Rotatable Gravity Feed Magazine for Variable Payload Launching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing launch systems are limited by the need for multiple devices to accommodate different payloads with varying flight characteristics, which is impractical due to space and weight constraints, and requires component changes during missions.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable magazine with a longitudinally retractable bucket that uses a gravity feed system to load different projectiles onto a launcher, allowing for automatic reloading without the need to change components during a mission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple launch devices are used to accommodate different payloads, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single launch device capable of launching multiple different payload types (parachute payloads, glider payloads, projectile payloads) by integrating a magazine system that can hold and dispense various payload types. The magazine contains multiple compartments that can be rotated to position different payloads for launch, allowing one device to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate specialized launchers.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine is divided into multiple compartments, each capable of holding different payload types. This segmentation allows the system to store and quickly access various payload configurations without requiring a complete redesign of the launch device for each payload type, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining a single integrated system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple launch devices are used to accommodate different payloads, then adaptability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple payload storage and launch capabilities into a single integrated launch device with a magazine system. Instead of transporting and deploying multiple separate launch devices, the magazine consolidates multiple payload types (parachute, glider, projectile) into one unit that can be transported as a single device, reducing overall system weight while maintaining the ability to launch different payload types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If component changes are required during missions, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine system pre-loads multiple different payload types into its compartments before the mission begins. This preliminary preparation allows the launch device to quickly switch between different payload types by simply rotating the magazine to the appropriate compartment, eliminating the need for time-consuming component changes or device swaps during mission operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine is designed with rotational capability that allows dynamic switching between different payload compartments during mission operations. This dynamic reconfiguration mechanism enables rapid adaptation to different mission requirements without requiring static component changes, thereby reducing the time lost when transitioning between different payload types.
4Device complexity
If a single launch device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine acts as an intermediary component that enables a single simple launch device to access multiple payload types. The magazine serves as a mediator between the simple launch mechanism and the variety of payloads, allowing the launch device itself to remain relatively simple while the magazine provides the adaptability needed to handle different payload configurations (parachute, glider, projectile types).
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 the efficient loading and launching of various payloads with different flight characteristics using a single launch device, enhancing mission flexibility and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A rotatable magazine with a longitudinally retractable bucket that uses a gravity feed system to load different projectiles onto a launcher
Data Source
AI summary
A magazine for loading projectiles into a launch assembly by gravity feed. The magazine has a plurality blades radially extending from a central axis and defining a like plurality of compartments in an axially rotatable ring. The ring rests upon a stationary deck plate having a hole for gravity feed of the projectile into the launch assembly below. Projectiles having different fight characteristics are deposited into the compartments at a safe location, supported by the deck plate and the launch assembly with an associated device are transported to a hostile environment. A first projectile is launched by the launch assembly in a longitudinal direction. The launch assembly is retracted, automatically indexing the rotatable ring and dropping the next projectile through the hole and into the launch assembly for subsequent launch.