Minigun Spade Grip Quick-Lock Attachment for Rapid Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spade grips for rotary machine guns, such as the M134 minigun, require lengthy disassembly times for maintenance and repairs, which can be dangerous in field conditions due to the need for multiple bolts and tools.
Innovation Solution
A spade grip attachment assembly with adapter members that use a locking pin to securely attach and detach the spade grip to the minigun, allowing quick and tool-free installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spade grips are attached using multiple bolts and threaded sockets, then the attachment is secure and stable, but the disassembly time becomes lengthy and requires multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is divided into separate adapter members (spade adapter and clutch adapter) that can be independently attached and detached. This segmentation allows the spade grip to be quickly removed by detaching the adapter members without requiring removal of multiple bolts from the spade grip itself, thus reducing disassembly time while maintaining secure attachment when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
Adapter members serve as intermediary components between the spade grip and the clutch assembly. These adapters can be quickly attached and detached using a simple locking mechanism, providing a secure connection when assembled while enabling rapid disassembly without tools. The adapters mediate the connection, allowing the spade grip to remain intact while facilitating quick maintenance access
2Strength
If conventional spade grips require multiple bolts and tools for attachment, then the connection is strong and stable, but the ease of operation for quick maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular adapter members that can be independently attached to the spade grip and clutch. This allows the strong connection to be achieved through the adapter-to-adaptor interface using a simple locking pin, while the spade grip itself remains intact and requires no bolt removal for maintenance, greatly easing the operation of quick maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter members act as intermediaries that provide the strong mechanical connection between the spade grip and clutch assembly. The locking pin mechanism in the intermediary adapters creates a strong, tool-free connection that is as reliable as bolted connections, while enabling maintenance personnel to quickly attach and detach the spade grip without requiring tool proficiency or dealing with multiple bolts
3Device complexity
If the spade grip is directly bolted to the clutch assembly, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability for different power modes and configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter members are designed with universal mounting features that can accommodate different power modes and configurations. The spade adapter can be attached to various spade grip types, and the clutch adapter provides standardized mounting to the clutch assembly. This universal design enables the same adapter system to support different power sources (battery packs, external power) and operational configurations, greatly enhancing adaptability while adding minimal structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the attachment system into separate, modular adapter members, the design gains flexibility and adaptability. Each adapter can be independently configured or replaced to accommodate different power modes and operational requirements. The modular structure allows for easy adaptation to different clutch assemblies or spade grip variations without redesigning the entire attachment system
Data Source
AI summary
A spade grip attachment assembly for securing a spade grip to a minigun includes a first adapter member and a second adapter member. The first adapter member is on the spade grip. The second adapter member is on the minigun. The first and second adapter members are configured such that one is receivable in the other. Each adapter member can define a pair of coaxially aligned pin holes that align to form a passage in which a fastener is receivable when one adapter member is received in the other. The fastener is receivable in the passage to releasably secure the first adapter member to the second adapter member.