Drum Weapon Functional Control via Segmented Slider Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drum weapons lack an efficient mechanism for feeding ammunition into the barrel, limiting their functionality and usability.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a functional control system using connecting rods and slides, where the connecting rods are guided in links and integrated within a movable slide, allowing for adjustable feeding and switching of ammunition into the drum or cartridge chamber, with a switching curve on the drum's circumference to minimize drum length and facilitate easy ammunition insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a drum weapon uses a traditional ammunition feeding mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the ammunition feeding efficiency is poor and usability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveammunition feeding efficiencyVSAvoidfunctional control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functional control system is segmented into multiple independent components: a first connecting rod for drum switching, a second connecting rod for ammunition feeding, a movable slide with two levels, and a switching curve with divided sections. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex feeding mechanism to be broken down into manageable, independently controllable segments that work together to improve ammunition feeding efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic elements including a movable slide that can adjust between two levels, a resilient cam that can move in height, and a switching curve that is divided into sections. These dynamic components allow the mechanism to adapt its configuration during operation, enabling efficient ammunition feeding while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled movement rather than fixed rigid structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If the drum length is minimized to maximum cartridge length, then the weapon becomes more compact, but the switching curve must be precisely divided which increases manufacturing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrum lengthVSAvoidswitching curve division precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The switching curve is divided into multiple sections corresponding to different drum positions and ammunition feeding stages. This segmentation allows the curve to be manufactured with standard precision by creating several simpler arc segments rather than one complex continuous curve, while still achieving the compact drum length through the coordinated action of these divided sections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching curve utilizes circular arcs and curved paths instead of straight lines or complex polynomial curves. This curvature-based approach allows the switching curve to be divided into standard circular arc segments that can be manufactured with conventional precision using arc-based tooling, while still achieving the required compact drum dimensions through the geometric properties of the curved paths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If the slide is divided into two adjustable levels, then the feeding and switching functions are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeding and switching functionalityVSAvoidslide structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two-level movable slide combines two feeding functions into a single integrated component. The first level handles drum switching through the first connecting rod, while the second level handles ammunition feeding through the second connecting rod. By merging these functions into one adjustable slide structure rather than separate components, the system improves operational efficiency while limiting complexity growth through functional integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable slide is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it switches the drum position, feeds ammunition, and can be adjusted between two levels to accommodate different operational modes. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms, improving ease of operation while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through component consolidation

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

Data Source

PatentEP2257763B1Functional control for the introduction of ammunition into a weapon barrel
Publication Date: 2013.05.29 RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
  • EP2257763B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2257763B1 patent drawingFigure 2~7
  • EP2257763B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3f

AI summary

A functional control is disclosed, for the introduction of ammunition (21) into a weapon barrel (2) via a cylinder (3), which has, on the periphery thereof, a cylinder escapement in the form of a guide path (20) and which is turned by a switch slide (7) having at least one cam (8), whereby a slider (11) divided into at least two levels fixed to the barrel (2) with at least two upper control paths (11 a, 11 b) and at least two lower control paths (11 c, 11d) is provided. The switch slide (7) is itself connected to a connecting rod (10) and an introducing slide (14) for the ammunition (21) and by means of a further connecting rod (13) to said slider (11), wherein the first upper control path (11a) and the first lower control path (11 c) cooperate with the connecting rod (10) and the second upper control path (11 b) and the second lower control path (11d) cooperate with the further connecting rod (13) of the introducing slider (14). At least one level of the slider (11) is movable.