Vehicle Ammo Container Lids for Faster Combat Reloading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ammunition storage systems on military vehicles are inefficient, requiring soldiers to spend excessive time unloading and reloading ammunition, which increases exposure to danger during combat situations.

Innovation Solution

The development of a modular ammunition container with advanced lid mechanisms, including manual and motorized operation, and a roof rack system that allows for quick access and secure storage of ammunition and other combat essentials, utilizing telescoping designs and compression systems for rapid deployment and secure storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional ammunition storage systems are used, then storage capacity is maintained, but soldiers spend excessive time unloading and reloading ammunition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveammunition retrieval speedVSAvoidtime for unloading and reloading

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed to be moveable rather than fixed, allowing it to be quickly opened and closed. The moveable lid mechanism enables rapid access to ammunition cans without requiring soldiers to manually remove and replace heavy lids, significantly reducing the time for unloading and reloading operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The storage container is divided into multiple compartments with individual lids for each section. This segmentation allows soldiers to access specific ammunition types without opening the entire container, reducing the time and effort required for ammunition retrieval and re-stowage operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If automated lid operation is implemented, then operation speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid operation easeVSAvoidlid mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid incorporates a spring mechanism that automatically opens the lid when a latch is released, eliminating the need for soldiers to manually lift heavy lids. The spring provides the force needed to open the lid automatically, improving ease of operation while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent describes both manual and automated operation options. The automated version uses electric motors, pneumatic motors, or hydraulic motors to replace manual mechanical operations, providing power-assisted or fully automated lid opening and closing while maintaining the ability to use simpler manual mechanisms when automation is not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11971244B1Vehicle mounted storage systems

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 KINGERY KENNETH G

AI summary

A container and systems to safely store cans of ammunition or other military gear that may be mounted on a military vehicle. Ammo containers may include one or more of a variety of compression devices to secure loaded materials (e.g., cans). The compression device may be operated manually or through an electric motor, or other means. A roof rack may include telescoping overlapping plates for variable sizes of rack. A clasp may include automatic spring-guided engagement. A harness system may be used to hold down a container, and a latch mechanism may be used to secure the harness(es).