Lowerable Optical Adaptor for Combat Vehicle Weapon Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viewing devices for combat vehicles are vulnerable to damage from branches whipping back while driving on rough terrain and have an unsightly appearance during transport, as they are not effectively protected or retractable.
Innovation Solution
The optics are mechanically decoupled from the weapon carrier and mounted on a plate that can be lowered into a transport position using spindles or guides, with locking and centering pins, allowing for safe lowering and raising into a working position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the optics are mounted on the weapon carrier in a fixed position, then they are readily accessible and operationally connected to the weapon system, but they are exposed to damage from branches whipping back and have an unsightly appearance during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The optics mounting system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic lowerable position. The plate with optics can be lowered along guides into a transport position and raised into a working position, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs versus transport safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optics mounting is separated into distinct functional components: the weapon carrier, the lowering/raising device, the plate holding the optics, and locking/centering pins. This segmentation allows independent movement and positioning of the optics plate relative to the weapon carrier.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the optics are mechanically decoupled and made lowerable, then they are protected during transport, but the device complexity increases with spindles, guides, and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The plate with optics is nested within the housing structure, allowing it to be lowered into the housing during transport. This nesting arrangement protects the optics while utilizing the existing housing space, reducing the need for additional external protective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pins serve dual functions: they lock the plate in position and center the plate in the two end positions. This self-centering capability through simple pins reduces the need for complex alignment mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the optics are lowered into the housing, then they are protected from external hazards, but they cannot be easily accessed for operational use
Solution Approach 1:
The optics mounting system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic lowerable position. The plate with optics can be lowered along guides into a transport position and raised into a working position, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs versus transport safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optics mounting system operates in periodic cycles: lowered into the housing for transport protection, then raised for operational use. This periodic movement between protected and accessible states allows the system to satisfy both protection and accessibility requirements at different times.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4
AI summary
According to the invention, the entire optical element (2) is lowered during the journey or transport of the vehicle. The lowering of the optical element is carried out by means of at least three spindles (3) or at least one spindle and three guide elements. Said optical element (2) is secured to a plate (4) that can be lowered into a transport position along the guides and then lifted again into the working position. The plate (4) can be blocked in both positions. Pins can also be used for blocking and also for centering the plate (4) in both end positions.