Weapon Station Equipment Receptacle Azimuth Axis Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon stations face challenges with high aiming moments due to the distance between the ammunition magazine and the azimuth axis of rotation, leading to imprecise and slow aiming, particularly when mounted on vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The weapon station design allows the equipment receptacle to be positioned closer to the azimuth axis of rotation by relocating it to the carriage base, enabling the weapon carriage to pivot into a folded transport position without folding the equipment receptacle, thus reducing aiming moments and lowering the center of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the equipment receptacle is arranged on the side guide part next to the weapon, then the weapon station can accommodate various weapons and equipment, but the distance from the azimuth axis of rotation increases, causing high aiming moments that prevent precise and rapid aiming
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment receptacle is relocated from a lateral position (horizontal dimension) to a lower position (vertical dimension) near the azimuth axis. This dimensional change reduces the horizontal distance from the azimuth axis, thereby minimizing aiming moments while still accommodating equipment. The receptacle is arranged below the azimuth pivot bearing, creating a vertical arrangement that solves the contradiction between equipment accommodation and aiming precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If the equipment receptacle is arranged on the side guide part, then equipment can be fed to the weapon, but the center of gravity is raised, which is disadvantageous for vehicle-mounted weapon stations
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment receptacle is positioned in the vertical dimension below the azimuth pivot bearing rather than in the horizontal dimension beside the weapon. This vertical relocation lowers the center of gravity of the entire weapon station assembly, improving vehicle stability while maintaining the equipment feeding function through the ammunition guide.
3Length of moving object
If the weapon carriage is made foldable for transport, then the overall height can be reduced, but the equipment receptacle would need to be folded along with it, complicating the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment receptacle is extracted from the weapon carriage assembly and positioned independently on the carriage base. This separation allows the weapon carriage to be folded for transport while the equipment receptacle remains stationary, avoiding the need to fold heavy equipment and simplifying the overall structure. The rotary coupling mechanism enables the weapon carriage to rotate independently without affecting the fixed equipment receptacle.
4Measurement precision
If the equipment receptacle is relocated closer to the azimuth axis, then aiming moments are reduced for precise and rapid aiming, but the equipment may experience twisting during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
A rotary coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the weapon carriage and the equipment receptacle. This coupling allows the weapon carriage to rotate in azimuth while the equipment receptacle remains fixed, preventing twisting of the equipment. The rotary coupling transmits rotational motion selectively, enabling precise aiming while maintaining equipment stability and preventing impermissible twisting.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a weapon station (6) comprising a weapon carriage (8) mounted on a carriage base (7) with an azimuth subassembly (9) that can be rotated in the azimuth direction and with an operating means receptacle (10) arranged in the carriage base (7) and rotationally coupled with the azimuth subassembly (9) for receiving an operating means (11) for the weapon station (6).