Removable Gun Mount Using Switchable Magnets for Platform Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weapon systems are typically permanent installations, limiting their flexibility and adaptability to different platforms and locations, requiring dedicated sites for installation.

Innovation Solution

A removable weapon system using a switchable magnet engagement mechanism, allowing the weapon system to be easily attached and detached from various platforms, including those made of ferrous materials, with safety interlocks to ensure secure operation and power/data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a permanent installation method is used for weapon systems, then the system provides stable and secure mounting, but the system loses flexibility and adaptability to different platforms and locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and adaptability to different platformsVSAvoidsecure mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a switchable magnet system that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. The magnet is energized to engage the weapon system to the platform during operation, and de-energized to allow removal when needed. This dynamic control mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both secure mounting (when engaged) and flexibility (when disengaged), eliminating the need for permanent installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the magnetic field parameter (from present to absent) to control the engagement state. By varying the electrical current to the magnet, the system can adjust between strong engagement (full current) and complete disengagement (zero current), enabling both secure mounting and easy removal without permanent installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a removable mounting system is implemented, then the system gains flexibility to be relocated, but the security and stability of the mounting may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelocation capabilityVSAvoidmounting security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The switchable magnet provides dynamic control over mounting strength. When energized, it generates sufficient magnetic force to securely hold the weapon system during operation, matching or exceeding permanent mounting strength. When de-energized, it allows easy removal. This resolves the contradiction by making the mounting strength controllable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (bolts, welds, rivets) with an electromagnetic field-based system. This substitution maintains mounting security through magnetic force while enabling easy removal by simply cutting the electrical power, avoiding the need for tools or damage to the platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated installation sites are required for weapon systems, then the mounting is optimized for specific locations, but the platform loses operational versatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation flexibilityVSAvoidplatform configuration requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switchable magnet system creates a universal mounting solution that can be placed on any ferrous surface of the platform. Instead of requiring specially prepared dedicated sites with pre-installed mounting hardware, the magnetic system can engage anywhere on the platform's ferrous structure, greatly simplifying platform configuration and increasing location flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the mounting function from fixed mechanical structures and relocates it to a portable, self-contained magnetic system. The magnet and its control electronics form a complete, movable mounting unit that can be positioned and secured anywhere on the platform as needed, eliminating the need for permanent infrastructure at each location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 flexible deployment of weapon systems across multiple platforms, enhancing operational versatility and safety by ensuring secure attachment and detachment, while maintaining power and data connectivity.

Implementation Method 1

a switchable magnet operably linked to the first mount, said switchable magnet locatable between an engaged state where the switchable magnet engages the second mount and a disengaged state where the switchable magnet releases the second mount

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The switchable magnet may be an electromagnet, magnetic chuck (magnetic base), switchable permanent magnet, magnet array or superconducting magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP4416451B1Gun mount
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 BAE SYSTEMS PLC
  • EP4416451B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4416451B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a removable weapon system, specifically to a weapons system that is magnetically engaged to a platform. There is provided a removable weapon system for a platform comprising a weapon system with a first mount, said platform comprising a second mount, said first and second mount comprising a reversible engagement device, wherein the reversible engagement device is a magnet