Mortar Automatic Aiming System Gyroscope Re-aiming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mortars for infantry operations require manual re-aiming after each shot, which is inefficient and time-consuming, as the weapon barrel must be re-aligned to maintain a predetermined hit probability.
Innovation Solution
A mortar with an automatic aiming system that includes a hinged bearing with a pivoting arm and a cylindrical barrel guide, connected to drive units and a gyroscope system for three-dimensional orientation determination, allowing for automatic re-aiming of the weapon barrel after each shot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual re-aiming is used after each shot, then the mortar can be operated with simple structure, but the time consumption increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mortar aims itself automatically using a gyroscope system and drive units to re-align the barrel after firing, eliminating the need for manual re-aiming operations and thereby increasing operational efficiency without requiring complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical re-aiming process is replaced with an automated system combining gyroscope-based orientation detection and motor-driven barrel adjustment, transforming manual operation into an automated mechanical-electrical system that improves productivity
2Speed
If automatic aiming system is added, then re-aiming speed increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gyroscope system serves multiple functions: it detects barrel orientation, determines target coordinates, and controls both elevation and azimuth adjustment, allowing one system to perform multiple tasks and reducing overall device complexity while achieving fast automatic re-aiming
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical barrel guide is nested within the hinged bearing structure, and the drive units are integrated into the existing mortar framework, allowing compact arrangement of automatic aiming components that minimizes additional complexity while enabling rapid re-aiming operation
3Measurement precision
If hinged bearing with pivoting arm is used, then barrel orientation control is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged bearing allows dynamic adjustment of the barrel's elevation and azimuth angles through controlled pivoting motion, enabling precise orientation control while the modular design with bearing journals keeps the structural complexity manageable through standardized connection elements
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
Enables rapid and accurate re-aiming of the mortar after firing, maintaining target alignment without manual intervention, enhancing operational efficiency and hit probability.
Implementation Method 1
a device (26) for determining the three-dimensional barrel orientation is attached to the cylindrical barrel guide (22) of the hinged bearing (17)
Data Source
AI summary
A mortar includes at least one barrel mounted movably over a ball journal in a bottom supporting device, and an aiming device serving to aim the barrel vertically and horizontally. In order to be able to aim the barrel of the mortar automatically in a simple and cost advantageous manner, the aiming device preferably comprises a carriage that can be moved along guideways essentially horizontally towards or away from the barrel. At the carriage, the first end region of a pivoted arm is mounted so that it can be rotated about a pivot axis, and the second end region of the pivoted arm is connected with a spherical plain bearing, guiding the barrel. The spherical plain bearing embraces a housing part, which is open at its end faces and in which an inner part is mounted spherically (rotatably), which contains a cylindrical barrel guide, for movably accommodating the barrel.