Muzzle Unloading Device for Wrong-Way Loaded Mortar Projectiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unloading devices for muzzle-loading mortars are ineffective for removing projectiles accidentally loaded the wrong way round, as they pose risks and are time-consuming, particularly when the wing tail unit is at the muzzle side, leading to potential activation of the propellant charge or impact fuse during manual barrel tilting.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base body that can be inserted and rotated within the gun barrel, featuring retaining arms with guide surfaces that spiral into the spaces between tail unit wings, allowing for secure gripping and extraction of the projectile, ensuring a positive connection and uniform force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual barrel tilting is used to unload a wrongly loaded mortar shell, then the projectile can be removed from the barrel, but the process is time-consuming and carries risk of accidental activation of the propellant charge or impact fuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (unloading device with base body, holding arms, and holding claws) that mediates between the operator and the mortar shell. This device allows safe engagement with the tail unit wings without direct manual manipulation of the shell, eliminating the risk of accidental activation while providing a controlled mechanism for extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The unloading device is designed to be self-contained with all necessary components (base body, holding arms, holding claws, guide surfaces) integrated into a single unit that can be independently inserted, engaged, and extracted from the barrel without requiring additional tools or assistance.
2Device complexity
If a simple extension rod with finger-shaped extension parts is used to unload the mortar shell, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot reliably grip the tail unit wings when loaded the wrong way round
Solution Approach 1:
The unloading device is segmented into distinct functional components: base body for structural support, holding arms for positioning, and holding claws for gripping. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The holding claws are specifically designed to engage with the tail unit wings, providing reliable grip without excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If spring-loaded pawls are used to positively engage the warhead, then the gripping connection is secure, but the device cannot be used when the wing tail unit is at the muzzle side
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of engaging the warhead at the breech end (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by engaging the tail unit wings at the muzzle end. The holding claws are designed to grip the tail unit wings from the front, allowing the device to handle mortars loaded the wrong way round. This inversion makes the device versatile for both correct and incorrect loading scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The unloading device is designed with universal applicability to handle both correctly and incorrectly loaded mortar shells. The base body can be inserted from the muzzle end, and the holding arms with claws can engage the tail unit wings regardless of orientation, making the device suitable for multiple unloading scenarios without requiring modification.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for unloading from the muzzle a projectile (5) comprising a warhead (3) and a fin stabilizing unit (4) that has been inadvertently loaded the wrong way round into the barrel (2) of a weapon, the fin stabilizing unit (4) of which has stabilizing fins (6-6'''). In order to unload such a projectile (5) again from the barrel (2) quickly and safely in an easy way, the invention proposes that the device (1) comprises a main body (8) that can be inserted into the barrel (2) on the muzzle side until it reaches an end position and can be rotated about its longitudinal axis (100). Provided on the end face of the main body (8) that is facing the fin stabilizing unit (4) of the corresponding projectile (5) are retaining arms (12-16), which extend axially into the barrel (2) and are connected on the side thereof that is facing away from the main body (8) to retaining claws (17) for engaging behind the end faces of the stabilizing fins (6-6''') on the barrel wall side.