Modular Munition Platform With Adjustable Saddles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting interfaces for containerized munitions are limited to specific vendor-supplied launchers, restricting the ability to interchangeably secure munitions of varying diameters and lengths for aerial deployment or transport.
Innovation Solution
A modular platform comprising a flat plate, front block, and rear block with cutouts and saddles, allowing for quick installation and adjustment of canisterized munitions, including Echelon-1 and Echelon-2 munitions, using retaining straps and latches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mounting interfaces are used, then specific vendor-supplied launchers can secure munitions, but the ability to interchangeably secure munitions of varying diameters and lengths is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting interface is designed with a standardized plate containing multiple patterns of holes that can accommodate various munition types (Echelon-1 and Echelon-2) with different diameters and lengths. This universal interface allows a single launcher to securely mount multiple munition variants without requiring vendor-specific launchers for each munition type.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting interface is divided into discrete components: a plate with specific hole patterns, blocks with saddles, and retaining straps. This segmentation allows for flexible configuration where the same basic components can be arranged to accommodate different munition sizes and types, enabling interchangeability while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vendor-specific launchers are used to accommodate different munitions, then each munition type can be securely mounted, but the number of launchers required increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single launcher equipped with the standardized mounting interface can accommodate multiple munition types (both Echelon-1 and Echelon-2) through the configurable hole patterns and saddle arrangements. This eliminates the need for separate vendor-specific launchers for each munition type, reducing the total quantity of launchers required while maintaining full munition compatibility.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mounting interfaces are used, then launchers can be manufactured for specific munitions, but the ability to quickly install and adjust different munitions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is pre-configured with multiple patterns of holes arranged to accommodate different munition types. The blocks are pre-formed with saddles designed to receive various munition diameters. This preliminary preparation of the mounting interface allows for rapid installation and adjustment of different munitions without requiring complex real-time adjustments or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting interface incorporates movable and adjustable elements, including the ability to select different hole patterns and adjust saddle positions, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different munition configurations. This dynamic flexibility enables quick changes between munition types while maintaining secure mounting for each specific type.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting platform is provided for securing munitions. The platform includes a flat plate, a front block and a rear block. The plate includes a plurality of cutout holes. The front block has a first saddle disposed between first flanking ends and at least one extension at one of the flanking ends for inserting into a first opening of the cutouts. The rear block has a second saddle disposed between second flanking ends at least one extension for inserting into a second opening of the cutouts. The munitions are disposable atop the first and second saddles of the front and rear blocks. The munitions are restrained axially against a rear stop block and laterally by the saddles and straps.