Gun Module Mounting Plates for Quick Locking Under Recoil

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment systems for artillery guns on carriers fail to securely lock the gun in place against high recoil forces of up to 600 kN without play, limiting their mobility and flexibility across different platforms.

Innovation Solution

A quick and flexible attachment arrangement using a superstructure module with mounting plates and spacer blocks that transfer recoil forces at right angles, providing a rigid connection between the gun module, intermediate beam, and load carrier chassis, allowing easy exchange between different carriers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a quick-lock system is used for attaching the gun to the carrier, then the attachment speed and flexibility are improved, but the system cannot withstand high recoil forces of up to 600 kN without play

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment speedVSAvoidlocking stability under recoil
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment arrangement is divided into separate components: a carrier frame with mounting points, an intermediate beam with attachment means, and the gun module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the attachment means for quick connection and the reinforcement structures for withstanding recoil forces separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate beam as a dimensional element between the carrier frame and the gun module. This intermediate structure provides an additional dimension for force distribution and attachment, allowing the system to achieve both quick locking and high recoil resistance through the beam's structural design and connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the gun is integrated with the carrier, then the structural strength is improved, but the gun becomes difficult to dismount and exchange between different carriers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidgun exchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment means are designed with universal characteristics, using standardized mounting points and connection mechanisms that can accommodate different gun modules on various carrier types. The carrier frame provides multiple mounting positions that can adapt to different weapon systems while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic detachable connection. The mounting points and attachment means are designed to provide rigid connection during operation (withstanding recoil) while allowing quick detachment and reconfiguration for different carriers or gun modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If simple attachment structures are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot handle high recoil forces without damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment structure complexityVSAvoidrecoil force resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate beam acts as a mediator between the simple carrier frame and the gun module. It provides the necessary structural reinforcement and force distribution capabilities without requiring complex integrated designs, absorbing and distributing recoil forces through its structural design while maintaining attachment simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment arrangement uses composite structural design combining the carrier frame, intermediate beam with mounting points, and gun module interface. This composite structure achieves high force resistance through the coordinated design of multiple components rather than requiring a single complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3645958B1Attachment arrangement for a gun module on a carrier
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 BAE SYSTEM BOFORS AB
  • EP3645958B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3645958B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3645958B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

An attachment arrangement for a gun module (3) of a carrier (2), such as a vehicle, a craft, or a structure fixedly mounted on a foundation, comprising, fixedly mounted on the carrier (2), a carrier frame (9). The carrier frame (9) has at least two elongated frame portions, and the attachment arrangement comprises an intermediate beam (5), on which the gun module (3) is arranged. A subframe (10) is arranged on the carrier frame (9), and a pair of interacting mounting plates (13) are arranged on the subframe (10) and the intermediate beam (5) respectively. A weapons system (1) comprises an attachment arrangement and a superstructure module (4) having storage spaces (8) on top of the subframe (10).