Weapon Carrier Rail Locking for Repositionable Air Vehicle Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon placement systems in military air vehicles, such as helicopters, do not allow for easy adjustment of weapon positions after firing, and there is a need for ergonomic positioning to enhance operational efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A placement system comprising a carrier with a rail and pin mechanism that allows weapons to be easily moved and locked into desired positions using a pin that transitions between locked and free positions, facilitated by a wire or arm mechanism, and includes features like protrusions, channels, and pin springs to secure the weapon's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If weapons are fixed in position on the air vehicle, then structural stability and safety are improved, but operational flexibility and ease of repositioning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The weapon mounting system transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one with multiple lockable positions along the rail. The carrier can be moved to different locations and secured at each position, providing both stability when locked and flexibility when repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting rail is divided into multiple discrete positioning points with housings distributed along its length. The carrier can engage with any of these segmented positions, allowing flexible repositioning while maintaining structural integrity at each locked location.
2Ease of operation
If weapons are made easily movable on the air vehicle, then ease of operation and repositioning are improved, but structural stability and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic positioning capability where the carrier can be easily moved along the rail and locked at multiple predetermined positions. The pin-and-housing mechanism enables simple operation for repositioning while ensuring secure fixation at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple housing positions are pre-established along the rail at strategically determined locations. The carrier is pre-equipped with a pin mechanism that can engage with any of these predetermined positions, facilitating easy repositioning without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
3Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used for the carrier, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of positioning and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into discrete pin-and-housing engagement points distributed along the rail. Each housing represents an independent locking position, and the simple pin mechanism engages with specific housings to provide reliable positioning without requiring complex continuous control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin mechanism automatically engages with the housing structures along the rail, providing self-locking capability. The carrier's weight and positioning forces are naturally transferred to the engagement points, reducing the need for additional active locking components while maintaining positioning reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a body (2) located on an air vehicle; at least one weapon (W) located on the body (2) to attack a target; a carrier (3) that allows the weapon (W) on the body (2) to be moved and carried as desired by the user; at least one rail (4) which extends longitudinally on the body (2) and allows the carrier (3) to move in the direction it extends; a plurality of housings (5) located on the rail (4); at least one pin (6) located on the carrier (3) so as to be form-fitted and opposite to the housings (5); the pin (6) having a locked position (I) in which the pin (6) contacts the housing (5), thereby fixing the carrier (3) on the rail (4), and a free position (II) in which the user triggers the pin (6) to cut its contact with the housing (5) so that the carrier (3) can be moved and brought on the rail (4).