Electronic Firing Rate Controller for Remote Weapon Dispersion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Crew-served automatic weapons experience high dispersion due to unstable environments and inherent firing dynamics, leading to inefficient ammunition use and reduced precision, necessitating a solution to control firing rates remotely without modifying the weapon.

Innovation Solution

A firing rate controller using a solenoid-operated trigger mechanism with an electronic relay to control pulse duration and frequency, allowing for adjustable firing rates and precise single-shot operation, even in fully automatic modes, without modifying the weapon.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the weapon operates in fully automatic mode, then the firing rate is high, but the dispersion increases and ammunition is consumed rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiring rateVSAvoiddispersion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using a firing rate controller that generates pulsed electrical signals to the solenoid trigger mechanism. Instead of continuous automatic firing, the system delivers periodic pulses at controlled intervals, enabling semi-automatic operation where each pulse triggers a single shot. This periodic control reduces dispersion by allowing stabilization between shots while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the firing rate is increased for suppression fire, then the suppression effect is improved, but ammunition consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuppression effectVSAvoidammo consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the firing rate adjustable through a variable frequency pulse generator. The system can dynamically switch between fully automatic mode (high firing rate for suppression) and semi-automatic mode (lower firing rate for precision). This dynamic adaptability allows operators to optimize ammunition consumption based on operational requirements while maintaining suppression capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the weapon is mounted on a remote weapon station, then the mount stability is improved, but the weapon dispersion becomes significant due to the weapon itself

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemount stabilityVSAvoidweapon dispersion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical automatic trigger mechanism with an electronic control system. The firing rate controller uses electrical pulses to actuate the solenoid trigger, eliminating the need for mechanical automatic firing mechanisms. This substitution provides precise electronic control over firing timing, reducing weapon-induced dispersion while maintaining the stability benefits of remote weapon station mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If the firing rate is reduced to improve precision, then the dispersion is reduced, but the suppression fire effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprecisionVSAvoidsuppression effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional firing rate controller that can operate in multiple modes: fully automatic mode for suppression fire, semi-automatic mode for precision engagement, and adjustable intermediate modes. The system universally handles both high-rate suppression requirements and precision single-shot requirements through a single integrated control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate weapon systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduced ammunition consumption, improved precision, extended barrel and ammunition refill times, and semi-automatic operation of fully automatic weapons by controlling the firing rate remotely, achieving optimal firing dynamics and dispersion reduction.

Implementation Method 1

employing a solenoid operated trigger mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentEP2208958B1Electronic firing rate controller for remote operation of an automatic firing weapon

Publication Date: 2017.12.27 KONGSBERG DEFENCE & AEROSPACE

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AI summary

An electronic apparatus for controlling a firing rate of an automatic firing weapon having an actuator (SDRV) adapted to operate a trigger mechanism of said weapon, said weapon exhibiting a natural free-running firing rate when triggered. The apparatus comprises an output driver means (MMV1) adapted to provide a drive signal (Q1) for said actuator (SDRV), a first single pulse generator (AMV1) means having a single pulse output (5) coupled to an input of the driver means (MMV1) and adapted to generate a single pulse of a duration shorter than a time period of said natural free-running firing rate in response to a single pulse generator means input, and a pulse train generator means (MMV2) having a single pulse output (Q3) coupled to an input of said first single pulse generator means and adapted to provide to the first single pulse generator means (AMV1) a train of pulses spaced in time a spacing period exceeding said time period of said natural free-running firing rate in response to a pulse train generator means (MMV2) input.