Modular Turret Assembly with Ballistic Interlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turrets face challenges in manufacturing efficiency, maintenance, and repair due to complex designs and welding processes, which increase production time and costs, and complicate replacement of damaged components.

Innovation Solution

A turret design featuring a hollow casing with separate front and rear portions made from sheet metal pieces assembled using screws and ballistic interlocking means, allowing for parallel processing and easier disassembly for maintenance, reducing manufacturing time and enhancing repairability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional welding processes are used to assemble turret components, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The turret is divided into multiple separate components (front portion, rear portion, side portions) that can be manufactured independently and assembled later using ballistic interlocking means, reducing manufacturing time while maintaining structural integrity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If complex welding processes are used to assemble turret components, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The turret is segmented into modular components with standardized ballistic interlocking interfaces, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural strength through proven mechanical connection methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Ballistic interlocking means serve as intermediary connection elements between turret components, providing a standardized mechanical interface that simplifies assembly while ensuring structural integrity without requiring complex welding procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If integrated turret design is used, then structural strength is improved, but ease of repair decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidcomponent replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The turret is designed as modular segments that can be independently removed and replaced, allowing damaged components to be quickly swapped without affecting the entire structure, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining overall structural strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The turret design allows for dynamic reconfiguration and replacement of components, enabling maintenance operations to be performed on individual modules while the rest of the structure remains intact and functional

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If modular design with separate components is used, then ease of manufacture and repair are improved, but structural strength may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The turret is divided into modular components connected by ballistic interlocking means that provide mechanical strength comparable to traditional welded joints, enabling easy manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Ballistic interlocking means act as strong mechanical intermediaries between modular components, providing robust connection strength that compensates for the segmented design and ensures overall structural integrity while simplifying manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3019818B1Turret assembly, in particular for a fighting vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 LEONARDO SPA
  • EP3019818B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3019818B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3019818B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The turret (10) comprises a hollow casing (12) provided with a gun, such as a cannon (14), said casing (12) comprising: a front portion or shell (18), on which there is mounted said gun (14) and which defines a front cavity (20), which at least partially houses said gun (14); and a rear portion or tail (22), which defines a rear cavity (24), which houses at least one between a projectile magazine and a mechanism to load the projectiles into the breech of said gun(14); said front portion or shell (18) and said rear portion or tail (22) being distinct from one another and being mutually mechanically assembled so that said cavities (20, 24) at least partially communicate with one another.