Linkless Ammunition Loading System for Turret Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linkless ammunition loading systems for artillery installations are inefficient in terms of turret volume, require protection of a larger front area, and do not allow for easy replenishment of ammunition without compromising crew safety.
Innovation Solution
The installation features a compact, automatic loading system that moves ammunition storage to the traversing mass, eliminating the need for links and reducing turret geometry. This system allows for separate magazine replenishment from within the crew space, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional linkless ammunition loading systems are used, then ammunition can be loaded automatically, but the turret volume becomes large and requires extensive protection area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the ammunition storage magazine from the traditional horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement integrated into the traversing mass. This dimensional change allows the loading system to achieve compactness in the horizontal plane while maintaining automatic loading capability, thereby reducing turret volume without sacrificing automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine is nested within the traversing mass structure itself, rather than being a separate component. This integration allows the ammunition storage to occupy space that would otherwise be structural, eliminating redundant volumes and reducing the overall turret size while preserving the automatic loading function.
2Ease of operation
If ammunition storage is placed in the elevating mass, then loading can be performed, but the front area to be protected increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves ammunition storage from the elevating mass to the traversing mass, fundamentally changing the spatial arrangement. This repositioning allows the magazine to be located in a space that does not increase the frontal profile, thereby reducing the protected area requirement while maintaining full loading capability through the integrated design.
3Ease of operation
If crew members must access the turret for ammunition replenishment, then resupply can be performed, but crew safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a loading chute that extends from the hull interior through the ballistic shield into the turret, allowing ammunition to be automatically conveyed from the crew's position to the magazine. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for crew members to expose themselves to external fire by climbing into the turret, as the system performs the dangerous function of crossing the ballistic barrier automatically.
4Productivity
If linkless ammunition is used, then loading speed improves, but the system requires precise alignment and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a loading chute as an intermediary component that guides linkless ammunition from the magazine to the firearm. This chute provides a controlled pathway that maintains precise alignment throughout the ammunition's travel, ensuring that the high-speed linkless loading process achieves accurate positioning without requiring extreme manufacturing precision in the moving parts.
Data Source
AI summary
The installation includes a traversing portion configured to be rotatably mounted and supported on a stationary support structure, to rotate about a traversing axis. An elevating portion is rotatably supported by the traversing portion about an elevating axis perpendicular to the traversing axis. A firearm assembly supported by the elevating portion has a barrel configured to fire linkless ammunitions through firearm assembly. A magazine is configured to contain a plurality of linkless ammunitions to be fed to the barrel. A feeding assembly is configured to transfer the linkless ammunitions from the magazine to the barrel. The magazine is carried by the traversing portion and is operatively integral therewith. The feeding assembly is carried by the elevating portion and is operatively integral therewith. A transfer device mounted on the traversing portion is configured to transfer the linkless ammunitions (A) from the magazine to the feeding assembly.