Weapon Tube With Internal Advance Device for Torpedo Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional weapon barrels require manual access and intervention for ejection, limiting their placement on watercraft and slowing the ejection process, especially when handling heavy torpedoes that need rapid acceleration.

Innovation Solution

A weapon barrel design featuring an internal advance device and ejection system, where the advance device is deployed separately from the weapon, allowing for efficient stabilization and acceleration of the weapon, and utilizing a compressed air ejection mechanism for surface vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional weapon barrel with manual access is used, then personnel can intervene for ejection, but the ejection process is slowed down and placement options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual intervention capabilityVSAvoidejection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The weapon barrel system performs ejection operations autonomously through automated mechanisms including the ejection device with gas pressure generation, muzzle flap actuation, and weapon propulsion systems that eliminate the need for manual human intervention while maintaining full operational capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated electro-mechanical and pneumatic systems, including electric motors for the ejection device, gas pressure systems for propulsion, and automated control systems that manage the entire ejection sequence without human input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a conventional weapon barrel with manual access is used, then personnel can load and eject weapons, but the number of available positions on the watercraft is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual accessVSAvoidplacement positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The weapon barrel system performs loading and ejection operations autonomously through automated mechanisms including the ejection device with gas pressure generation, muzzle flap actuation, and weapon propulsion systems that eliminate the need for manual human intervention while maintaining full operational capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The weapon barrel design integrates multiple functions including autonomous loading, stabilization, ejection, and recovery operations within a single integrated system that can be deployed in various configurations and positions on the watercraft without requiring manual access

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

3Volume of moving object

If the advance device and weapon are deployed together, then space is required for both, but this increases the volume and creates dead spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoiddeployment sequence
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment system is divided into separate functional stages: first the advance device is deployed to prepare the ejection path and stabilize the weapon, then the weapon is ejected separately. This segmentation allows optimal space utilization and eliminates dead spaces by coordinating the timing and positioning of each component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The advance device is deployed in advance before weapon ejection to prepare the ejection path, position support structures, and ensure the ejection device is ready. This preliminary action optimizes space utilization by having components in place before the main ejection event

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Force

If a heavy torpedo is ejected, then high acceleration is required, but this demands a large and heavy ejection device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacceleration forceVSAvoidejection device weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection device utilizes gas pressure systems where compressed gas is stored in a reservoir and rapidly expanded to generate high-force propulsion. This pneumatic system provides the necessary acceleration force for heavy torpedoes while keeping the ejection device weight manageable through efficient energy storage and release mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection system changes physical parameters by storing gas at high pressure and temperature, then rapidly expanding it to generate the force needed for weapon ejection. This parameter change allows a relatively compact device to produce extremely high forces for short durations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables flexible and rapid deployment of weapons, reducing manual intervention and space requirements, while ensuring safe and efficient ejection of heavy torpedoes over short distances with enhanced stabilization and reduced weight and volume of the ejection system.

Implementation Method 1

An ejection device (60) is arranged in the weapon barrel (1) for ejecting the weapon (70) from the weapon barrel (1).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4051978B1Weapon tube
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 THYSSENKRUPP MARINE SYST GMBH

AI summary

The present invention relates to a weapon tube, wherein the weapon tube has an interior space, wherein the weapon tube has a muzzle door (10), characterized in that the weapon tube has a preliminary straight-run device (20) arranged in the interior space of the weapon tube, wherein the weapon tube has a preliminary straight-run drive (30) arranged in the interior space of the weapon tube, wherein, with the muzzle door (10) open, the preliminary straight-run device (20) can be partially withdrawn from the weapon tube in the longitudinal direction of the weapon tube by the preliminary straight-run drive (30).