Propellant Charge Module Separation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for loading field artillery with propellant charge modules are complex and require unnecessary separation of all modules, even when only a few are needed, leading to inefficient handling and loading processes.
Innovation Solution
A device with individual cells connected to the weapon's frame, featuring a gantry with toothed half-jaws and an articulated parallelogram actuated by a jack for selective module separation, allowing precise alignment and minimal handling of propellant charge modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all propellant charge modules are separated using known loading devices, then the modules can be transferred and loaded into the weapon chamber, but the device complexity increases and unnecessary handling operations are required even when only one or two modules are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the module handling system into individual cells (2a to 2h), each capable of independently holding and tilting a module. This segmentation allows selective operation of only the necessary cells rather than requiring complete separation and transfer of all modules, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements partial action by allowing the system to separate and load only the required number of modules (one or two) without separating all modules in the magazine. The tilting mechanism enables selective positioning of specific cells containing the needed modules, avoiding unnecessary handling operations and reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-assembled modules are used and must be separated axially, then the desired number of modules can be selected, but blocking means and separation means are required which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces static blocking and separation mechanisms with a dynamic tilting mechanism. Cells can be tilted to different positions (initial position against abutment, or tilted position for loading) based on operational requirements. This dynamic approach provides adaptability for selecting different numbers of modules without requiring complex blocking and separation means.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting arm mechanism allows cells to be positioned and modules to be loaded through a self-contained tilting action rather than requiring separate blocking and separation mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the tilting motion to both select and position modules for loading, reducing the need for additional complex mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If isolated modules are handled individually, then each module can be precisely positioned, but the handling time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple handling operations into a single tilting action. By combining selection, positioning, and loading operations into the cell tilting mechanism, the system achieves precise module positioning without the time loss associated with individual handling operations. Multiple modules can be positioned simultaneously by tilting multiple cells.
Solution Approach 2:
Modules are pre-positioned in individual cells which are already aligned with the weapon axis. The tilting mechanism then performs the final positioning action in a single motion, combining preliminary positioning with final placement to reduce overall handling time while maintaining precision.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The device has individual cells (2a-2h) fixed at an axis (6) that is connected to a frame of a weapon, where the cells are moved around the axis and contain propellant charge modules. A crossbar (8) supports a separation unit (13) of the propellant charge modules. The separation unit is integrated to the crossbar. A translation and positioning unit (12) allows translation and positioning of the separation unit. The crossbar is located above the cells. The separation unit includes a toothed half-jaw (11a) and another toothed half-jaw.