Weapon Barrel Locking Device with Automatic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lashing devices for large-caliber weapon barrels require manual intervention for locking and unlocking, which is time-consuming and risky, especially in outdoor combat environments, and involves multiple steps that can be hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A lashing device with an actuating element that can both open and close the lashing pliers and lock them automatically, eliminating the need for manual interlocks and simplifying the process by using a spring-elastic coupling for automatic locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual locking and unlocking of lashing pliers is used, then the device structure can be simpler, but the operation time increases and safety decreases due to crew members being outdoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function with the actuating element by introducing a locking section that can pivot into a blocking position. The actuating element now serves dual purposes: opening/closing the lashing pliers and locking them in position, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations and reducing overall operation time
Solution Approach 2:
The locking section is positioned and configured in advance to automatically engage with the lashing jaws when the actuating element is moved to the locking position. This preliminary arrangement allows the locking action to occur as part of the normal actuating sequence without requiring additional manual intervention
2Reliability
If manual locking with safety chains or wires is used, then the locking reliability can be sufficient, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the actuating element itself through the locking section, eliminating the need for separate safety chains or wire ropes. This integration maintains locking reliability while significantly simplifying the operational procedure to a single actuating motion
Solution Approach 2:
The locking section automatically engages with the lashing jaws through the mechanism's own motion when the actuating element is moved. The system locks itself without requiring external safety devices or additional manual locking steps, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If crew members manually lock lashing pliers outdoors, then the locking can be achieved, but safety risks increase due to exposure during combat missions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism performs the locking action automatically as part of the actuating sequence. The locking section pivots into the blocking position through the mechanism's own motion, eliminating the need for crew members to manually intervene outdoors and thereby removing the safety risks associated with outdoor manual operations during combat missions
4Reliability
If multiple work steps for lashing and untightening are used, then the locking can be secure, but the process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (opening, closing, and locking) into a single actuating element operation. The locking section is integrated such that moving the actuating element to the locking position simultaneously achieves secure locking, eliminating the need for separate manual locking steps and thereby increasing lashing speed while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking section is pre-positioned and configured to automatically engage when the actuating element is moved. This preliminary arrangement allows the locking action to occur as part of the normal actuating sequence rather than as a separate subsequent step, improving productivity while ensuring secure locking
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 and safeties the lashing and unlashing processes by allowing single-action operation via the actuating element, reducing manual intervention and operational time while ensuring secure locking and unlocking of the weapon barrel.
Implementation Method 1
The locking section and the actuating section are coupled to one another in a resilient manner. Due to the spring-elastic coupling, the locking section can be moved relative to the actuating section by the force of a spring
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device for locking a weapon barrel (2) with closeable locking pliers (11) for locking the weapon barrel (2), and an actuation element (23) for opening and closing the locking pliers (11), in which the actuation element comprises a locking section (25) for locking the locking pliers (11) in the closed position thereof.