Turret Assembly Displaceable Hatch Ammunition Replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote-controlled weapon systems (RCWS) face challenges in ammunition replenishment, as existing mechanical mechanisms are cumbersome, prone to malfunctions, and require valuable space within the vehicle, exposing combatants to enemy fire when accessing above-deck equipment.
Innovation Solution
A turret assembly with a displaceable hatch allows for the passage of ammunition and personnel through a large hatchway, preventing excessive exposure and maintaining usable compartment volume, featuring a pivotally connected hatch, linear actuators, and control mechanisms to prevent base plate rotation when the hatch is open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical mechanism for remote loading of ammunition is used, then ammunition can be replenished remotely, but the mechanism is cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex mechanical feeding mechanisms from the turret assembly, eliminating them entirely. Instead, it uses a simple hatchway opening in the base plate that allows direct access to the weapon system's ammunition supply, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining remote replenishment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hatchway acts as an intermediary structure that enables ammunition transfer from the vehicle interior to the turret without requiring complex mechanical feeding mechanisms. This simple opening facilitates direct interaction between the combatant and above-deck equipment
2Ease of operation
If a turret basket is used for remote ammunition loading, then ammunition can be replenished inside the turret, but valuable space within the vehicle is allocated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the turret basket structure entirely, extracting this space-consuming component from the vehicle interior. The hatchway opening provides the necessary functionality without requiring the volume allocation that a turret basket would demand
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using horizontal space within the vehicle compartment for a turret basket, the invention utilizes the vertical dimension by creating an opening through the base plate. This allows ammunition replenishment to occur through the thickness of the base plate rather than requiring lateral space
3Ease of operation
If active mechanisms for advancing ammunition belts or rotating the turret basket are present, then remote feeding is enabled, but safety danger is created for combatants
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts all active mechanical mechanisms for advancing ammunition belts and rotating turret baskets from the system. The hatchway provides a passive opening that eliminates moving parts, thereby removing the safety hazards these mechanisms pose to combatants
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the combatant to directly service the weapon system through the hatchway without requiring automated mechanical systems. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex mechanisms that could malfunction and endanger personnel
4Ease of operation
If the hatch is made large enough for combatant passage, then access to above-deck equipment is improved, but the hatch structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a simple, straightforward hatch structure that prioritizes functionality over complexity. The hatch is designed as a basic opening mechanism sufficient for combatant passage and equipment access, without elaborate structural features
Data Source
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AI summary
A turret assembly without deck penetration for minimizing exposure of combatants to enemy forces when accessing above deck equipment comprises a base plate on top of which is mounted at least one firable and remotely operable combatant interfaceable implement, the base plate being rotatable about a substantially vertical axis and supported for rotation by bearing means mounted within a deck of a military facility; a hatch displaceably connected to the base plate, for normally covering a hatchway formed in said base plate and for exposing said hatchway when displaced; and a rotatable disc of a slip ring unit carried by the hatch, by which electricity for operating equipment mounted on top of the deck and for initiating control signals is transmitted to the equipment.