Protected RCWS Ammunition Reloading Bracket Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote-controlled weapon systems (RCWS) face challenges in ammunition reloading, particularly for deck-penetrator types, where combatants must expose themselves to reload ammunition, requiring significant space and increasing the system's dimensions, and existing remote loading mechanisms are cumbersome and prone to malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A protected reloading system using a movable bracket that positions the ammunition container within the vehicle's inner space for reloading, allowing the residual belt end to be harnessed to a new belt within the protected space, then returns to the RCWS for feeding, minimizing exposure and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If combatants manually reload ammunition in RCWS, then reloading can be performed, but combatants must expose themselves to danger and require significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service reloading through an automated mechanism where the ammunition container is automatically positioned and reloaded without requiring combatants to manually intervene. The container moves autonomously between the RCWS and the ammunition storage compartment, and the belt connection is performed automatically, eliminating the need for combatant exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated positioning mechanism that mediates between the combatant and the ammunition reloading process. This intermediary system handles the dangerous task of positioning and connecting ammunition belts, allowing combatants to remain protected while the mechanism performs the reloading operations.
2Reliability
If manual reloading space is provided, then reloading can be performed, but the system dimensions increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning mechanism that moves the ammunition container between different locations rather than providing a static reloading space. The container is positioned only when needed for reloading, then returned to its compact storage position, minimizing the space required at any given time while maintaining full reloading capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vertical or depth-based movement of the ammunition container through the vehicle deck, rather than requiring lateral space. By moving the container along the vertical axis through a hatch, the system achieves reloading capability without increasing the horizontal footprint or overall vehicle dimensions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote loading mechanisms are used, then combatant exposure is reduced, but the mechanisms become cumbersome and prone to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex remote loading mechanism from the vehicle and replaces it with a simple movable bracket system. Instead of using elaborate remote handling equipment, the system uses a straightforward bracket that can be manually positioned, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining protection benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using complex remote mechanisms to bring ammunition to the weapon, the patent inverts the approach by having the ammunition container move to the weapon location. This simpler inversion of the loading sequence reduces mechanical complexity while achieving the same protective effect.
Data Source
AI summary
RCWS (Remote Controlled Weapon System or Station) of the deck-penetrator type and a method for protected reloading of a weapon system that is fed by belt of rounds from an ammunition container that is positioned in the RCWS, wherein the RWCS includes a system for protected reloading of the weapons system, that comprises—a bracket, that on it the ammunition container is mounted, and the bracket is amenable to be propelled via an opening in the deck of the vehicle upon which the RCWS is positioned, unto an inner space of the carrier vehicle and back from this space to the RCWS; and means for movably positioning the bracket, in at least two states—a first state wherein the bracket is positioned inside the inner space of the carrier vehicle and for reloading anew the weapons system; and a second state wherein the bracket is a least substantially embedded in the RCWS for feeding the weapons system by a belt of rounds from inside of the ammunition container that is positioned on the bracket.