Radially Expandable Locking Means for Artillery Projectile Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing a large caliber projectile from an artillery tube are unsafe and inefficient, requiring manual operation and repeated attempts, with potential interference with other equipment and lack of remote control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A device with radially expandable blocking means, such as pneumatic chambers or jaws, that can be controlled to lock and unlock, allowing for remote operation and automatic detection of the muzzle, enabling safe and efficient extraction of the projectile using inertia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to keep the rope taut during tube raising, then the extraction operation can be performed, but safety problems arise due to operator exposure to unsecured parts
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means are designed to automatically maintain engagement with the tube wall during the raising operation through their radial expansion mechanism, eliminating the need for manual rope tensioning and operator intervention in the hazard zone
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical rope tensioning system is replaced with an automated blocking mechanism that uses radial expansion (pneumatic or mechanical) to secure the extraction device to the tube wall, removing the operator from direct control of the tensioning function
2Extent of automation
If the blocking means is fixed on the artillery piece, then remote release is enabled, but the rope may be impeded by other equipment in the piece
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be moved to different locations on the artillery piece as needed. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to find clear paths for the rope while maintaining remote release functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means serves multiple functions: it secures the extraction device to the tube wall, provides a mounting point for remote release operation, and can be repositioned to avoid equipment interference. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components
3Productivity
If the projectile is not released during the first attempt, then the extraction operation must be repeated, but this requires an operator at the foot of the unsecured part
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means automatically maintains engagement during repeated extraction attempts through its radial expansion mechanism, eliminating the need for operator repositioning or manual intervention between attempts
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means remains continuously engaged with the tube wall throughout multiple extraction attempts, providing uninterrupted secure mounting for the extraction device and enabling continuous operation without operator withdrawal or repositioning
4Object-affected harmful factors
If radially expandable blocking means are used, then remote operation and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means utilizes pneumatic chambers that can be inflated to expand radially and engage with the tube wall. This pneumatic mechanism provides automatic engagement and secure mounting while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means changes its radial dimension through expansion of pneumatic chambers or mechanical jaws, transitioning from a compact state for insertion to an expanded state for secure engagement. This parameter change enables the blocking function without adding complex mechanical structures
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 solution allows for safe and efficient removal of the projectile with reduced manual intervention, enabling remote operation and repeated attempts without an operator's presence, improving safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each blocking means may comprise a toroidal chamber made of elastic plastic material, the expansion means comprising a pneumatic compressor coupled to the chambers via pneumatic distributors controllable so as to inflate one and/or or the other of the chambers
Implementation Method 2
toroidal chamber made of elastic plastic material
Implementation Method 3
control the unlocked position of all the locking means so as to release the device which falls by gravity on the projectile
Implementation Method 4
to be released in the tube in order to impact the blocked projectile by inertia
Implementation Method 5
the expansion means may comprise at least one elliptical roller driven in rotation by an electric motor, the roller pushing radially and simultaneously the two jaws of each pair
Implementation Method 6
The detection means may comprise an optical sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an extraction device (1) for a large caliber projectile (200) stuck in a tube (100) of a weapon, a device comprising a solid body (2) with a diameter less than the caliber of the tube (100) and intended to be introduced into the tube (100) at the level of the mouth (101) of the latter and then to be released into the tube (100) to impact by inertia the stuck projectile (200).This device is characterized in that it comprises at least two radially expandable locking means (4, 5), each capable of moving between a locked position in which it is applied radially against the inner wall of the tube and an unlocked position in which it is not applied against the tube (100), the movement of the locking means (4, 5) from one position to the other being ensured by an expansion means (6), a device comprising a translation means (8) allowing axial translation of a first locking means (4) relative to a second locking means (5). The invention also relates to a projectile extraction method employing such a device.