Multi-Weapon Rack with UMWPE Bullet Catch for Combat Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current weapon stowage systems in military vehicles fail to securely accommodate various types of weapons, such as the M4, M16, and M249, during blasts or roll-over events, and do not allow for quick deployment with accessories attached, leading to potential secondary projectiles and compromised mission readiness.
Innovation Solution
A multi-weapon rack design featuring adjustable clamps and a caliper grip that secures weapons at the grip stock and hand guard, with a bullet catch box made of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UMWPE) to capture accidental discharges, ensuring weapons remain secure and ready for immediate use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If weapons are stored in conventional stowage systems, then storage capacity is provided, but weapons become loose secondary projectiles during blast or roll-over events
Solution Approach 1:
The rack employs dynamic restraint mechanisms including toggle clamps that can rapidly engage and disengage, and a caliper grip system that dynamically secures the weapon handguard. These mechanisms transition from unlocked to locked states during deployment, providing adaptive security that responds to operational needs while preventing weapon movement during blasts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary restraining forces through pre-positioned clamps and the caliper grip that engage weapon-specific features (grip stock, handguard, magazine well) before a blast event occurs. This preliminary action creates counter-forces that oppose the disruptive forces of blast or roll-over, preventing the weapon from becoming a projectile.
2Productivity
If weapons are quickly deployed from stowage, then mission readiness improves, but secure restraint during transport becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is pre-configured with multiple restraint points (grip stock clamp, handguard caliper grip, magazine well positioning) that are ready to engage weapon features immediately upon weapon insertion. This preliminary preparation allows rapid deployment while maintaining security, as the restraint mechanisms require minimal adjustment to secure the weapon during both transport and quick extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle clamp and caliper grip mechanisms enable rapid transition between restrained and unrestrained states. The toggle clamp can be quickly actuated to lock or release the grip stock, while the caliper grip provides immediate securing of the handguard. This dynamic capability allows soldiers to rapidly deploy weapons while ensuring secure restraint during vehicle transport.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are left attached on weapons, then mission readiness is maintained, but weapon dimensions and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is designed with universal restraint mechanisms that accommodate weapons with various accessories attached. The grip stock clamp, handguard caliper grip, and magazine well positioning system work together to secure weapons regardless of whether accessories (lights, sights, grenade launchers) are attached. This multi-functional design maintains adaptability to different weapon configurations without increasing operational complexity for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A weapon stowage and mounting system for a military vehicle, wherein the weapon stowage and mounting system secures a weapon such as an M16 or M249 emplaced therein and retains such weapon from flying about as a secondary projectile in the event of a vehicle roll over, vehicle collision or vehicle blast event, The weapon stowage and mounting system allows for stowage of a weapon with loaded ammunition magazines, grenade launchers, forward hand grips, and/or rails and scopes still attached to the weapon, thus allowing maintenance of constant mission readiness. The weapon stowage and mounting system also includes a panel of UMWPE material that is positioned in line with the muzzle of a stowed weapon to fully capture a bullet in the event of an accidental discharge of the weapon.