Charge Feeding Apparatus with Chain Link Transfer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charge feeding systems for self-propelled guns require significant human intervention and time due to semi-automatic or manual operation, leading to residual charges being left in the system, which hampers automation and delays the firing process.
Innovation Solution
A charge feeding apparatus featuring a chain link system that rotates to transfer containers to a discharge position, a transferring unit to move charges in a lengthwise direction, a loading container with an opening to expose charges, and an extractor to remove charges automatically, along with a controller to manage the movement and extraction of charges, ensuring no residual charges are left.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If charges are transferred manually or semi-automatically, then human operation is possible, but the feeding speed is slow and residual charges remain in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic charge extraction where the extractor automatically removes charges from the container through the opening, and the chain link system automatically transfers containers to the discharge position without requiring manual intervention for each operation, achieving full automation of the charge feeding process
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed with an opening that exposes charges in advance before extraction, and the chain link system pre-positions containers at the discharge position, allowing the extractor to immediately access and remove charges without delay
2Ease of operation
If charges are stored vertically in a charge rack, then space utilization is efficient, but residual charges cannot be removed automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the container extracts the problematic element (residual charges) from the storage system, allowing charges to be exposed and removed sequentially without requiring separate human operations to clear remaining charges from vertical storage positions
3Productivity
If a chain link system rotates to transfer containers, then automated transfer is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chain link system serves multiple functions: it transfers containers to the discharge position, positions containers for extraction, and enables continuous operation by cycling containers through the system, reducing the need for separate mechanisms for each function
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a charge feeding apparatus including: a plurality of containers storing a plurality of charges; a chain link configured to connect the containers extending in a first direction and arranged in parallel to one another and configured to rotatably change positions of the containers; a chain driver configured to transmit a rotational force to the chain link to transfer a container of the containers to a discharge position; a rod configured to transfer at least one charge of the charges in the first direction of the container to discharge the at least one charge from the container located at the discharge position; a loading container configured to store the at least one charge discharged from the container located at the discharge position and comprising an opening which exposes the charge; and an extractor configured to extract the charge from the loading container via the opening.