Rocket Launcher Aiming Device with Movable Elevation Axis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional missile launch container alignment devices face challenges in achieving compact transport while minimizing launch impairments and reducing alignment moments, particularly due to the rear placement of the elevation axis, which results in high alignment efforts and long alignment times during fine targeting.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a pivotable raising lever as a lifting element allows for efficient conversion of the alignment device into a compact transport position, with the elevation axis located close to the center of gravity, enabling simpler and faster targeting while minimizing damage to the transport platform by allowing lateral shifting and telescoping movements, thereby reducing alignment moments and improving directional characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the elevation alignment axis is arranged far to the rear to achieve compact transport position and protect transport platform, then transport properties and platform protection are improved, but alignment moments become large and alignment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport position compactnessVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the elevation alignment axis movable rather than fixed. The axis can be positioned far to the rear during transport to achieve compactness and platform protection, then moved forward during alignment operations to reduce alignment moments and accelerate the alignment process. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between transport compactness and alignment speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the elevation alignment axis is arranged far to the rear to protect transport platform from exhaust gas, then platform protection is improved, but alignment moments become large requiring larger engine and transmission components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport platform protection from exhaust gasVSAvoidengine and transmission component size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The elevation alignment axis is designed to be dynamically repositionable between a rear position (for platform protection during transport and firing) and a forward position (for reduced alignment moments during alignment operations). This eliminates the need for oversized engine and transmission components that would be required if the axis remained fixed at the rear position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If the missile launch container is moved axially to align center of gravity with the elevation alignment axis, then alignment effort is reduced, but the process becomes more complex with multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment effortVSAvoidalignment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring complex multi-step axial movement of the missile launch container, the patent simplifies the process by making the elevation alignment axis itself movable. The axis can be repositioned forward to align with the container's center of gravity, naturally reducing alignment moments without requiring complex axial adjustment mechanisms for the container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution enhances transport properties and reduces launch impairments by allowing for low alignment efforts and quick transition to aiming positions, while maintaining effective directional control and minimizing damage to the transport platform during firing.

Implementation Method 1

The lifting element is designed as a pivotable raising lever. By pivoting the lifting element designed as a lifting lever, the aiming device can be transferred from its more compact transport position to the aiming position with simple means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP2754989B1Device and method for aiming a rocket launcher container
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 KRAUSS MAFFEI WEGMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2754989B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2754989B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2754989B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for aiming a rocket launch container (20) comprising a lateral aiming element (2) and an elevation aiming element (3) arranged on the lateral aiming element (2) for receiving the rocket launch container (20), wherein the lateral aiming element (2) has a lifting element (4) for raising and lowering the elevation aiming element (3). A further aspect of the invention is a corresponding method for aiming a rocket launch container (20).