Weapon Loading Device with Integrated Propellant Retainer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loading devices for large caliber weapons require separate introduction of projectiles and propellant charges, resulting in a slow reloading process and reduced rate of fire due to the need to remove the loading device before introducing propellant charges.

Innovation Solution

A loading device with a propellant charge holder that allows simultaneous introduction of propellant charges and projectiles into the charge chamber, featuring a ramming surface and a design that enables the propellant charges to be conveyed into the chamber alongside the projectile, eliminating the need to remove the loading device before introducing propellant charges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the loading device is removed from the charge chamber before introducing propellant charges, then the propellant charges can be properly positioned behind the projectile, but the reloading time increases and the rate of fire decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproper positioning of propellant chargesVSAvoidrate of fire
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of projectile loading and propellant charge introduction into a single integrated operation. The loading device is designed to simultaneously convey both the projectile and propellant charges into the charge chamber, eliminating the need to remove the device between these operations. This combining of operations allows proper positioning of propellant charges while maintaining high reloading speed and rate of fire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If the projectile and propellant charges are introduced separately into the charge chamber, then each component can be precisely positioned, but the loading process takes more time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precision of ammunition componentsVSAvoidreloading time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning both the projectile and propellant charges on the loading device before insertion into the charge chamber. The propellant charge holder is designed with features that ensure proper positioning of charges relative to the projectile during the single loading operation, achieving precise positioning without sequential operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the loading device remains in the charge chamber during propellant charge introduction, then the reloading process is faster, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereloading speedVSAvoidloading device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a projectile conveyor and as a propellant charge holder. The device structure integrates the propellant charge holder as part of the loading mechanism, allowing it to perform multiple functions (holding projectile, holding propellant charges, conveying both into chamber) without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2405227B1Loading device and method for loading a weapon with separated munition and artillery gun with a weapon and a loading device
Publication Date: 2016.08.10 KRAUSS MAFFEI WEGMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2405227B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2405227B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2405227B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The device (2) has an attaching surface (3) i.e. planar attaching bar (9), arranged at a front side of a propellant retainer (8). The attaching surface attaches a projectile (1) in a loading chamber of a weapon in an attachment position. An inner contour of the retainer is adapted to an outer counter of propellants (4) such that the propellants planarly lie at the inner counter of the retainer. An outer contour and the inner contour of the retainer are formed in circular arc shape. An end of the bar is pivotably hinged at the front side of the retainer by a hinge. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a gun comprising a rear holder (2) a method for loading a weapon by a loading device.