Segmented Rigid Chute for Dual-Feed Ammunition Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing feeding devices for single-tube dual-feed automatic weapons face challenges in maintaining compactness and reliable ammunition belt guidance, especially when the belt needs to pivot 90° from a perpendicular to a parallel orientation, as flexible chutes are inadequate and rigid chutes cannot be implemented due to recoil absorption requirements.

Innovation Solution

A dual-feed ammunition feeding device with two tilting channels, each equipped with a first rigid chute for guiding the belt from a magazine to the weapon and a second rigid guide chute with a flared funnel mouth to ensure continuous guidance and recoil absorption, using a deformable parallelogram to connect the second chute to the weapon's lower part, allowing for compact design and reliable belt alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If flexible or semi-rigid chutes are used, then the weapon seating can be compact, but the chutes cannot guide belts along paths with smaller curve radii and have poor adaptability to alternating pivoting paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweapon seating compactnessVSAvoidadaptability to alternating pivoting paths

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chute is divided into multiple rigid segments (first chute portion, second chute portion, third chute portion) that can pivot relative to each other. Each segment maintains rigidity for structural stability while the joints between segments provide flexibility to accommodate alternating 90-degree pivoting paths, resolving the contradiction between compactness and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chute structure transitions from a static flexible/semi-rigid design to a dynamic rigid segmented design with movable joints. The joints allow the chute to change its configuration dynamically to follow alternating pivoting paths while maintaining rigidity within each segment for structural integrity and compact positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If rigid chutes are used to reduce curve radius, then the weapon seating becomes compact, but the chutes cannot absorb recoil in single-tube dual-feed weapons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweapon seating compactnessVSAvoidrecoil absorption capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid chute is segmented into multiple portions connected by pivoting joints. These joints act as shock absorbers that can pivot to accommodate recoil movements (10-30mm for medium-caliber weapons) while maintaining the overall rigid structure needed for compact weapon seating and precise belt guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chute structure changes its geometric parameters dynamically through pivoting joints during recoil. The joints allow angular changes that absorb recoil energy and displacement, enabling the rigid chute to adapt to recoil movements without compromising its rigidity or the weapon's compact seating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If rigid chutes are fastened to each insertion orifice in multi-tube systems, then reliable belt guidance is achieved, but this solution cannot be implemented in single-tube dual-feed weapons where one ammunition belt is moved away

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebelt guidance reliabilityVSAvoidapplicability to single-tube dual-feed weapons

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid segmented chute design serves multiple functions: it provides reliable belt guidance like fixed chutes, accommodates recoil movements, and adapts to alternating pivoting paths. This universal design enables reliable belt guidance in single-tube dual-feed weapons where traditional fixed chute solutions cannot be applied, extending the applicability of rigid chute technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the ammunition belt pivots 90 degrees, then the belt can be led from perpendicular orientation to parallel orientation, but flexible chutes cannot achieve this pivoting effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebelt pivoting capabilityVSAvoidpivoting path guidance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The chute is divided into rigid segments that can pivot relative to each other at defined joints. This segmentation enables controlled 90-degree pivoting of the ammunition belt from perpendicular to parallel orientation while maintaining reliable guidance through the rigid structure, overcoming the limitations of flexible chutes that cannot achieve sharp pivoting angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10900725B2Belt ammunition feeding device for dual-feed automatic weapon

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 NEXTER SYST SA

AI summary

A belt ammunition feeding device for a dual-feed automatic weapon includes, for each feeding channel, at least a first rigid chute leading an ammunition belt from a magazine to the weapon, and a second rigid guide chute arranged at each tilting arm, the second chute including an upper mouth arranged opposite the outlet opening of the first rigid chute, the mouth also including a flared part forming a guide funnel and making it possible to cap the outlet opening of the first rigid chute when the tilting arm is in its engaged position with a stationary positioning star.