Artillery Shell Feeding Device with Movable Pillar and Tilting Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current shell feed devices for artillery guns face challenges in adapting to changing elevation and bearing angles, requiring skilled operators and limiting firing rates due to manual operation, which increases operator exposure and reduces efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A shell feed device with a movable pillar and tilting arm mechanism, secured to the artillery piece, allows for adaptation to different angles through circular slides and racks, enabling automated shell handling and positioning, reducing the need for skilled operators and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual operation by skilled operators is used, then shell positioning accuracy is maintained, but firing rate is reduced and operator exposure to danger increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshell positioning accuracyVSAvoidfiring rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to detect shell characteristics and automatically adjusts positioning parameters without human intervention. The control unit processes sensor data and autonomously controls the positioning mechanism, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for skilled operators to manually position shells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning by operators with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and automated positioning mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical human operation with an automated control system maintains positioning accuracy while dramatically increasing firing rate and reducing operator exposure to danger.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated loading is implemented, then operator safety is improved and firing rate increases, but adaptability to changing angles is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiring rateVSAvoidadaptation to elevation and bearing angles
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that dynamically detect the current elevation and bearing angles of the artillery piece. The control unit processes this real-time data and automatically adjusts the positioning mechanism to adapt to changing angles, enabling the automated system to maintain adaptability while increasing firing rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the artillery piece's angle changes and feed this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the shell positioning accordingly, ensuring the automated system adapts to varying angles just as manually operated systems would.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If complex crane control systems are used, then shell handling capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshell handling capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex control functions from a separate crane control station and integrates them directly into the shell positioning system. By taking out the control functions and embedding them in the positioning mechanism itself, the system maintains excellent shell handling capability while reducing overall device complexity and eliminating the need for a separate control station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The device increases firing speed and reduces personnel exposure by automating shell loading across varying angles, improving operational efficiency and safety while being space-efficient.

Implementation Method 1

the plate comprises a first circular slide capable of causing the movable pillar to pivot around the bearing axis of the part, the movable pillar comprising at one of its ends the tilting arm, and in that said slide has two parallel rails in the form of circular arcs with the same center and a first rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 2

an arm that can be tilted in elevation by means of an actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2884216B1Device for supplying shells
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 NEXTER SYST SA
  • EP2884216B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2884216B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2884216B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a shell feeding device (1) for an automatic gun loader of an artillery piece, device (1) characterized in that it comprises: at least one platform (2) which can be attached to the chassis of the artillery piece (20), platform (2) comprising a first circular slide (3) capable of pivoting a movable pillar (7) around the azimuth axis of the piece, movable pillar (7) comprising at one of its ends an arm (9) which can be tilted in elevation by means of an actuator (8), tiltable arm (9) comprising a gripping means (11) intended to retain a shell, device (1) capable of moving the gripping means (11) from a shell gripping zone to a shell release zone.