Forcing-Cone Deformation Sensing for Projectile Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to ensure the quality of projectile attachment in the forcing cone of large caliber weapons, leading to potential detachment and safety hazards due to improper sealing and positioning.

Innovation Solution

A deformation measuring system using strain gauges and a processing module to assess the deformation of the weapon tube at the forcing cone, comparing measured deformations to a threshold value to determine correct projectile positioning, and providing visual or auditory feedback to operators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the projectile is pushed into the forcing cone to ensure sealing and immobilization, then the sealing quality and projectile stability are improved, but the risk of improper positioning and detachment increases without monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojectile attachment reliabilityVSAvoidloading process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation measurement device measures barrel deformation immediately after projectile loading to detect positioning quality before firing. This preliminary detection allows the system to identify improper positioning early, preventing detachment risks during actual firing while maintaining a relatively simple loading process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback about projectile positioning quality by measuring barrel deformation at the forcing cone. The measurement results indicate whether the projectile is correctly positioned or at risk of detachment, enabling operators to adjust loading procedures and improve attachment reliability without significantly complicating the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If the projectile is firmly wedged in the forcing cone to prevent detachment, then the projectile stability is improved, but the sealing quality may deteriorate if positioning is incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojectile positioning stabilityVSAvoidsealing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces direct mechanical inspection of projectile positioning with a deformation measurement approach. By measuring the deformation of the barrel at the forcing cone using strain gauges, the system indirectly assesses both positioning stability and sealing quality, providing a more reliable indicator than mechanical checks alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrel deformation serves as an intermediary indicator that reflects both projectile positioning stability and sealing quality. Instead of directly measuring both parameters separately, the system uses deformation as a mediator that correlates with proper projectile attachment and sealing, allowing simultaneous assessment of both aspects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the weapon operates without deformation monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety hazards from undetected improper positioning increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidsafety hazards from projectile detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The weapon system performs self-diagnosis of projectile positioning quality through deformation measurement. The system monitors its own state by measuring barrel deformation, enabling it to detect improper positioning and prevent unsafe firing without requiring external inspection equipment or complex additional control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical inspection mechanisms with a simpler deformation measurement approach using strain gauges and signal processing. This substitution maintains safety by detecting improper positioning while keeping the control system relatively simple and easy to integrate into the existing weapon structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures reliable and safe projectile attachment by detecting potential detachment risks, preventing leaks and ensuring proper sealing, thereby enhancing safety and operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the measuring device is a deformation measuring device configured to measure a deformation of the tube of the weapon at at least one measuring location at the forcing cone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gauge measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4141373B1System for controlling the setting of a projectile in a weapon barrel and control method implemented by such a system
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 KNDS FRANCE
  • EP4141373B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4141373B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a control system (1) for positioning a projectile in a weapon tube (10) and a method implemented by this system (1). The system (1) comprises a measuring device (2) for positioning against the tube (10) and connected to a processing module (3). The measuring device (2) measures the deformation of the tube (10) at at least one measurement location. The processing module (3) compares the measured deformation at at least one measurement location with a threshold deformation value for the tube (10), and it is connected to positioning status indication means (4) to indicate to a user that the positioning is correct if the measured deformation is equal to or greater than the threshold deformation value, and otherwise that there is a risk of the projectile detaching.