Concentric Ammunition Feed Chute for Weapon Elevation Space Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ammunition feeding arrangements for weapons in combat vehicles, particularly those with turrets, require significant space due to the need for flexible chutes that twist and bend, leading to inefficiencies and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A compact ammunition feeding chute design featuring elements arranged concentrically around an elevation axis, allowing elements to pivot in a plane orthogonal to the axis, with fixed and movable components that facilitate seamless ammunition delivery across the weapon's elevation range, utilizing a shaft and gliding members for efficient ammunition transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a belt feed system is used to feed ammunition to the weapon, then continuous supply of ammunition is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to enemy detection and destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable belt feed system from the weapon and replaces it with individual link feeds. Each link is fed separately through the weapon mechanism, eliminating the continuous belt that could be detected and destroyed by enemy fire. This extraction of the vulnerable component resolves the contradiction by maintaining ammunition supply capability while removing the detection target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous ammunition belt into individual discrete links. Each link is fed separately through the weapon mechanism rather than as a continuous stream. This segmentation breaks up the vulnerable continuous belt into small, undetectable individual units that can still be supplied continuously to maintain fire capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If links are fed separately through the weapon mechanism, then vulnerability to enemy fire is reduced, but the complexity of the feeding arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service feeding mechanism where the weapon's own operating cycle drives the feeding of individual links. The extractor and ejector mechanisms, which are already part of the weapon, automatically advance and feed links without requiring additional complex external feeding equipment. This self-service approach reduces feeding arrangement complexity while maintaining the benefits of separate link feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing weapon components serve multiple functions. The extractor not only extracts spent casings but also advances the next link into position. The ejector not only ejects spent links but also helps feed new links. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated feeding mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate link feeding is implemented, then detection and destruction by enemy fire is minimized, but the cost and complexity of the weapon system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feeding function with the existing weapon operating cycle. The actions that advance the bolt, extract spent casings, and eject spent links are combined into a single integrated mechanism that also performs the feeding of new links. This merging eliminates the need for separate feeding mechanisms, reducing overall weapon system complexity while maintaining the protective benefits of separate link feeding.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an arrangement for feeding ammunition to a weapon (20). The weapon (20) is mounted to an elevation device (30) arranged to allow elevation movement of the weapon (20) about an elevation axis (Z1). The arrangement comprises a feeding chute (40; 140) connected at one end to the weapon (20). The feeding chute (40) comprises a set of elements (42; 142) assembled together in a stacked configuration. The set of elements (42; 142) is arranged about a shaft (44; 144) configured to be concentrically arranged relative to the elevation axis (Z1) so as to allow movement of individual elements of the set of elements (42; 142)) about said shaft (44; 144) in connection to elevation movement of the weapon (20) about the elevation axis (Z1). The invention also relates to a vehicle with an arrangement according to the present invention.