Large-Caliber Ammunition Magazine for Faster Mechanical Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ammunition autoloader systems for large caliber rounds in main battle tanks are hindered by the need for numerous electrical/hydraulic actuated mechanisms, which increase actuation time and reduce the firing rate of the main gun.
Innovation Solution
A magazine system with minimal electrical/hydraulic actuated mechanisms, utilizing a combination of inner and outer cylinders, links, and a rammer head, allowing independent movement and alignment of ammunition holders to facilitate high-speed loading and firing, with a track system optimizing space and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerous electrical/hydraulic actuated mechanisms are used in the autoloader system, then the ammunition can be controlled during storage, transition, and transport, but the actuation time increases and the firing rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes electrical/hydraulic actuators from the ammunition control system, extracting the problematic components that caused delays. Instead, it uses pure mechanical means (springs, gravity, cam mechanisms) to control ammunition during storage, transition, and transport, thereby eliminating actuation delays while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-actuating mechanical components where springs automatically return doors to closed positions, gravity facilitates ammunition movement, and cam mechanisms automatically sequence operations. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external electrical/hydraulic control systems, reducing actuation time while maintaining reliable ammunition control.
2Reliability
If traditional autoloader systems with multiple actuators are used, then ammunition control is achieved, but the system complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts electrical/hydraulic actuation systems and replaces them with simple mechanical components. This reduction in system complexity is achieved by using spring-loaded doors, gravity-fed ammunition movement, and mechanical cam followers that require no external power sources or complex control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical/hydraulic mechanical systems with simpler pure mechanical systems. Instead of using motors and solenoids to control doors and ammunition movement, it uses spring mechanisms, gravity, and mechanical linkages that are inherently simpler and more reliable.
3Reliability
If sequential actuation of multiple control means is used, then ammunition is controlled through complete loading cycle, but the loading time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spring-loaded doors that are pre-loaded and automatically open/close without waiting for sequential actuation signals. The cam mechanisms are pre-positioned to automatically guide ammunition through the loading cycle, eliminating delays associated with sequential electrical/hydraulic actuation of multiple control means.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cam and follower mechanisms enable continuous motion of ammunition through the loading cycle without interruption for actuation detection. The spring-loaded doors provide continuous readiness to open or close, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the loading cycle rather than pausing for sequential actuation commands.
Data Source
AI summary
A magazine for large ammunition includes a plurality of ammunition holders, with each ammunition holder being configured to operatively interface with a single round of ammunition. Each ammunition holder comprises an outer body, and an inner body configured to interface with the single round of ammunition. The inner body is transitional relative to the outer body between a first position and a second position, with the inner body extending out of the outer body as the inner body transitions from the first position toward the second position. The inner body is configured to release the single round of ammunition in response to the inner body being transitioned to the second position. The magazine additionally includes a plurality of links, with each link being coupled to a pair of the plurality of ammunition holders.