Compact Automatic Cannon Control Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic cannons are large due to the arrangement of feed and connection devices behind the ammunition feed, which limits their compactness and efficiency in high-rate firing.
Innovation Solution
A control cam integrated in the vertical plane below the cap feed interacts with a drive link and locking link, allowing for a compact, universally drivable automatic cannon design with a rotating locking ring and a connecting rod for linear movement of the breech block, enabling high-cadence firing and efficient locking and reloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If feed and connection devices are arranged behind the ammunition feed, then the automatic cannon can achieve high-rate firing, but the weapon size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the control cam from the traditional rear arrangement to the vertical plane below the ammunition feed, utilizing unused vertical space. This dimensional relocation allows the control mechanism to operate in a different spatial plane, reducing the weapon's overall length and volume while maintaining the high-rate firing capability through continuous rotational drive.
2Volume of moving object
If a control roller is used for function control, then the weapon can be compact, but the complexity of the control mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control function from a complex roller mechanism and implements it through a simpler control cam with profiling in only one area. This cam directly converts rotational motion into linear motion of the breech block without requiring additional control rollers or complex groove patterns, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving compact dimensions.
3Loss of time
If a continuously running drive system is used, then downtime is reduced for high-cadence firing, but the complexity of the drive system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuously rotating drive system that maintains constant motion of the control cam, thereby eliminating downtime between firing cycles. The continuous rotation ensures uninterrupted operation of the feeding, locking, and ejection mechanisms, achieving high-cadence firing without requiring complex start-stop control systems or multiple separate drive mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3a
Figure 4~4a
AI summary
It is proposed that a control link (11), which is used for functional control (10), be introduced into a vertical plane parallel to the path of a breech (2), which can be guided in a straight line, of a breech-loading weapon (1), which functionally interacts with a so-called drive link (12), which is likewise located on the vertical plane, for driving a means (14) connected to the breech (2). The drive link (12) is integrated in a slide (7) which itself is moved by a universally configurable drive (6). Furthermore, a locking link (13) is provided in order to lock the breech (2) and is preferably included together with the drive link (12) in the movable slide (7). A bolt (3.1) of a locking ring (3), which is preferably arranged on the weapon side, can engage in this locking link (13). This bolt (3.1) then itself moves the locking ring (3) in a corresponding manner.