Dual-Axis Weapon Mount Layout for Compact Elevation Aiming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon systems with trunnion mounts require significant space and complex control mechanisms for aiming, leading to inefficient space utilization and reduced performance density.
Innovation Solution
A weapon system with a trunnion bearing and a loose bearing mounted on separate elevation axes, allowing for relative movement and flexible aiming positions, combined with pivot elements and independent control of these axes, to reduce space requirements and enhance control simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trunnion mount is used with the weapon barrel positioned in front of the trunnion, then the weapon can be aimed in elevation, but a large amount of space below the elevation axis is required to accommodate weapon components and barrel recoil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional trunnion mount configuration by positioning the weapon barrel behind the trunnion instead of in front. This inversion allows the weapon components and barrel recoil to be positioned above the elevation axis rather than below, thereby eliminating the need for large space requirements below the axis while maintaining elevation aiming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates weapon components from the vertical dimension below the elevation axis to the vertical dimension above the elevation axis. This dimensional relocation allows efficient space utilization by utilizing the previously underutilized space above the axis for housing weapon components and accommodating barrel recoil movements.
2Volume of moving object
If the trunnion is positioned high above the turret base to create space for weapon components, then weapon components can be accommodated, but the space requirement behind the trunnion increases for negative aiming range
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the trunnion mount configuration and positioning weapon components above the elevation axis rather than below, the patent eliminates the need to position the trunnion high above the turret base. This inversion resolves the contradiction by accommodating weapon components in the space above the axis without increasing the vertical position of the trunnion, thereby reducing the space requirement behind the trunnion for negative aiming range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an articulated linkage is used to enable aiming about two spaced-apart elevation axes, then the weapon can be aimed in elevation, but the aiming movements become kinematically complex and require complex control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the elevation aiming function into two independent elevation axes with separate control systems. Instead of using a complex articulated linkage that couples the two axes, the patent provides independent control of each elevation axis, thereby achieving dual elevation axis aiming capability while simplifying the control system and avoiding kinematic complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A weapon system with a weapon, and an aiming device with two spaced-apart elevation axes for aiming the weapon in elevation. The aiming device has a trunnion bearing associated with one elevation axis and a loose bearing associated with the other elevation axis for mounting a weapon mount receiving the weapon.