Remote Weapon Station Pulley Actuator for MK47 Cocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing remote weapon station (RWS) systems, such as the Protector M151, are unable to remotely cock and charge the GDATP MK47 (Striker40) Advanced Lightweight Grenade Weapon System due to its unique rope-pull mechanism, requiring an operator to be in close proximity, exposing them to potential threats.

Innovation Solution

A remote cocking and charging device utilizing a set of pulleys and a linear actuator arm, connected to the RWS, allows for the mechanical simulation of the manual rope-pull mechanism, enabling remote operation by transferring the necessary force and movement to the weapon's breech block through a system of pulleys and a ratchet device, minimizing exposure risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the existing remote weapon station (RWS) is used with manual rope-pull mechanism, then the operator can cock and charge the weapon, but the operator must be located in open space immediately adjacent to the weapon, exposing themselves to potential threats

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator exposure to threatsVSAvoidremote operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A rope pulley system is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the weapon's rope-pull cocking mechanism. The pulleys redirect and transmit the pulling force from the actuator to the weapon's charging mechanism, enabling remote operation while maintaining compatibility with the existing manual operation interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of pulling the rope by hand is replaced with an automated mechanical actuator system. The actuator mechanically simulates the manual pulling action through a controlled linear movement, converting manual mechanical operation into automated mechanical actuation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a remote actuator system is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional pulleys and actuator mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator exposure to threatsVSAvoidpulley and actuator system

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can cock the weapon, charge the weapon, and potentially reset the mechanism. The same actuator and pulley system handles both cocking and charging operations, reducing the need for separate mechanisms for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the operator pull the rope directly, the system inverts the force application by using a stationary pulley anchored to the weapon or mounting structure. The actuator pulls on the rope from the opposite direction, with the pulley system redirecting the force to achieve the desired mechanical action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables safe and efficient remote operation of the MK47 weapon, reducing operator risk by allowing cocking and charging without the need for an operator to be in close proximity to the weapon, while maintaining the mechanical integrity and functionality of the manual process.

Implementation Method 1

A remote cocking and charging device utilizing a set of pulleys and a linear actuator arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Implementation Method 2

transferred the necessary force and movement to the weapon's breech block through a system of pulleys and a ratchet device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS7827896B2Firearm remote cocking method and arrangement

Publication Date: 2010.11.09 KONGSBERG DEFENCE & AEROSPACE

AI summary

A remote cocking and charging device for a weapon on a mount, the weapon having a bore axis and a rope actuated cocking and charging mechanism having a rope end exiting from the weapon. The device includes a first rotatable pulley having an axis of rotation fixedly connected to the mount and positioned adjacent to and below an exit point of the rope from the weapon positioned in the mount, a second rotatable pulley having an axis of rotation fixedly connected to the weapon mount and positioned below and spaced from the first pulley, and a linearly moveable actuator arm having a longitudinal axis situated substantially in a plane and substantially parallel to the bore axis, the actuator arm at an end thereof including a rope engagement element.