Weapon Cocking Device With Spring-Loaded Snap Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fully automatic machine guns experience increased wear due to the mass of the recoiling part when a clamping device is used for cocking, particularly in remote-controlled weapon stations, as the actuating element must follow the pendulum movement of the recoiling part during firing.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism is introduced to temporarily connect the actuating element and the tensioning element, allowing the actuating element to be decoupled from the recoiling part during firing, preventing it from following the oscillating movements and reducing wear. This mechanism is designed to be automatically detachable when a traction force threshold is exceeded, and can be arranged on either the actuating or tensioning element, with a spring-loaded snap mechanism for reliable coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuating element is fixedly connected to the clamping element to enable bidirectional movement, then the clamping element can be moved between initial and clamping positions, but the mass of the returning part increases causing increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic conditional connection. The actuating element is coupled to the clamping element only during cocking operations, and decoupled during firing. This dynamic coupling state allows the system to have the mass benefit of separation during firing while maintaining the functional benefit of connection during cocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between actuating element and clamping element is segmented into distinct phases: coupled during cocking, decoupled during firing. The coupling mechanism itself is a separate intermediary component that enables this segmented operation, allowing the actuating element and clamping element to function independently when not coupled.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the actuating element remains coupled to the returning part during firing, then the cocking element follows the pendulum movement, but this causes increased wear on the weapon
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism engages and disengages periodically based on the operational cycle. During cocking, the coupling is engaged to provide stable connection. During firing, the coupling is disengaged to prevent wear. This periodic engagement/disengagement rhythm matches the operational requirements of the weapon system.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is extracted from the return path of the recoiling part during firing by decoupling it. This removal prevents the actuating element from following the oscillating movements and experiencing wear, while the clamping element remains functional through the coupling mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If a driver-style actuating element is used that loosely rests on the tensioning element, then the driver can take the tensioning element into tensioned position, but the driver cannot move the tensioning element in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary that enables bidirectional force transmission between the actuating element and clamping element. During cocking, it transmits the driving force from the actuating element to move the clamping element. During return, it allows the clamping element to be pulled back by the spring force, enabling bidirectional movement while maintaining controlled engagement.
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 coupling mechanism allows the actuating element to move independently of the recoiling part's return path, reducing wear on the weapon and enabling efficient cocking and firing without the need for additional drives, while also allowing for compact operation in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the returning part of the weapon moves against the force of the spring until the actual cocking position is reached... the recoiling part of the weapon is released, accelerated by the spring in the direction of the cartridge to be fired
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded snap mechanism for reliable coupling
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The apparatus (2) has an actuating element (4) for actuating of a tensioning element (3) for tensioning a tensionable weapon (1). The actuating and tensioning elements are pressure-coupled with each other in an instep direction of the weapon or tension-coupled with each other against the instep direction of the weapon, through a coupling mechanism i.e. spring-loaded snatching mechanism. The coupling mechanism is arranged at the actuating the tensioning element. The coupling mechanism is designed such that tension-coupling is automatically released when exceeding a threshold portion. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a weapon (2) a method for tensioning a tensionable weapon by using a tensioning element.