Dual Base Plate for Vehicle-Mounted Mortar Force Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mortar carrier vehicles face challenges in effectively transferring firing forces to the ground without ground preparation, leading to increased maintenance and reduced service life due to inadequate force absorption and structural stress.
Innovation Solution
A dual base plate system comprising a top and bottom plate, where the bottom plate has self-centering shafts and a large surface area for force transfer, and the top plate with truncated cone hoppers and limiter cables, allowing the mortar to fire in any direction without ground preparation and facilitating rapid stowage by isolating vehicle stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mortar is placed directly on the transport vehicle or coupled to the vehicle mechanically, then the mortar can be positioned for firing, but the forces generated by firing are transmitted to the vehicle causing structural stress and reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base plate assembly as an intermediary component between the mortar and the transport vehicle. This base plate system with skids and cables acts as a mediator that transfers firing forces to the ground rather than to the vehicle structure, thereby protecting the vehicle while enabling mortar positioning and firing operations
2Reliability
If a base plate is driven into the ground for firing, then firing forces can be transferred to the ground, but ground preparation is required which increases deployment time
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate assembly is pre-configured with skids and cable attachment points before deployment. The self-centering cables are pre-tensioned and ready to engage, eliminating the need for ground preparation activities such as digging or driving the base plate into the ground during deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate assembly incorporates dynamic elements including movable skids and self-centering cables that automatically adjust during deployment. The cables self-center and tension themselves as the base plate is positioned, allowing rapid deployment without static ground preparation
3Reliability
If the mortar is positioned outside the vehicle for firing, then firing forces are isolated from the vehicle, but rapid stowage and return to traveling position become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate assembly incorporates dynamic movement capabilities through its skid design and cable system that allow it to be quickly repositioned from the external firing position back to the vehicle cargo area. The assembly can be dragged or rolled along the ground and automatically centers itself during stowage
Solution Approach 2:
The self-centering cable mechanism automatically centers and tensions itself during both deployment and stowage operations. The base plate assembly performs its own centering and positioning functions without requiring complex external mechanisms, facilitating rapid stowage back to the traveling position
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dual base plate system efficiently transfers firing forces to the ground, reducing stress on the vehicle and enabling rapid stowage without ground preparation, thereby extending the service life and simplifying maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom base plate (3) has a surface noticeably larger than the base plates used in existing mortars and mortar carrier vehicles for better transfer to the ground of the forces generated in the firing of the mortar
Implementation Method 2
The top base plate (2) is supported on the bottom base plate (3) at several (three or more) points by means of truncated cone shaped hoppers (4) of a given angle so that after firing, the vehicle moves slightly to the new position of the bottom base plate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A dual and omnidirectional mortar base plate to be used in mortar carrier vehicles comprising a bottom base plate coupled to a mortar and a top base plate; wherein the dual base plate is adapted to move along a movement path from a resting position associated with a position for transport of the vehicle, towards a work position associated with a firing position for the mortar, and vice versa. Likewise the dual base plate has elements for fast stowage in the mortar carrier vehicle. The dual base plate consists of a bottom plate, a top plate, and connection and repositioning elements between the two to facilitate the transfer of the forces generated by firing to the ground, isolating the mortar carrier vehicle from the forces generated by firing the mortar. The truncated cone shape of the hoppers allows the bottom plate to move in any direction in which the mortar is fired.