Weapon-Mounted Device Shock Mitigation via Axial Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current weapon-mounted devices face challenges in handling recoil-induced shock and acceleration, leading to increased design and engineering efforts, costs, and potential damage due to the use of sensitive components, necessitating a more effective shock mitigation system.
Innovation Solution
A shock mitigation apparatus that includes a weapon interface allowing limited axial movement and preventing non-axial movement, utilizing guide members and resilient members to absorb, dissipate, or reshape recoil-induced shock, thereby reducing the magnitude of shock transmitted to the weapon-mounted device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If weapon-mounted devices are designed with higher shock and acceleration handling capabilities to meet weapon specifications, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shock mitigation device as an intermediary component between the weapon and the weapon-mounted device. This mediator absorbs and attenuates recoil-induced shock and acceleration, protecting the mounted device without requiring it to be inherently shock-resistant. The device includes a shock element that couples to the weapon and a mounting structure that holds the weapon-mounted device, creating a buffered connection that reduces transmitted forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock mitigation device is installed beforehand between the weapon and the weapon-mounted device to provide preemptive protection. The shock element is pre-configured to absorb and attenuate recoil forces before they reach the sensitive components of the mounted device, preventing damage before it occurs rather than requiring the device to withstand full shock loads.
2Reliability
If weapon-mounted devices are designed with higher shock and acceleration handling capabilities, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock mitigation device serves as a cost-effective intermediary solution rather than requiring expensive shock-resistant weapon-mounted devices. By placing a relatively simple shock-absorbing interface between the weapon and the mounted device, the system achieves reliable shock protection without the high manufacturing costs associated with building inherently shock-resistant mounted devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock mitigation device uses simpler, more cost-effective components compared to building expensive shock-resistant weapon-mounted devices. The shock element and mounting structure can be manufactured at lower cost than redesigning entire weapon-mounted devices with enhanced shock handling capabilities, making this a more economical solution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensitive components are used in weapon-mounted devices, then device functionality is improved, but shock sensitivity increases leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The shock mitigation device acts as a protective intermediary that allows sensitive components to be used in weapon-mounted devices without exposing them to damaging shock forces. The shock element absorbs and attenuates recoil-induced acceleration, enabling the use of sensitive but functionally superior components that would otherwise be too vulnerable to direct weapon recoil.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If shock mitigation is implemented to protect weapon-mounted devices, then component lifetime is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock mitigation device segments the connection between the weapon and the weapon-mounted device into distinct functional components: a shock element for absorbing recoil forces and a mounting structure for holding the device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall interface design compared to creating an inherently shock-resistant mounted device.
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 effectively reduces recoil-induced shock and acceleration, extending the useful lifetime of sensitive components while minimizing manufacturing costs and system bulk.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient member structured to be coupled to the weapon interface... substantially mitigate the recoil-induced shock by one of: (a) absorbing the recoil-induced shock, (b) dissipating the recoil-induced shock
Implementation Method 2
a weapon interface operable for coupling the weapon to the weapon-mounted device... allowing limited axial movement of the weapon-mounted device with respect to the weapon and for substantially preventing non-axial movement
Data Source
AI summary
A shock mitigation system for a weapon having a weapon-mounted device that mitigates (reduces and/or reshapes) the total and/or peak acceleration transmitted to the weapon-mounted device when the weapon is fired. The shock mitigation system includes a weapon interface coupled between the weapon and the weapon-mounted device and having a dampening mechanism. In one embodiment, the weapon interface further includes a guide system that allows the weapon-mounted device to move axially relative to the weapon, while substantially limiting non-axial movement, from a first position (static position prior to firing) to a second position (after firing) and return to the first original position. In one embodiment, the dampening mechanism operates to provide bi-directional dampening of both the primary recoil-induced acceleration and any secondary acceleration caused by overshoot. In another embodiment, the dampening mechanism is user-adjustable.