Overlapping Ammunition Box Stowing Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for stowing ammunition boxes on military vehicles require significant space and incur additional setup times due to the need for different types of parking spaces for varying ammunition box dimensions, limiting flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A device with overlapping parking spaces and alternative spaces that can be used interchangeably, secured by stops and a tensioning belt, allowing for secure stowage of both larger and smaller ammunition boxes without additional setup times, and featuring a compact design for space-saving arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different types of parking spaces are provided side by side for different ammunition box types, then various ammunition boxes can be stored, but the device requires a large amount of space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to store different ammunition box typesVSAvoidspace required by the stowing device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple parking spaces (first type and second type) into a single integrated device. The parking space for the first ammunition box type and the alternative parking space for the second ammunition box type are arranged to overlap at least partially, merging what would traditionally be separate side-by-side spaces into a compact unified structure that accepts both box types without requiring excessive lateral space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional side-by-side arrangement of parking spaces to a three-dimensional overlapping configuration. By arranging the parking space and alternative parking space to overlap in the vertical dimension (with different height ranges), the device accommodates multiple box types without increasing the horizontal footprint, effectively utilizing vertical space to resolve the area constraint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different types of parking spaces are provided side by side for different ammunition box types, then various ammunition boxes can be stored, but additional set-up times are required to exchange ammunition box locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to store different ammunition box typesVSAvoidset-up time for exchanging ammunition boxes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with universal compatibility to accept both first and second ammunition box types within a single integrated structure. The parking space and alternative parking space are both part of the same device with unified fastening mechanisms, eliminating the need to physically relocate boxes between separate dedicated spaces and reducing setup time for mission-specific configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow quick adaptation between different ammunition box types. The fastening means can be selectively applied to either the parking space or alternative parking space, enabling rapid reconfiguration without permanent fixed assignments, thus reducing the time required to exchange ammunition box locations based on mission requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a single parking space is designed for a specific ammunition box type, then the box is secured in position, but boxes of different types cannot be stored in the same slot

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of ammunition box positioningVSAvoidcompatibility with different ammunition box types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the single parking space into two distinct but overlapping zones: a parking space for the first ammunition box type and an alternative parking space for the second ammunition box type. Each zone has its own set of stops and fastening means, allowing each box type to be securely positioned according to its specific dimensional requirements while both zones coexist within the same integrated device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies local quality by providing different stopping and fastening characteristics in different zones of the parking space. The stops are arranged to delimit the footprint specific to each ammunition box type, with the first stops securing the first type and the second stops (offset in steps) securing the second type. This localized customization within the unified device ensures reliable positioning for each box type without compromising overall versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2815203B1Device for stowing ammunition boxes
Publication Date: 2016.11.30 KRAUSS MAFFEI WEGMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2815203B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2815203B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2815203B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for storing ammunition boxes, having a storage space for the positionally secured accommodation of an ammunition box of a first type, having at least one alternative storage space (4) for the positionally secured accommodation of an ammunition box (5) of a second type, wherein the storage space (2) and the alternative storage space (4) at least partly overlap and either the storage space (2) or the alternative storage space (4) can be used as desired. The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a military vehicle, having such a device.