Weapon Mount Locking System Using Brake Calipers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weapon mounts face challenges in maintaining accurate aiming due to recoil-induced muzzle movement and the need to reposition the muzzle to track moving targets, especially on mobile platforms.
Innovation Solution
A weapon mount system with first and second locking mechanisms, utilizing brake calipers and rotors, allows for selective locking and repositioning of the muzzle in vertical and horizontal planes, enabling precise alignment and quick adjustments through control interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the weapon muzzle is left freely movable to allow quick repositioning for tracking moving targets, then the speed of repositioning is improved, but the accuracy is worsened due to recoil-induced muzzle hop and inability to maintain precise aim
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states. The brake calipers provide selectable locking mechanisms that can be engaged to maintain precise aim or disengaged to allow quick repositioning. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by providing both stability when needed and mobility when needed, rather than being fixed in one state.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake calipers apply preliminary counteracting force to the recoil-induced muzzle movement by creating friction against the brake rotors. This preliminary anti-action prevents muzzle hop and maintains aim accuracy during firing, counteracting the harmful recoil effects before they can disrupt precision.
2Measurement precision
If locking mechanisms are added to maintain aim accuracy, then the accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional brake calipers, rotors, and control interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, selectable feature through the brake caliper system rather than being integrated into the basic mount structure. The brake calipers and rotors are added as distinct components that can be engaged or disengaged independently, allowing the accuracy enhancement without permanently complicating the fundamental weapon mount design.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake calipers are designed to be actuated by simple control interfaces that the operator can manipulate directly. The system serves itself by using the operator's input through the control interfaces to automatically engage or disengage the locking mechanisms, reducing the need for complex automated control systems while maintaining accuracy when needed.
3Measurement precision
If the brake calipers continuously engage the brake rotors to prevent muzzle movement, then the accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to inability to quickly reposition for moving targets
Solution Approach 1:
The brake caliper engagement is made dynamic and selectable rather than continuous. The control interfaces allow the operator to switch between locked and unlocked states as needed, providing ease of repositioning when tracking moving targets while maintaining accuracy when engaging stationary targets. This on-demand locking resolves the contradiction between continuous stability and operational flexibility.
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
Enhances accuracy by allowing operators to lock and reposition the muzzle quickly, mitigating recoil-induced errors and maintaining target alignment on mobile platforms.
Implementation Method 1
a first brake caliper selectively engages the first brake rotor
Implementation Method 2
The first brake caliper selectively engages the first brake rotor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to weapon mount systems that can be locked into a particular position. In an embodiment, the invention includes a weapon mount including a base structure; a mounting structure pivotably coupled to the base structure; a weapon cradle pivotably coupled to the mounting structure, the weapon cradle configured to hold a weapon. The weapon mount also includes a first locking mechanism configured to restrict pivoting of the weapon cradle relative to the mounting structure in a vertical plane, the first locking mechanism comprising a first brake caliper; and a first brake rotor, wherein the first brake caliper selectively engages the first brake rotor. The weapon mount also includes a second locking mechanism configured to restrict pivoting of the mounting structure relative to the base structure in a horizontal plane, the second locking mechanism comprising a second brake caliper; and a second brake rotor, wherein the second brake caliper selectively engages the second brake rotor. The weapon mount also includes a first control interface configured to actuate the first locking mechanism and a second control interface configured to actuate the second locking mechanism. Other embodiments are also included herein.