Recoil Mitigation Device for Ballistic Robot
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recoil mitigation devices for projectile firing systems are complex, expensive, and often cause binding or pitching due to unilateral resistance, which affects targeting accuracy and can injure operators or damage systems, particularly in lightweight robotic platforms used for EOD tasks.
Innovation Solution
A recoil mitigation device using gas spring assemblies or rail systems with compliant stops, which are easily attachable and detachable, to dampen recoil forces by compressing gases or springs, thereby stabilizing the disrupter and robotic arm during discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional recoil mitigation devices are integrated into a firing system, then recoil forces are attenuated, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The recoil mitigation device is divided into separate modular components: a mount block that attaches to the robotic platform, gas spring assemblies that provide recoil resistance, and mounting brackets that facilitate attachment to the disrupter. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies integration into different firing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount block serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting interface for the gas spring assemblies, attaches to the robotic platform, guides the disrupter barrel during recoil, and distributes recoil forces to the platform. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
2Force
If recoil mitigation devices provide resistance from one side only, then recoil forces are dampened, but binding or pitching of the firing system occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mount block includes a guidance bore that provides localized guidance and support at the specific location where the disrupter barrel passes through it. This localized guidance prevents lateral movement and pitching while allowing the gas springs to provide recoil dampening.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas spring assemblies are positioned on both sides of the disrupter barrel (left and right) to provide balanced counter-forces that counteract the recoil impulse. This symmetric arrangement prevents pitching and binding by distributing the counteracting force evenly across the firing system.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight robotic platforms are used for EOD tasks, then maneuverability is improved, but they are more susceptible to recoil effects and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring assemblies are pre-loaded and positioned to provide cushioning resistance before the disrupter is fired. This beforehand cushioning absorbs the recoil impulse and prevents sudden jolts that could damage the lightweight robotic platform or its components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount block acts as an intermediary between the disrupter and the robotic platform. It provides a robust interface that distributes recoil forces across multiple attachment points and includes guidance features that stabilize the disrupter during firing, protecting the lightweight platform from direct recoil effects.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces recoil forces, minimizing binding and pitching, thus enhancing the accuracy and durability of robotic platforms used for EOD operations by distributing recoil forces more evenly and allowing for adjustable configurations to suit various ordnances.
Implementation Method 1
The gas spring assemblies are aligned parallel to and adjacent the disrupter barrel... The recoil forces are dampened through compression of the gases in the gas spring as the barrel recoils towards the robot mount block.
Implementation Method 2
first and second springs disposed respectively along the first and second rails and configured to compress to mitigate recoil forces during discharge of a disrupter
Data Source
AI summary
Recoil mitigating devices and methods for use with projectile firing systems such as a disrupter mounted to a robotic arm. A pair of parallel spring provides dampening of axial recoil movement of the disrupter relative to the robotic arm. Forward ends of the springs are attachable to the barrel of the disrupter while rearward portions of the springs are attachable to the robotic arm by a robot mount block. The robot mount block at least partially encloses the barrel of the disrupter in connecting the parallel springs and permits axial movement of the disrupter along or through the mount during firing.