Movable Weapon Station Platform With Inclined Lifting Ramp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing military vehicles with weapon stations face challenges in transporting them due to exceeding maximum loading dimensions, requiring labor-intensive dismantling, and existing lifting devices lack stability and efficiency in transferring heavy weapon station forces.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle with a weapon station mounted on a platform that can be moved between operating and transport positions via an inclined lifting mechanism, utilizing a rack and pinion system, parallel guides, and a drive system for stable, automated movement, with locking mechanisms to secure the platform in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the weapon station is mounted on a platform that can be lowered from operational position to transport position via a lifting device, then the loading dimensions are reduced for transport, but the lifting device's load-bearing capacity is limited due to high torques in the connection area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading dimensionsVSAvoidload-bearing capacity of lifting device

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of pivoting the platform on a vertical axis during lifting, the platform is moved linearly along an inclined lifting ramp. This inverts the conventional lifting approach, converting rotational motion into linear motion along a slope, which eliminates the torque multiplication effect and allows heavy weapon stations to be moved without exceeding the lifting device's load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting mechanism transitions from a vertical pivoting motion to an inclined linear motion. By introducing an inclined ramp at an angle between 10° and 45° to the horizontal, the system changes the dimension of motion from purely vertical to diagonal, distributing the force components and reducing the torque burden on the lifting device while maintaining the weapon station's weight support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the platform is moved between transport and operating positions via a pivoting motion, then the weapon station can be repositioned, but the acting forces and torques vary with position reducing stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform repositioningVSAvoidplatform stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static pivoting mechanism to a dynamic linear movement system along an inclined ramp. The platform moves dynamically along the inclined lifting ramp between transport and operating positions, maintaining consistent force distribution and torque characteristics throughout the movement range, which enhances stability compared to fixed-pivot systems where forces vary with angular position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a conventional lifting device is used to move the weapon station, then the weapon station can be repositioned, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweapon station repositioningVSAvoidrepositioning speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual or simple hydraulic lifting mechanism is replaced with an automated drive system featuring a rack and pinion gear mechanism. This mechanical substitution enables automated, motorized movement of the platform along the inclined ramp, significantly reducing the labor required and increasing the repositioning speed from manual operation to automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting system becomes self-servicing through the automated drive mechanism. The rack and pinion system with motorized actuation allows the platform to move itself between positions without requiring external manual intervention for each movement, transforming a labor-intensive process into an automated self-propelled operation that increases productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures reliable and efficient transfer of heavy weapon station forces into the vehicle, maintaining stability and reducing loading dimensions by allowing the weapon station to be positioned within the vehicle's contours during transport, enabling seamless integration with existing vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

This inclined design enables both the weight and firing reaction forces of the weapon station to be transferred quickly and efficiently into the vehicle via the platform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a rack and pinion system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRack and Pinion: Rack and Pinion

Data Source

PatentEP4509794B1Vehicle with movable weapon station

Publication Date: 2026.04.08 KNDS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle (10), in particular a military land vehicle, with a weapon station (1), in particular a remotely controlled weapon station, which is mounted on a platform (3) that can be moved between an operating position (B) and a transport position (T) via a lifting device (2), wherein the platform (3) can be moved back and forth along a lifting ramp (7) via the lifting device (2).