Weapon Shell Loading Stretcher Parallelogram Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shell loading devices for weapons are complex and time-consuming due to the combination of tilting and translation movements, which disrupts recoil and increases loading time, and lack sufficient rigidity for using impeller-type loading means.

Innovation Solution

A loading device with a stretcher that utilizes a finger lock mechanism, a driving rod, and a transverse groove to facilitate a single motor-driven movement from the shell deposition position to the positioning position, ensuring alignment and protection of the weapon's cone while maintaining rigidity through a deformable parallelogram structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the stretcher combines tilting and translation movements to position the shell, then the shell can be reliably positioned in the chamber, but the loading time increases and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshell positioning reliabilityVSAvoidloading time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The movement is segmented into two distinct phases: first tilting the stretcher to align with the weapon axis, then translating it forward. This segmentation allows each movement type to be optimized independently, reducing total loading time while maintaining reliable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stretcher support structure uses a deformable parallelogram mechanism that dynamically adjusts during operation. The parallelogram deforms to accommodate the transition from tilting to translation, enabling smooth phase change and improving overall system responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the stretcher combines tilting and translation movements, then the shell can be positioned correctly, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshell positioning reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driving rod serves multiple functions: it tilts the stretcher support during the first phase and then translates the stretcher during the second phase. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate actuators needed, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining reliable positioning.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable parallelogram acts as an intermediary mechanism between the driving rod and the stretcher. It mediates the complex motion requirements by providing a smooth transition between tilting and translation phases, reducing the complexity of direct actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the stretcher is moved over a significant length, then the shell can be positioned accurately, but interference occurs and loading time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshell positioning precisionVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stretcher is first tilted into the correct angular position before translation begins. This preliminary action ensures that the stretcher is properly aligned with the weapon chamber axis, preventing interference during the subsequent translation phase and enabling accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable parallelogram provides dynamic adjustment during the translation phase, allowing the stretcher to maintain proper alignment while moving through the significant length required for accurate positioning, thereby preventing interference with the weapon system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the device lacks sufficient rigidity, then the structure is more flexible, but impeller-type loading means cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural flexibilityVSAvoidloading means compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable parallelogram provides dynamic rigidity - remaining flexible during the tilting phase for ease of operation, then becoming rigid during the translation phase to support impeller-type loading means. This dynamic stiffness adjustment enables compatibility with high-performance loading mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its rigidity parameter dynamically during operation. The parallelogram structure transitions from a more flexible state during tilting to a rigid state during translation, allowing the device to accommodate both operational requirements and support impeller-type loading means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4214458B1Device for loading a shell into the chamber of a weapon
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 KNDS FRANCE
  • EP4214458B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4214458B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4214458B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The subject matter of the invention is a device for loading a shell into the chamber of a weapon, said device comprising a stretcher (2) intended to receive the shell, which stretcher can be moved in order to bring it closer to the chamber (3) of the weapon and position the shell. This loading device is characterised in that the stretcher (2) is slidably mounted on a stretcher support (7) in a positioning direction, the stretcher support being connected to the weapon by a set of load-bearing rods (16a, 16b) forming a deformable parallelogram, allowing the stretcher support to move whilst maintaining the positioning direction parallel to the axis of the barrel of the weapon. The load-bearing rods are driven by a pivoting drive rod (21) connected to a drive means, the drive rod being secured to a load-bearing rod (16b) by an unlockable locking means and being connected to the stretcher (2) at one end by means of a sliding pivot link (28, 29).