Gun Breech Wedge Automatic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon barrel locks cannot automatically lock in the open position, limiting the effectiveness of smoke extractors and requiring manual operation for opening and closing, which restricts the breech's ability to achieve optimal intermediate positions between fully open and closed states.
Innovation Solution
A weapon barrel breech system with a cradle-mounted barrel, a locking wedge, and a plunger that can be displaced along the barrel axis to unlock and open the breech, utilizing a rotatable overrun coupling and a wedge closing spring to bias the locking wedge towards its closed position, allowing for controlled and automatic breech operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the breech is opened manually using separate opening and closing levers, then the operation is simple and reliable, but the breech cannot achieve optimal intermediate positions between fully open and closed states, limiting smoke extractor effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the breech to transition between multiple positions (fully closed, intermediate, and fully open) through an automated control system. The control unit receives signals and automatically actuates the breech to desired positions, replacing manual lever operation with automated positional control, thereby achieving both operational simplicity and position flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit operates autonomously based on received signals, automatically positioning the breech without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism allows the system to achieve optimal intermediate positions automatically, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and position versatility.
2Reliability
If the breech opens exclusively by external drive, then no shock loads occur, but the system complexity increases and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically manages the breech opening and closing operations based on signals received during firing sequences. This self-service automation eliminates the need for manual lever operation while maintaining reliable shock-free operation through controlled actuation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the firing system and the breech mechanism. It receives signals from the external drive system and automatically coordinates the breech actuation, smoothing out operations to prevent shock loads while reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the plunger is fixed to the cradle, then the opening process can occur in any section of forward travel, but the forward movement of the returning mass may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control through the control unit, which monitors the firing sequence and automatically actuates the breech at the optimal moment during forward travel. This dynamic timing control allows the plunger to initiate opening without being fixed to the cradle, preventing blocking of the returning mass while maintaining flexible opening timing adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit prepares and coordinates the breech actuation in advance based on the firing sequence signals. This preliminary action ensures that the plunger initiates opening at the correct moment, allowing flexible timing without compromising the forward movement of the returning mass, as the system is already prepared to execute the opening sequence smoothly.
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 the breech to be automatically locked in the open position for efficient operation, allowing for early and rapid opening and late, slow closure, enhancing the weapon's performance and reducing manual intervention during continuous firing.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge closing spring to bias the locking wedge towards its closed position
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable overrun coupling connected to the opening shaft... the end of the plunger interacts with the overrunning coupling, causing it to be displaced, rotate around its axis
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gun barrel breech (10) for a gun barrel (20) slidably mounted in a cradle (40) from a rest position to a return position, comprising a base piece (12), a breech wedge (14) slidable between a closed and an open position and displaceable by a breech lever (16) connected to an opening shaft (120), and a plunger (154) attached to the cradle (40). The gun barrel breech (10) has a run-up coupling (170) connected to the opening shaft (120), which is in contact with the plunger (154) when the breech wedge (14) is in the closed position.