Shell Gripping Device with Open Hoops and Cam Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual feeding of large-caliber shells is physically demanding and degrades the rate of fire due to the complexity and cumbersome nature of existing gripping devices, which require high operator skill and increase transfer time.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with a lifting beam featuring open hoops and a cam mechanism for secure shell handling, allowing for efficient attachment and release, with handles for operator convenience and a wedge for precise positioning, enabling faster shell transfer and supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanical gripping means is used to seize and release shells, then the shell can be securely handled, but the transfer time increases and the rate of fire degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into two separate hoops: a first hoop for gripping the warhead and a second hoop for gripping the base. This segmentation allows each hoop to be optimized for its specific function and enables faster, more reliable shell handling without requiring complex mechanical gripping mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single complex mechanical gripper that seizes and releases, the invention inverts the approach by using two simple open hoops that support the shell from above. The shell is lowered onto these hoops rather than being gripped from the sides, eliminating complex mechanical seizure and release mechanisms while maintaining secure handling
2Reliability
If a complex mechanical gripping means is used, then the shell can be securely seized and released, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires more operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two independent open hoops mounted on a lifting beam, each hoop serving a specific function (gripping warhead or base). This segmentation eliminates the need for complex mechanical gripping mechanisms while maintaining secure shell seizure and release
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional gripping approach by using open hoops that support the shell from above rather than mechanical grippers that seize from the sides. This inversion dramatically simplifies the device structure while ensuring reliable shell handling
3Measurement precision
If manual guidance is used for precision shell transfer, then the shell can be accurately positioned, but the operator skill requirement increases and transfer time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment means is positioned in advance to automatically engage with the shell base at a predetermined location. This preliminary positioning action ensures accurate shell placement without requiring manual guidance or high operator skill during the transfer process
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment means and stop means work automatically to position and secure the shell during transfer. The device serves itself by using the shell's own geometry (base diameter, warhead shape) in conjunction with the fixed abutment and stop features to achieve precise positioning without manual intervention
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 solution simplifies the gripping process, reduces operator skill requirements, and enhances the rate of fire by allowing faster and more precise transfer and supply of shells, minimizing interference and ensuring secure handling.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking means comprises a cam intended to bear on the shell, cam articulated on the crossbar by a pivot connection
Implementation Method 2
the abutment means comprises a wedge located at a distance D from the second hoop and intended to rest on the rear face of the base
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for gripping a shell and a gripping method implementing such a device. The invention relates to a gripping device (1) for gripping a shell (10) comprising a spreader (2) that comprises, between the two ends of same, an attachment point (3) intended to allow a hoist hook to be attached. Said gripping device (1) is characterised in that it comprises, at a first end or front end, a first open cradle (5) comprising a first gap (6) and intended to support the warhead (9) of a shell (10), the gripping device (1) comprising, at a second end or rear end, a second open cradle (7) comprising a second gap (8) and intended to support the base (11) of the shell (10), the first (5) and second (7) cradles having an internal diameter (Ø1 and Ø2) substantially greater than the part of the shell (10) that passes through them, the device (1) also comprising, at the second cradle (7), a stop means (12) intended to limit the translational movement of the shell (10) towards the rear end.