Shell Magazine Pivoting Support and Retaining Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated shell magazines fail to securely hold heavy shells in place during transport and firing, and do not prevent vertical movements or rebounds, which can cause issues with automated gripping and handling.
Innovation Solution
A magazine design featuring compartments with vertically pivoting support and holding means that allow shells to be arranged horizontally, with pivotally mounted support and retractable holding mechanisms to prevent vertical movement and allow for automated extraction, and adjustable flaps to secure shells based on length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If support means are fixed between each shell to prevent vertical movement, then shell stability is improved, but the gripping clamp cannot pass through to extract shells
Solution Approach 1:
The support means are made pivotable between a support position (perpendicular to the wall, supporting the shell) and a retracted position (parallel to the wall, allowing passage). This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by making the support structure adaptable to different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The support means are divided into multiple pivotable segments that can independently adjust between support and retracted positions, allowing the gripping clamp to pass through while maintaining shell support when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If retaining means are fixed above shells to prevent upward movement, then shell retention is improved, but automated gripping and extraction is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means are made retractable by pivoting between a retaining position (limiting upward shell movement) and a retracted position (allowing passage of gripped shells). The transition is triggered automatically by the gripping means pressing against the retaining means during descent.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping means automatically triggers the transition of retaining means from retaining to retracted position by pressing against it during descent, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and enabling fully automated operation.
3Weight of moving object
If magazine compartments are designed for heavy shells, then shell weight capacity is improved, but the magazine cannot adapt to different shell lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine is divided into multiple compartments, each capable of holding shells of different lengths. The pivotable support means and retractable retaining means in each compartment can independently adapt to various shell configurations, enabling the magazine to handle different shell types.
Solution Approach 2:
The support and retaining mechanisms are designed with universal adaptability through pivoting and retracting capabilities, allowing the same magazine structure to effectively support and retrieve shells of varying lengths and weights without requiring separate specialized compartments.
4Extent of automation
If shells are arranged horizontally in superimposed columns, then automated gripping is facilitated, but shells bounce during shocks and jolts
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable support means and retractable retaining means work together to dynamically secure shells during transport while allowing easy access during extraction. The support means maintain horizontal positioning, and the retaining means prevent upward movement during shocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means are positioned to preemptively prevent upward shell movement before shocks occur, while the support means maintain stable horizontal positioning, counteracting the effects of vibrations and jolts during transport.
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 effectively secures shells in place, preventing vertical movement and rebounds, while allowing for efficient automated handling and adaptation to different shell lengths, ensuring reliable operation during transport and firing.
Implementation Method 1
a support means which is pivotally mounted between a support position, in which it supports the shell located above the support means, and a retracted position allowing the passage of the shell located below the support means
Implementation Method 2
a retaining means which is retractable by pivoting between a retaining position in which it limits the upward movement of the shell and a retracted position in which it allows the passage of a shell grasped by the retaining means
Implementation Method 3
the transition from the retaining position to the retracted position being triggered by the gripping means pressing against the retaining means during the descent of the gripping means into the compartment
Implementation Method 4
at least one pair of flaps pivoting each around a substantially vertical axis, flaps intended to be placed on either side of the longitudinal axis of the shell and at the level of the ogive of the latter, so as to prevent the horizontal translation of the shell when they are in the closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a magazine (1) for shells (100), comprising compartments (2) defined by walls (5), each compartment (2) being designed to receive the shells (100) arranged horizontally and one above the other in a column, and a grip means (3) allowing the shells (100) to be vertically extracted from the compartments (2), said magazine (1) comprising at least one supporting means (6) arranged between each shell (100) of the same column, said supporting means (6) being mounted such that it can pivot between a support position in which it supports the shell (100) arranged above the supporting means (6), and a retracted position allowing the passage of the shell (100) arranged below the supporting means (6), said magazine (1) also comprising at least one holding means (7) arranged above the longitudinal axis (20) of each shell, said holding means (7) being retractable by pivoting between a holding position in which it limits the rising movements of the shell and a retracted position in which it allows the passage of a shell.