Foldable Weapon Carriage Drive Train Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In foldable weapon carriages for military vehicles, the change in angle and length of the drive train during the folding process poses a challenge, requiring complex adjustments and alignment to maintain functionality.
Innovation Solution
A separable coupling mechanism in the drive train allows the drive train sections to automatically decouple and reconfigure when the upper carriage is folded, using a claw or toothed coupling with spring-actuated projections to ensure seamless connection and misalignment compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous mechanical drive train is used from the vehicle interior to the cradle, then the weapon can be actuated, but the drive train angle and length change during folding requiring complex adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The drive train is divided into two separate sections: a first drive train section guided through the lower part and a second drive train section guided along the upper carriage. These sections can be independently positioned and connected via a separable coupling, eliminating the need for complex continuous adjustments during folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A separable coupling acts as an intermediary between the two drive train sections. This coupling includes a first coupling half connected to the first drive train section and a second coupling half connected to the second drive train section, enabling simple connection and disconnection without complex alignment procedures.
2Length of stationary object
If the upper carriage is folded down for transport, then the vehicle height is reduced, but the drive train must be reconfigured
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the drive train into two sections that can be independently positioned, the system allows the upper carriage to be folded down without requiring complex reconfiguration of a continuous drive train. The separated sections can be easily disconnected and reconnected.
Solution Approach 2:
The separable coupling is designed to automatically align and connect the two drive train sections when the upper carriage is in the fighting position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment operations. The coupling halves are positioned to automatically engage when brought together.
3Reliability
If manual adjustments are required for drive train alignment, then functionality is maintained, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separable coupling with spring-actuated projections automatically performs the alignment function. The spring pressure ensures that the projections of one coupling half engage with the corresponding spaces in the other coupling half without manual intervention, eliminating time-consuming adjustment work.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual adjustment mechanism is replaced by a spring-actuated automatic engagement system. The spring pressure automatically pushes the coupling projections into engagement, substituting complex mechanical alignment procedures with a simple elastic force-based system.
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
This solution simplifies the folding process, eliminates the need for manual adjustments, and maintains alignment despite manufacturing tolerances, reducing assembly costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
One of the two clutch halves is preferably arranged so that it can be displaced axially on the associated drive train section and is pressurized by a spring (compression spring, disc spring, etc.) on its side facing away from the other clutch half.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a carriage (1), arranged in particular on the top of a military vehicle, for at least one machine gun (2), wherein the carriage (1) comprises a bottom part (3) which can be fastened to the vehicle and a top carriage (5), which can be folded from a combat position into a transport position, arranged on the bottom part (3), which top carriage has a weapon height alignment part (6), via which the machine gun (2) is height-adjustable from the interior of the vehicle by the drive train (7) of a mechanical, electrical and/or hydraulic turret drive (8), by means of or without additional manual drive. In order to easily compensate for the angle and length change of the drive train (7) occurring during the unfolding process of the top carriage (5), according to the invention the drive train (7) comprises two drive train sections (9, 10) connected to each other, which are connectable via a separable coupling (21), such that, in the combat position of the top carriage (5), the two drive train sections (9, 10) are axially interlockingly or frictionally connected to each other and decoupled from each other in the transport position of the top carriage (5).