Segmented Sliding Hatch for Armored Turret Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current turret access systems in armored vehicles are limited by their shape and position, making it difficult to access key components safely and ergonomically, and pose risks to the crew during manual operation or in the event of a mine explosion.
Innovation Solution
A circumferentially mounted turret with a sliding access hatch comprising multiple sectors that stack vertically and horizontally, providing ballistic protection and a flexible handle for safe access, allowing up to 120-degree coverage and enabling the turret to rotate during backup access mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pivoting hatch mounted on hinges is used for turret access, then access to the turret is enabled, but the hatch opens towards the outside imposing a space requirement in the turret internal volume that hinders access to equipment, or towards the interior of the vehicle body which imposes an intrusion into the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The access hatch is divided into multiple sectors that can be independently positioned and stacked. This segmentation allows the hatch to provide wide access coverage without requiring the entire hatch structure to occupy space within the turret internal volume when opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The hatch sectors are designed to stack vertically in addition to their horizontal arrangement. This adds a vertical dimension to the hatch configuration, allowing the opened hatch to be stored in a compact stacked arrangement that minimizes intrusion into the turret's internal volume while maintaining access capability.
2Ease of operation
If a pivoting hatch mounted on hinges is used for turret access, then access to the turret is enabled, but the hinges constitute a danger from mine explosion that transforms the hatch or components into threatening projectiles
Solution Approach 1:
The hinges are completely removed from the hatch design. Instead of using traditional hinged connections, the hatch sectors are designed to slide and stack along guide rails, eliminating the hinges that could become dangerous projectiles in the event of a mine explosion.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide rails and sliding mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the hatch sectors and the turret structure, replacing the direct hinged connection. This intermediary system provides the necessary movement capability without using hinges that could detach and become projectiles.
3Ease of operation
If a rectangular hatch with reduced dimensions is used, then the hatch fits within standard vehicle constraints, but the shape and position limit and make it difficult to pass, and do not allow ergonomic access to key components
Solution Approach 1:
The hatch is segmented into multiple adjustable sectors that can be positioned to create a wide access opening. This segmentation allows the hatch to provide ergonomic access to key components while the individual sectors can be managed within standard vehicle constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The hatch configuration is made dynamic through the ability to position and stack sectors in different arrangements. This dynamic capability allows the hatch to adapt to different access requirements, providing ergonomic access when needed while maintaining a compact form when closed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5(E)
AI summary
Armoured vehicle or battle tank, having a turret, the back panel (3) of which comprises a hatch (1) enabling access to an inner volume of the turret from an inner volume of the vehicle body, characterized in that: - the access hatch (1) has a rectangular shaped opening and comprises a plate (2) for sealing the opening, in the form of a plurality of sectors (2A) capable of first sliding in a translational movement in a horizontal displacement section (17) and then of stacking one on top of the other in a vertical stacking section (16), during opening of the hatch (1), said sections (16, 17) being located superimposed in or on the back panel (3); - the sectors (2A) of the access hatch (1) and the back panel (3) are provided with a ballistic protection in the form of an armoured metal plate covered with an anti-spall coating.