Mobile Gun System Braking Control for Recoil Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile gun systems face challenges in managing recoil forces effectively, leading to reduced service life and stability issues due to the need for increased weight to mitigate recoil, which complicates creating a lightweight yet stable system.

Innovation Solution

A mobile gun system comprising a chassis, a gun barrel, a braking system, and a controller that retards the recoil movement after a peak loading condition has passed, using sensors to determine when to apply braking forces, thereby reducing stress on the chassis and improving stability without the need for anchors or additional weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the recoiling mass is increased to reduce recoil velocity, then the recoil force is better managed, but the weight of the gun system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecoil force managementVSAvoidgun system weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system is designed to be dynamically activated only when needed (during or after recoil) rather than being permanently engaged. This allows the chassis to have sufficient mass for recoil management while maintaining mobility and reducing effective weight during transport and positioning phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The braking force is applied periodically or intermittently during the recoil event rather than continuously. The controller activates the braking system based on detected recoil conditions, allowing the system to manage peak forces while minimizing overall weight requirements compared to a continuously braked system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Stability of the object's composition

If anchors or spades are added to stabilize the system during firing, then the overturning moment is reduced, but the weight and complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stability during firingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical anchoring systems (spades, anchors) with a controlled braking system that uses friction forces to counteract recoil and overturning moments. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining stability during firing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The braking system acts as an intermediary between the recoiling gun and the ground, providing controlled resistance through the braking mechanism rather than requiring direct mechanical anchoring to the ground. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Force

If a braking system is applied during peak loading, then the recoil movement is better controlled, but the stress on the chassis increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecoil movement controlVSAvoidchassis stress
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is configured to activate the braking system in advance of peak loading conditions or at the optimal moment during recoil. By timing the braking application correctly, the system controls recoil movement while distributing stress more effectively than immediate or continuous braking would provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The braking system is controlled based on feedback from sensors that monitor recoil conditions. This feedback control allows the braking force to be precisely modulated to match actual recoil demands, minimizing unnecessary stress on the chassis while maintaining effective recoil control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively manages recoil forces, reducing stress on the chassis and improving stability, allowing for a lightweight and stable gun system that can maintain accuracy and reduce the likelihood of overturning.

Implementation Method 1

a braking system for retarding the recoil movement of the chassis due to the recoil force from the firing of the projectile from the gun barrel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the recoil mitigation system comprises a fluid configured such that the pressure of the fluid increases when the gun barrel moves relative to the chassis due to the recoil force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4310435A1Mobile gun system
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 BAE SYSTEMS PLC
  • EP4310435A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4310435A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4310435A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a mobile gun system. The mobile gun system comprises a chassis and a gun barrel mounted to the chassis such that when a projectile is fired from the gun barrel a recoil force causes recoil movement of the chassis. The mobile gun system further comprises a braking system for retarding the recoil movement of the chassis due to the recoil force from the firing of the projectile from the gun barrel. The mobile gun system further comprises a controller configured to control the braking system to retard said recoil movement of the chassis after a peak loading condition due to the firing of the projectile has passed. The present disclosure also relates to a method of operating a mobile gun system.