Spring-Loaded Retaining Bracket for Munition Charge Securing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Propellant charges in large-caliber weapons often slip out of the charge chamber during loading, especially with high tube elevations, posing a risk to safe and trouble-free operation, particularly in automated systems.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base plate and adjustable means, such as a fork-like structure, is used to secure propellant charges by pretensioning spring elements and utilizing catching devices to prevent slipping, with remote triggering and sensing for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If propellant charges are fed into the charge chamber at high speed during automated loading, then loading productivity is improved, but the propellant charges experience positioning problems and can fall out of the charge chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by positioning and securing the propellant charge in the charge chamber before the loading process is complete. The securing device with retaining elements is activated in advance to prevent the propellant charge from falling out during high-speed automated loading, ensuring reliable positioning before subsequent operations proceed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the weapon system uses large tube elevations, then firing capability is improved, but the propellant charges slip out of the charge chamber more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device applies preliminary anti-action by creating a retaining force that counteracts the tendency of propellant charges to slip out during elevation changes. The spring-loaded retaining elements are pre-positioned to engage with the propellant charge, creating an opposing force that prevents backward movement even when the weapon is elevated at large angles.
3Reliability
If a securing device is added to prevent propellant charges from falling out, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device employs self-service principles through its spring-loaded mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on the loading cycle. The spring elements provide automatic resetting and positioning without requiring complex external control systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety functionality.
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 device effectively prevents propellant charges from falling out, ensuring safe and trouble-free operation of large-caliber weapons, even during automated loading processes, and allows for precise coordination with loading machines.
Implementation Method 1
The spring element can be a flat coiled spring, a tension spring or a gas spring. The spring element acts on the bridge (20) and thus on the means (10) with a force (23) in the direction of the tube core axis (9).
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device (1) is proposed for securing or retaining, in particular, a propellant charge (7) or a propellant charge module or modules against falling out of a charge compartment (4) of a weapon system (100). This device is specifically a switchable device (1) that can be used in large-caliber guns (100). A weapon system (100) incorporating the device (1) is also proposed. The device (1) is characterized by a base plate (21) with a profile (11) for guiding a means (10), wherein the base plate (21) has upper and lower end stops (34, 37) that define a travel path for the means (10). The means (10) can be connected to a bridge (20) such that the means (10) is displaceable along the profile (11) via the bridge (20). The device (1) has at least one pocket on the underside of the bridge (20) for receiving a spring element (12).The spring element (12) can be a flat coiled spring, a tension spring, or a gas spring. The at least one locking device (13, 26) is designed such that the means (10) is secured in a lower position. The bridge (20) has at least one pin (24), at the lower end of which a contour (25) or a magnet may be incorporated. The at least one locking device (13, 26) comprises a displaceable and spring-loaded retaining bracket (27) parallel to the tube core axis (9), wherein the retaining bracket (27) is held and linearly guided by a bracket holder (28, 29). A counter contour or a magnet is incorporated or attached to a front inner surface of the retaining bracket (27). A release unit (31) of the device (1) is remotely controllable, in particular electromechanically.