Weapon Ejection Device Using Push Chain for Quiet Mine Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon ejection systems are noisy and unsuitable for quiet operations, and cannot accommodate the ejection of mines from weapon barrels designed for torpedoes, as mines lack self-propulsion.
Innovation Solution
A compact weapon ejection device using rigid linear chains that can be inserted into and removed from a weapon barrel, allowing for quiet and efficient ejection of weapons by extending and retracting the chains, with a modular design to reduce noise and facilitate handling in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If compressed air is used to eject weapons, then ejection speed and acceleration are improved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the compressed air ejection system with a mechanically driven push chain system. The push chain is extended from a storage device and physically pushes the weapon through the barrel, eliminating the need for compressed air and thereby reducing noise generation during ejection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The push chain acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the drive mechanism and the weapon. It transfers the ejection force through direct mechanical contact along the barrel length, providing a quieter alternative to compressed air while maintaining effective weapon delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a weapon barrel is designed for self-propelled torpedoes, then torpedo ejection is effective, but ejection of non-self-propelled mines is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The push chain ejection system provides universal functionality for different weapon types. It can eject both self-propelled torpedoes and non-self-propelled mines by providing the necessary propulsion force throughout the barrel, making the weapon barrel system adaptable to multiple weapon configurations without requiring separate ejection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The push chain system dynamically adapts to different weapon types by adjusting its extension length and push force characteristics. The chain can be extended to match the barrel length for torpedoes or adjusted for shorter mine ejections, providing reliable ejection effectiveness across different weapon categories.
3Ease of operation
If a push chain is extended along the weapon barrel, then weapon ejection capability is achieved, but device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push chain is stored in a compact, nested configuration within the ejection device housing when not in use. The chain can be extended along the weapon barrel during operation, but retracts into a space-efficient stored position, minimizing the device's length requirements while maintaining full ejection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The push chain storage device utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by storing the chain in a coiled or folded configuration rather than a linear arrangement. This dimensional optimization allows the chain to be long enough for full barrel extension while keeping the storage device compact and manageable in size.
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
Enables quiet and efficient ejection of weapons, including mines, from existing weapon barrels without permanent modification, reducing noise and improving handling and transportability of the ejection device.
Implementation Method 1
The weapon ejection device has at least one first push chain (50) which can be extended from the at least one first push chain storage device (24) along the longitudinal direction of the weapon barrel (30)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a weapon ejection device 10, wherein the weapon ejection device 10 can be introduced into a weapon barrel 30. The weapon ejection device 10 has at least a first push chain and at least a first push chain store, wherein the at least one first thrust chain can be extended out of the at least one first push chain store of the weapon ejection device 10 along the longitudinal direction of the weapon barrel 30.