that receives ammunition from multiple fixed magazine racks and delivers it to the cannon. The rotatable and pivotable turret assembly positions this intermediary at optimal locations, improving delivery speed while the standardized intermediary design prevents excessive complexity increase
Data Source
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AI summary
A cannon system (10) which forms part of a weapon sub-system, the cannon system (10) configured for firing an ammunition component (30). The ammunition component (30) comprises a casing (32). The cannon system (10) comprises a cannon (104) provided with a firing chamber (110), the firing chamber (110) has an inlet (190) for receiving an ammunition component (30) and an outlet (192) for the ejection of the ammunition casing (32). There is provided a duct (193) with an inlet (194) and an outlet (195), the duct inlet (194) is aligned with the firing chamber casing outlet (192) and is configured for receiving the casing (32) from the firing chamber casing outlet (192). The duct (193) defines a guide path for transport of the casing (32) from the duct inlet (194) to the duct outlet (195). The duct outlet (195) is configured for allowing the passage of the casing (32) therethrough.