Flexible Tab Protection Around Rotating Equipment to Prevent Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to prevent the blocking or jamming of rotating equipment due to ejected shell casings, which can cause damage or malfunction by getting stuck in the gap between the rotating equipment and the vehicle base, and also fail to recover smaller casings effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising flexible tabs fixed to the base, with specific spacing and dimensions, that deflect and trap ejected casings to prevent them from entering the gap between rotating equipment and the base, while allowing larger casings to be recovered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the gap between rotating equipment and base is maintained for equipment rotation, then rotating equipment can rotate freely, but shell casings can penetrate into the gap and cause jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is segmented into multiple flexible tabs distributed around the gap area. Each tab acts as an independent element that can deflect individually while collectively forming a protective barrier. The tabs are separated by distances less than half the gap height, creating multiple zones that can trap casings of different calibers without blocking equipment rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device utilizes parameter changes in tab spacing and height to address different caliber casings. Tabs are positioned at specific distances from each other (less than half gap height) and have heights between half-gap and full-gap dimensions. This allows smaller casings to be trapped between tabs while larger casings pass through, maintaining rotation freedom while preventing jamming.
2Reliability
If the gap height is reduced to prevent casing penetration, then jamming is prevented, but rotating equipment rotation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible tabs serve as intermediary elements positioned between the rotating equipment and the base. These tabs create a protective barrier without requiring a solid fixed structure that would block rotation. The tabs are flexible enough to allow equipment rotation while maintaining their position to prevent casing penetration into the gap.
3Quantity of substance
If flexible tabs are placed close together to trap smaller casings, then small caliber casings can be recovered, but larger casings may not be trapped effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device implements local quality by having tabs with specific spacing and height characteristics at different locations. The tab spacing (less than half gap height) and heights (between half-gap and full-gap) create zones with different trapping capabilities. This allows the system to handle multiple caliber ranges effectively, with closer tabs trapping smaller casings and the overall structure managing larger casings.
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
Prevents jamming and damage by ensuring ejected casings do not enter the gap, while allowing smaller casings to be trapped and recovered, thus maintaining equipment functionality and reducing wear.
Implementation Method 1
a socket deflector which deflects the latter from their substantially horizontal trajectory to direct them downwards
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of flexible tabs intended to be fixed to the base and having a length between the height of the half-gap and the height of the gap
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a protection device (1) and a vehicle (100) equipped with such a protection device. The device protects a space separating a rotating apparatus (200) and a base (100) relative to which the apparatus (200) is intended to rotate. The device (1) comprises a plurality of flexible tongues (10) intended to be attached to the base (100) and has a length L ranging between the height of half the space (H) and the height of the space (H), the tongues (10) being intended to be distributed over an area of the base (100) around the apparatus (200), the area extending below the apparatus (100) in the space (H).