Expandable Ammunition Holding Element for Safe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ammunition body holding devices are inefficient and unsafe for handling various types of ammunition, particularly propellant charges, due to difficulty in metering forces and inability to handle different types with a single device, leading to high effort and risk, and preventing fully automated handling.
Innovation Solution
An ammunition body holding device with expandable holding elements along its circumference, individually controllable for expansion, allowing for adjustable force and adaptation to different ammunition shapes and sizes, using pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to expand and contract the holding elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gripper-type holding devices are used to grip ammunition bodies, then the ammunition can be moved, but the forces are difficult to dose and this could lead to dangerous handling of propellant charges
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device uses a cushion element that can be inflated with gas or liquid to expand and grip the ammunition body. This pneumatic/hydraulic mechanism allows for precise control of the holding force through pressure regulation, solving the problem of difficult force dosing while ensuring safe handling of propellant charges.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion element's volume and pressure can be dynamically adjusted to adapt to different ammunition types and sizes. By changing the inflation pressure and volume parameters, the device can exert appropriate holding forces for both fragile propellant charges and heavier projectiles, resolving the force control issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different types of holding devices are provided for different ammunition bodies, then each type can be optimized, but handling effort increases and automation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is designed as a universal system that can handle different types of ammunition bodies (projectiles, propellant charges, mortars, rockets) using a single device type. The cushion element's adaptability to various shapes and sizes, combined with adjustable holding forces, enables one device to perform multiple functions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the inflatable cushion element, which can adapt its shape and size in real-time to match different ammunition geometries. This dynamic adaptability allows a single device to handle diverse ammunition types that would otherwise require multiple static device designs.
3Reliability
If manual handling of propellant charges is performed, then force control is possible, but handling effort and risk remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion element automatically adapts to the ammunition body's shape and size through inflation, and the holding force is self-regulated through pressure control mechanisms. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for manual force estimation and adjustment, maintaining safety while enabling automated operation.
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
Enables reliable and safe handling of diverse ammunition types, reducing manual effort and risk, and facilitating fully automated handling by adapting to geometric and material variations, ensuring secure clamping and counter-clamping through adjustable pressure.
Implementation Method 1
It has proven particularly advantageous if a gas, in particular compressed air, and/or a liquid, in particular hydraulic fluid, is used as the fluid. By introducing a predetermined amount of the fluid into the holding element, the desired pressure can be generated inside the holding element
Implementation Method 2
If there are multiple connections, each connection can be controlled individually or all of the connections can be controlled
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention relates to an ammunition body holding device (1) comprising a holder (2) for holding an ammunition body (6), in particular a projectile (6.1) and/or a propellant (6.2), wherein the holder (2) has at least one expandable holding element (3) for holding an ammunition body (6). The invention also relates to a handling device for holding and/or moving an ammunition body (6) and to a weapon system comprising at least one weapon. The invention also relates to a method for holding an ammunition body (6), in particular a projectile (6.1) and/or a propellant (6.2), using an ammunition body holding device (1) comprising a holder (2).