Eccentrically-Pivoted Barrel Torque Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon systems with eccentrically-pivoted barrels face inefficiencies in torque compensation and stabilization, leading to increased power losses and limited battery life when elevating and stabilizing the barrel, especially on uneven terrain, due to unbalanced torque and friction issues.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop control system incorporating a gyroscope, force-measuring element, and actuating element to dynamically adjust the unbalance compensation device, using a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic spring, to counteract gravitational and inertial torques, ensuring precise stabilization and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the barrel is mounted for pivotal movement about an eccentric axis (not at center of gravity), then the weapon can be aimed at targets, but additional torque is required to maintain aim and change elevation, increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an unbalance compensation device with a spring mechanism that generates a counter-torque to offset the gravitational torque caused by the eccentric barrel mounting. This counterweight approach reduces the net torque required from the drive mechanism, thereby decreasing power consumption while maintaining aiming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop control system using a gyroscope to detect barrel position and a force-measuring element to monitor torque. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust the unbalance compensation, ensuring minimal power consumption while maintaining precise aim on moving targets.
2Volume of moving object
If pneumatic springs are used for unbalance compensation, then the device occupies smaller volume, but friction increases leading to extraneous disturbing torques and reduced stabilization quality
Solution Approach 1:
The force-measuring element continuously monitors the torque generated by the pneumatic spring, and this information is fed back to the control system. The system dynamically adjusts the spring's operation to compensate for friction effects, minimizing disturbing torques while maintaining compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical spring compensation with a hybrid system that uses sensor feedback and electronic control to adjust the pneumatic spring's behavior. This substitution allows the system to overcome the inherent friction limitations of pneumatic springs while retaining their space-saving advantages.
3Power
If mechanical or pneumatic springs are used for unbalance compensation, then torque compensation is provided, but complex intermediate mechanisms (levers, gear mechanisms, torsion bars) are required to achieve torque equivalence
Solution Approach 1:
The force-measuring element provides real-time feedback on the actual torque being applied, allowing the control system to dynamically adjust the spring mechanism. This feedback loop simplifies the mechanical design by eliminating the need for complex pre-calculated gear mechanisms and levers, as the system self-adjusts to maintain torque equivalence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static mechanical compensation mechanisms to a dynamic system that continuously adjusts the spring's torque output based on real-time sensor feedback. This dynamic approach replaces complex fixed gear mechanisms with a simpler, adaptable system that achieves the same torque compensation function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the base moves over undulating terrain, then the weapon can traverse varied terrain, but the relative position between base and barrel changes, causing changing torque that upsets equality between barrel and base torques
Solution Approach 1:
The gyroscope and force-measuring element work together to detect changes in relative position and torque caused by terrain movement. This feedback is continuously fed to the control system, which dynamically adjusts the unbalance compensation to maintain torque equality despite base movement over undulating terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static torque compensation approach to a dynamic one that continuously adapts to changing terrain conditions. The real-time adjustment of the spring mechanism based on sensor feedback maintains torque equality even as the base moves over varied terrain.
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 system effectively stabilizes the barrel by minimizing power losses and extending battery life by dynamically adjusting torque compensation, maintaining accurate aim and reducing disturbing torques from friction and terrain changes.
Implementation Method 1
a gyroscope (13) mounted on the barrel and arranged to generate an output signal as a function of the actual position of the barrel
Implementation Method 2
The unbalance compensation device includes a spring (6) arranged to exert a force on the barrel to compensate for the unbalance of the barrel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a weapon having an eccentrically-pivoted barrel (1) that is mounted on a movable base (2), and to a method of elevating and stabilizing such a barrel. A drive mechanism (3) acts between the barrel and the base to permit and enable the elevation of the barrel relative to the base to be selectively changed. A compensation device acts between the barrel and base to compensate for the unbalance of the barrel. The compensation device includes a gyroscope (13) mounted on the barrel and arranged to provide an output signal, a set point generator (12), a closed-loop control device (10) and an actuating element (16). The actual position of the barrel is sensed by the gyroscope, which supplies its output signal to the set point generator. The set point generator produces a set force value as a function of the gyroscope output signal. The set force value is supplied to the closed-loop control device, which produces a set point value that is, in turn, supplied to the actuator for controllably changing the elevation of the barrel.