Weapon Inductive Charging Coil Alignment and Dirt Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inductive charging systems for weapons are not designed to operate in harsh environmental conditions and do not efficiently manage power distribution, leading to alignment issues and reduced charging efficiency, especially in battlefield environments where exposure to mud, sand, and other contaminants is common.

Innovation Solution

A wireless inductive charging system for weapons that includes a first inductive coil connected to a weapon system platform power supply, with a receiver that allows for drainage of environmental fluids and solids, and automatic alignment of the coils for optimal charging efficiency, enabling charging in harsh conditions and allowing the weapon to be used while charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional inductive charging systems are used in harsh environments, then charging functionality is provided, but alignment between coils deteriorates and charging efficiency decreases due to dirt accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging functionalityVSAvoidcharging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes dirt and contaminants from the charging receptacle using a vibration mechanism and ejection aperture. The receptacle is designed to vibrate and eject accumulated dirt through an aperture, preventing dirt buildup that would otherwise interfere with coil alignment and charging efficiency in harsh environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a movable receptacle face that can dynamically adjust its position. The receptacle face is designed to move toward the weapon stock when the weapon is inserted, ensuring optimal alignment between the primary and secondary coils regardless of environmental conditions or slight positioning variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If mechanical connectors are used for power transfer, then power distribution is achieved, but reliability decreases due to exposed connections and connector failures in harsh environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distributionVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connector system with an inductive power transfer system using electromagnetic fields. Power is transferred wirelessly through inductive coupling between primary and secondary coils, eliminating exposed electro-mechanical connectors and their associated failure modes in harsh environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the weapon is removed from the charger for use, then weapon mobility is achieved, but charging continuity is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweapon mobilityVSAvoidbattery operation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous charging operation by allowing the weapon to be charged while mounted in the vehicle charging receptacle. The inductive charging system maintains power transfer throughout the vehicle ride, eliminating idle time and ensuring the battery remains charged during transport without requiring the weapon to be removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system provides efficient and reliable high-power charging of a weapon's central battery, maintaining optimal alignment and preventing dirt accumulation, ensuring continuous operation in harsh environments and extending battery life.

Implementation Method 1

a first inductive coil adapted for electrical connection to a weapon system platform power supply... and a second inductive coil positioned to inductively couple with the first inductive coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9472971B2Wireless inductive charging of weapon system energy source

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 CYNETIC DESIGNS

AI summary

A charging system for the wireless inductive charging of an energy source in a weapon in a weapon system. The charging system includes a first portion of the weapon system, wherein the first portion has a first inductive coil therein, and a female receiver sized for receiving, in a male-female mating engagement, the first portion of the weapon system. The receiver has a second inductive coil positioned to inductively couple with the first inductive coil when the first portion of the weapon system is in the male-female mating engagement with the receiver. The first inductive coil is adapted for electrical connection to a weapon system platform electrical power supply and has a direct current resistance of less than or equal to substantially 0.2 Ohms so as to be adapted to provide charging power having a peak power of at least substantially 10 watts.