Segmented Hatch Covering Device for Combat Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hatch covering devices for combat vehicles, such as safety roller blinds, face issues like uneven rolling, potential harm when partially closed, and stiffness at low temperatures, leading to operational inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A hatch covering device with multiple displaceable, pivotable, and interconnected covering elements that can be easily moved into a compact open position and securely locked, featuring a slot coupling mechanism, locking device, and sensor system for safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety roller blind is used to cover the hatch opening, then safety against objects or people entering is improved, but the device becomes complex and prone to operational errors such as uneven rolling or falling down in half-open position
Solution Approach 1:
The hatch covering device is divided into multiple individual cover elements (first cover element, second cover element, etc.) that can be independently controlled. Each cover element can be selectively actuated to cover specific portions of the hatch opening, allowing for precise control and avoiding the complexity of a single large roller blind system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover elements are designed to be movable between different positions (open and closed) and can be selectively actuated based on operational requirements. The system transitions from a static roller blind to a dynamic system where individual elements can be controlled independently, improving reliability while reducing overall structural complexity.
2Reliability
If a roller blind tarpaulin is used for covering, then safety is improved, but the material becomes too stiff at low temperatures to be rolled up smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large tarpaulin that becomes stiff at low temperatures, the system uses multiple smaller cover elements. Each element is smaller and more flexible, making it easier to operate at low temperatures while collectively providing the same safety coverage when all elements are in the closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the covering material by using multiple smaller elements instead of one large element. This alters the flexibility and operability characteristics at low temperatures while maintaining the safety function when all elements are deployed.
3Reliability
If a single hatch cover is used to cover the entire hatch opening, then safety is improved, but the device cannot be easily operated one-handed and requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The hatch covering device is segmented into multiple independently controllable cover elements. This allows the operator to manipulate individual elements with one hand while the system maintains overall safety coverage. The segmentation enables easier operation compared to manipulating a single large hatch cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover elements are designed to automatically align and interlock with each other during operation. When one cover element is actuated, it automatically positions itself relative to other elements, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and enabling one-handed operation while maintaining safety.
4Reliability
If a roller blind is used to cover the hatch opening, then safety is improved, but the device may roll up at an angle causing skewed winding and operational errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the continuous roller blind into discrete, independently controllable cover elements. Each element can be actuated independently, eliminating the skewed winding problem that occurs in traditional roller blinds where the entire material must be wound uniformly. This segmentation allows for precise control of each element's position and orientation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The hatch covering device (1) is moved from an opening position to a covered position for covering a hatch opening of access hatch, particularly in the combat vehicles. The hatch has multiple covering elements that are arranged one above the other in the opening position. The covering elements are formed in a plate shaped manner and lie parallel to each other. The covering elements are pivoted at a swiveling axis (10). An independent claim is included for an access hatch or escape hatch, particularly at combat vehicles.