Automated Projectile Loader for Two-Piece Ammunition at Any Turret Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armored vehicle projectile loaders face challenges in automating the loading of two-piece projectiles due to space constraints and the need for independent loading of projectiles and propellants at various turret angles, while also requiring significant space and weight penalties.
Innovation Solution
An automated projectile loader system for vehicles that includes a carousal and bustle storage unit, an automated arm, and a controlling unit, capable of loading projectiles and propellants from either storage orientation, and aligning them with the turret barrel at any elevation angle, using robotic arms and motorized mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual loading operation is performed by operator in turret, then high head room is required for effective handling, but this leads to increased turret size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The operator is extracted from the turret loading function and relocated to the hull. The turret now contains only the automated loading mechanism, eliminating the need for operator head room and reducing turret weight while maintaining effective projectile handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical handling system operated by the operator is replaced with an automated mechanical loading system comprising robotic arms, grippers, and control mechanisms that perform projectile loading without human intervention in the turret
2Volume of stationary object
If single storage system is used for projectiles, then space is saved, but the number of rounds is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate storage systems (carousal storage in the hull and bustle storage in the turret) are merged into a unified ammunition supply system. The automated arm can draw projectiles from either storage location, effectively combining their capacities to increase the total number of rounds while optimizing space utilization in each location
3Strength
If two-piece projectiles are loaded independently, then armor penetration capability is improved, but loading complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two-piece projectile is segmented into separate components (projectile and propellant) that are stored independently in the carousal and bustle storage systems. The automated arm independently handles and loads each component into the barrel, enabling high armor penetration capability while managing complexity through modular independent loading mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The automated arm is designed with universal functionality to handle both single-piece and two-piece projectiles, as well as to draw from either carousal or bustle storage systems. This multi-functional design manages complexity by using a single versatile loading mechanism rather than separate specialized systems
4Device complexity
If autoloader is configured for fixed turret angle, then mechanism is simplified, but adaptability to different elevation angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The loading mechanism transitions from a static fixed-angle configuration to a dynamic system where the automated arm can adjust its position and orientation. The arm incorporates articulated joints and positioning mechanisms that enable it to accommodate various turret elevation angles while maintaining the ability to load projectiles accurately
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated projectile loader and a method of loading projectile for a vehicle is disclosed. The automated projectile loader includes a carousal projectile unit mounted on a hull of the vehicle. The carousal projectile unit includes a carousal storage adapted to store a plurality of projectiles oriented in a vertical direction. The automated projectile loader includes a bustle projectile unit disposed at a rear end of a turret of the vehicle. The bustle projectile unit includes a bustle storage adapted to store a plurality of projectiles and propellants oriented in a horizontal direction. The automated projectile loader includes an automated arm disposed below the turret and adapted to load the plurality of projectiles from one of the carousal storage and the bustle storage in a barrel orientated in any angle in the turret.