Submarine Weapon Trough Positive Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current weapon troughs in submarines require manual and time-consuming tightening and loosening of tension belts to secure and release weapons, which is disadvantageous in combat situations where quick reloading is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A weapon trough with positive-locking means, including a retaining clip and pivoting retaining pawl, that securely fixes and quickly releases weapons using a form-fitting mechanism, allowing for faster weapon transfer and reloading by actuating a rotatable rod with a handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tensioning straps are used to secure weapons, then the weapons are secured against unintentional movement, but the tightening and loosening process is time-consuming and strenuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical tensioning strap system with a positive locking mechanism using a retaining pawl that engages with a projection on the weapon. This substitution eliminates the need for manual tightening and loosening operations, allowing for rapid weapon securing and release while maintaining reliable fixation during storage and transport.
2Reliability
If manual tensioning straps are used to secure weapons, then the weapons are secured against unintentional movement, but the operation becomes strenuous and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manual tensioning strap operation is replaced by a simple pawl engagement mechanism that requires minimal manual intervention. The retaining pawl automatically engages with the weapon projection to provide reliable securing, and can be quickly released when needed, dramatically improving ease of operation while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The positive locking mechanism is designed to automatically secure the weapon when the retaining bracket is positioned, without requiring additional manual tightening operations. The pawl self-engages with the projection to provide securing, eliminating the need for operators to perform strenuous manual tightening tasks.
3Productivity
If quick release mechanism is implemented, then weapon transfer time is reduced, but the securing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a positive locking mechanism where the retaining pawl engages with a projection on the weapon, providing form-fitting securement. This mechanical engagement ensures high securing reliability during rapid transfer operations, as the pawl firmly locks onto the weapon projection and prevents unintentional movement or release during handling.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
The cavity has a retaining bracket (8) for extensively surrounding a weapon (4) in a storage position, and a form closure unit arranged on the retaining bracket. The weapon is fixed at a projection (18) in a longitudinal direction of the weapon in a form-fit manner, where the projection is formed at a lateral surface of the weapon. A retaining pin (20) is supported on the retaining bracket, such that the retaining pin is pivotable transverse to a longitudinal extension of the cavity. The retaining pin is movably coupled with an actuator rod (24).