Compact Projectile Rammer Integrating Drive Element on Carrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projectile rammers for large-caliber weapons require significant installation space to achieve high ramming speeds, which is a limitation, especially in military vehicle-mounted weapons where space is constrained.

Innovation Solution

A compact projectile rammer design where the first drive element is integrated on the driver, which can be moved via a second drive element, allowing the speeds of the carrier and ramming chain to add up, achieving high ramming speeds without extending components under the gun barrel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a tubular driver is added to increase ramming speed, then higher ramming speeds are achieved, but installation space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveramming speedVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the driver and the first drive element into a single integrated unit. The driver is designed with a first drive element that can drive the ramming chain, eliminating the need for a separate tubular driver structure. This merging achieves high ramming speeds while significantly reducing installation space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the moving carrier that propels the projectile and as the drive mechanism for the ramming chain through its integrated first drive element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing space while maintaining high ramming speed capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If separate drive elements are used for driver and ramming chain, then high ramming speeds are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveramming speedVSAvoidnumber of drive elements
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the first drive element (for driving the ramming chain) directly onto the driver structure. This single integrated drive element performs the function of previously separate drive mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to achieve high ramming speeds through the combined motion of the driver and chain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2494301B1Projectile rammer and weapon
Publication Date: 2015.01.07 KRAUSS MAFFEI WEGMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2494301B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2494301B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2494301B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a projectile rammer for weapons, comprising a ramming chain (2) for moving a projectile (6) into the rammed position thereof, which ramming chain can be moved by means of a first drive element (4), and a carrier (3) that carries along the ramming chain (2) to increase the ramming speed, which carrier can be moved by means of a second drive element (5), wherein the first drive element (4) is arranged on the carrier (3). The invention further relates to a weapon, comprising a weapon barrel and a projectile rammer (1) for moving a projectile (6) into a rammed position within the weapon barrel.