Mobile Firearm Support for Aircraft Compartment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm support systems installed in vehicles, particularly aircraft, obstruct access and occupy significant space due to their fixed pedestal design, hindering the movement of personnel and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A firearm support system that includes a mobile support structure suspended from the upper structure of a vehicle compartment, allowing the firearm to retract when not in use, minimizing space occupation and enabling easy access, with an actuator-controlled sliding or rotating mechanism for efficient deployment and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a firearm is installed on a fixed pedestal close to the rear ramp or side wall, then the firearm can be securely positioned for shooting, but the passage of men and equipment into and out of the aircraft is hindered or obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is made mobile rather than fixed, allowing it to be moved out of the way when not in use. The support can be repositioned along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, enabling clear passage at the rear ramp while maintaining secure firearm positioning when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to move along the longitudinal dimension of the aircraft rather than occupying a fixed lateral position. This dimensional movement allows the support to clear the rear ramp opening while maintaining its firearm-bearing function.
2Strength
If a support system is fixed to the floor on the inside of the vehicle, then the firearm can be stably supported, but a lot of space is taken up inside the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a static floor-mounted pedestal to a mobile suspended platform. This dynamic design allows the support to occupy minimal space when retracted while providing stable firearm support when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fixing the support to the floor from below, the support is suspended from the upper structure from above. This inversion changes the mounting approach and allows the support to be moved out of the operational space when not in use.
3Device complexity
If a fixed pedestal is used for firearm installation, then the structure is simple and robust, but it creates obstacles in areas allowing access to the inside of the military vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The simple robust pedestal structure is transformed into a mobile support that can be positioned as needed. The basic pedestal form is retained but given mobility through suspension and longitudinal movement capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm support system is adapted to be installed in a vehicle, in particular an aircraft. The vehicle includes a compartment to accommodate the crew. The compartment has: a bearing surface, an upper structure rising above the bearing surface, and an opening, through which a firearm shoots. The support system includes: an anchoring portion, for being fixed to the upper structure and located in the compartment; a mobile support, which is coupled to the anchoring portion in a mobile manner, is adapted for receiving the firearm, and allows the firearm to move between an operating position, in which the firearm is ready to shoot through the opening, and a non-operating position, in which the firearm is retracted.