Naval Weapon Launching System with Shared Gantry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torpedo launching systems for naval platforms face challenges in reloading torpedoes, particularly in difficult sea conditions, which is a complex, dangerous, and rate-limiting operation that restricts operational capacity.
Innovation Solution
A weapon launching system featuring multiple associated tubes with shared launching means, including a gantry for moving and positioning the launch system opposite the tube to be used, allowing torpedoes to remain at the firing point and eliminating the need for heavy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If torpedoes are stored in separate areas and manually transported to tubes for loading, then the system structure is simple, but the handling becomes delicate and dangerous in difficult sea conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the torpedo storage function and launching function into a single integrated tube system. The tube serves dual purposes: storing the torpedo when not in use and launching it when needed. This eliminates the need for separate storage areas and manual handling operations, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple structure and safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both storage and launching operations. By making the tube universal for both functions, the system eliminates the need for complex handling mechanisms between separate storage and launching locations, improving operational safety while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If torpedoes are manually handled from storage to tube, then the system is simple, but the reloading rate is limited and operational capacity is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By combining storage and launching functions in the same tube, the system enables continuous operation without interruption for manual reloading. The tube can be rapidly reloaded from onboard magazines using automated mechanisms, dramatically increasing the reloading rate and operational capacity while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated reloading mechanisms that allow the tube to be rapidly replenished without extensive manual intervention. The torpedo can be quickly replaced from onboard magazines through automated handling systems, enabling high-rate fire operations while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate storage and launching locations are used, then the system structure is simple, but heavy handling is required which is dangerous in difficult sea conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges storage and launching functions into the same tube location, eliminating the need to transport heavy torpedoes between separate storage and launching areas. This integration ensures that torpedoes remain in a stable, controlled environment and are only moved to the launch position when actually needed, significantly improving operational safety in difficult sea conditions.
4Device complexity
If manual reloading is used, then the system is simple, but the rate of fire is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated reloading mechanisms that enable rapid replacement of torpedoes in the tube without extensive manual intervention. The tube can be quickly replenished from onboard magazines using automated handling systems, achieving high rates of fire while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through standardized interfaces and modular design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
This weapon launching system for a platform such as a surface ship (2) of the type comprising means (3) forming a launch tube having a first end for ejecting weapons and a second end intended to be associated with weapon launching means (4), is characterized in that the means forming launch tubes comprise several associated tubes (6) each housing one weapon and in that the launch means (4) comprise single means common to all the tubes, supported by means (8) of moving these means into register with the tube from which the weapon is to be launched.