Casing Stub Catching Layout for Tank Gun Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of spent cartridge case stubs in main battle tanks poses challenges such as damage to sensitive components, jamming during weapon aiming, and the inability to visually inspect or dispose of these stubs, particularly when using an automatic loader, leading to potential collisions and secondary projectile risks.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge case stub catching device with a deflector plate and inclined discharge tray that guides spent cartridge cases away from the weapon's center, utilizing gravity to direct them towards the perimeter, and incorporating features like ball rollers and retaining elements to secure the stubs in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If spent cartridge cases are ejected from the weapon, then the weapon can be reloaded, but the spent cartridge cases may collide with the weapon during firing or aiming movements
Solution Approach 1:
The spent cartridge cases are extracted and separated from the weapon system by directing them into a dedicated catching device with a deflector plate and inclined discharge tray, removing the harmful collision risk while maintaining rapid ejection
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector plate and inclined discharge tray act as intermediary elements that intercept and redirect spent cartridge cases away from the weapon, preventing direct contact and collision during firing and aiming movements
2Device complexity
If spent cartridge cases are ejected randomly, then ejection is simple, but the cases cannot be visually inspected or manually sorted
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined discharge tray directs spent cartridge cases along a controlled trajectory toward the perimeter, organizing them in a specific spatial arrangement that enables visual inspection and manual sorting while maintaining simple ejection mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The catching device serves as an intermediary structure between the ejection mechanism and the crew, providing a controlled collection area with defined geometry that facilitates inspection and sorting operations
3Volume of stationary object
If spent cartridge cases lie undefined under the turret, then storage space is utilized, but they can become secondary projectiles if the vehicle is carrying mines
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined discharge tray and perimeter structure convert the potentially harmful random scattering of spent cartridge cases into a controlled collection process, directing all cases to a defined location away from the turret where they cannot become secondary projectiles
Solution Approach 2:
The catching device extracts spent cartridge cases from the hazardous area under the turret and relocates them to a controlled collection zone at the perimeter, eliminating the secondary projectile risk while maintaining storage functionality
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
Prevents collisions with the weapon during firing and aiming, allows for visual inspection, and minimizes the risk of secondary projectiles, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the deflecting base is oriented at least partially at an angle to the circumferential border, so that cartridge case stubs impacting the deflecting base move on the deflecting base in the direction of the circumferential border due to gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
A shell stub catching device (14) for an armament (6) of a vehicle (1), in particular a battle tank, with a deflection base (41) and a border (23) running partially around the deflection base (41), wherein the deflection base (41) is shaped such that shell stumps (15) striking the deflection base (41) move on the deflection base (41) in the direction of the border (23) due to gravity.