Minigun Spade Grip Quick-Release Attachment Assembly
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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 endanger operators and slow down deployment.
Innovation Solution
An attachment assembly with adapter members that allow for quick and easy attachment and detachment of the spade grip to the minigun clutch using a locking pin, eliminating the need for tools and reducing assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spade grips are bolted directly to the rotor housing or clutch using multiple bolts, then the connection is strong and stable, but the disassembly time is lengthy and maintenance is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is divided into separate adapter members that can be independently attached and detached. The first adapter member attaches to the spade grip while the second adapter member attaches to the clutch, allowing the spade grip to be quickly removed by detaching the adapter members without unbolting multiple fasteners from the rotor housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter members serve as intermediary components between the spade grip and the clutch. These intermediaries enable quick attachment and detachment through a simplified interface (locking pin mechanism) while maintaining the strong connection that would otherwise require multiple bolts directly between the spade grip and rotor housing.
2Strength
If multiple bolts are used to secure the spade grip to the housing, then the attachment is secure, but the assembly complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into modular adapter members that concentrate the fastening function into fewer critical connection points. Instead of multiple bolts distributed across the spade grip housing interface, the segmented adapters use localized strong attachments (e.g., welding or few bolts) at their respective mounting points, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter members act as intermediaries that simplify the connection interface. Rather than directly bolting the spade grip to the clutch with multiple fasteners, the adapters provide a simplified mediation layer that achieves secure attachment with fewer parts while maintaining structural integrity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spade grip is permanently attached to the clutch, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the ability to quickly replace or maintain the spade grip is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is segmented into removable adapter members that can be quickly detached from both the spade grip and the clutch. This segmentation allows the spade grip to be rapidly replaced by simply detaching and reattaching the adapter members, while the segmented design maintains structural integrity when assembled through precise mating interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic removable connection. The adapter members are designed to be securely attached during operation (maintaining structural integrity) but can be quickly detached when maintenance or replacement is needed, providing dynamic adaptability to operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A spade grip attachment assembly for securing a spade grip to a minigun clutch 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 clutch. 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.