Remote Weapon Station Rope Pulley Actuator for Grenade Launcher
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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, which requires an operator to be in close proximity, exposing them to potential threats.
Innovation Solution
A remote cocking and charging device is developed, utilizing a set of pulleys and a linear actuator arm with a rope system that mimics the manual cocking mechanism, allowing for the application of the required 50N pull force and ensuring the breech block is fully charged and retained, using a ratchet device for tensioning and a mechanical adapter to interface with the RWS's actuator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If manual cocking and charging is performed by an operator in close proximity to the weapon, then the cocking and charging operation can be completed directly, but the operator is exposed to potential threats in the surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
A remote actuating mechanism is introduced as an intermediary device between the operator and the weapon's cocking mechanism. This mechanism includes a cable or rod that transmits force from a remote location to the weapon's internal mechanisms, allowing the operator to cock and charge the weapon from a protected position while eliminating direct exposure to threats in the open space adjacent to the weapon.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of pulling the charging handle directly by hand is replaced with a remote actuating system. This substitution uses a cable-pulley system or rod mechanism that converts remote linear or rotational motion into the required reciprocating motion of the weapon's charging handle, thereby replacing the direct mechanical interaction with an indirect transmission system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a remote actuating mechanism is introduced to eliminate operator exposure, then operator safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote actuating mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only cocks the weapon but also charges the magazine and resets the firing mechanism. By consolidating these multiple operations into a single remote actuation system, the complexity is managed more efficiently than if separate mechanisms were provided for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable or rod mechanism is integrated within and along the existing weapon structure, nesting the remote actuation components within the weapon's overall framework. This minimizes the additional space and structural complexity required while maintaining the remote operation capability.
3Ease of operation
If the rope is run over multiple pulleys to achieve remote actuation, then the operator can be positioned remotely, but the rope may whip out of line with pulleys during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The rope is pre-tensioned and pre-aligned with the pulley system before operation begins. Guides and alignment features are built into the pulley mounts to ensure the rope enters and exits each pulley at the correct angle, preventing whipping out of line during the charging cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulley system is designed with three-dimensional routing that accommodates the rope's path in multiple planes. By using pulleys mounted at different heights and angles, the system maintains proper rope alignment throughout its travel, preventing lateral whipping and ensuring reliable operation.
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 remote operation of the MK47's cocking and charging process, reducing operator exposure to threats and allowing secure, efficient charging without manual intervention, with the actuator arm's controlled movement ensuring the breech block is fully charged and safely returned to its initial position.
Implementation Method 1
A remote cocking and charging device is developed, utilizing a set of pulleys and a linear actuator arm with a rope system
Implementation Method 2
using a ratchet device for tensioning
Data Source
AI summary
A remote cocking and charging device for a weapon on a weapon mount (11), the weapon having a bore axis and a rope actuated cocking and charging mechanism having a rope end exiting from the weapon. The device comprises a first rotatable pulley (6) having an axis of rotation fixedly connected to a first part of the weapon mount and positioned adjacent to and below a point of exit of said rope from said weapon positioned in the mount, a second rotatable pulley (7) having an axis of rotation fixedly connected to said first part of the weapon mount and positioned below and spaced from the first pulley, and a linearly moveable actuator arm (2) having a longitudinal axis situated substantially in a plane and substantially parallel to said bore axis, said actuator arm at an end thereof comprising a rope engagement means. The first pulley, second pulley and actuator arm are arranged so as to allow said rope exiting from said weapon in the mount to extend and run, in sequence, to and over a part of a circumferenc of the first pulley, to and over a part of a circumferenc of the second pulley, and in a rope pulling force coupling engagement with said actuator arm end.