Electric Winch Recoil Exerciser for Large Caliber Guns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current recoil exercisers for large caliber gun systems are inefficient, requiring significant time and resources to exercise the recoil system fully, leading to potential seal wear and maintenance issues, especially in systems like the M777A2 155 mm Howitzer that may sit idle for long periods.
Innovation Solution
A recoil exerciser comprising a muzzle strap, pulley subassembly, and winch subassembly that allows for controlled and remote operation of the recoil stroke, using a winch to retract and release the barrel over a full recoil stroke, reducing maintenance needs and operational time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wrecker trucks or cumbersome equipment are used to exercise the recoil system, then the barrel can be moved through the recoil stroke, but the operation takes significant time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wrecker truck system with an electric winch system that uses a motor-driven spool to retract a rope and pull the barrel through the recoil stroke. This substitution of mechanical systems with an electrically-controlled system significantly reduces operation time and improves efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The exerciser system is designed to be self-contained and portable, allowing maintenance personnel to exercise the recoil system without requiring external heavy equipment like wrecker trucks. The system uses its own integrated winch mechanism to perform the exercising function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the recoil system is not exercised frequently, then the weapon system can remain idle in remote locations, but seal wear increases and maintenance needs arise
Solution Approach 1:
The exerciser system enables periodic maintenance operation to be performed in advance before seal failure occurs. By exercising the recoil system every 180 days or so, the sliding seals are kept lubricated and functional, preventing premature wear and maintaining reliability during periods when the weapon system remains idle in remote locations.
3Ease of operation
If current exerciser methods are used, then the recoil system can be operated, but portions of the recoil stroke are not fully exercised leaving sealing surfaces unmaintained
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system is controlled to retract the rope until the barrel reaches the full rearward position of the recoil stroke. The operator can visually confirm complete stroke coverage as the barrel moves to its extreme position, ensuring all sealing surfaces are exercised. The system provides inherent feedback through the mechanical movement itself.
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 recoil exerciser provides a faster, more efficient means of exercising the recoil system, ensuring complete maintenance of sealing surfaces and reducing downtime and maintenance costs by allowing for remote, controlled operation over the full recoil stroke.
Implementation Method 1
The winching assembly attaches to a cradle assembly of the weapon system for controllably retracting a rope connected to the muzzle pulley subassembly
Implementation Method 2
Hydraulic buffers are used during the recoil phase to convert kinetic energy to heat energy, which is dissipated to the surrounding environment
Implementation Method 3
Springs are incorporated into the system to return the cannon to battery, which are typically hydro-pneumatic accumulators or recuperators
Implementation Method 4
During the recoil phases, these sliding seals travel along precision-machined surfaces at high speed. Over time, friction and abrasion cause wear to the seals
Implementation Method 5
Lubrication of a recoil system's internal sliding surfaces can be accomplished by routine live-fire usage of the weapon, or by an external means of forcing the cannon through the recoil phases
Data Source
AI summary
An electric winch provides motive force, allowing the cannon to be pulled out of battery and returned to battery in a safe and controlled manner. After the system is attached to the large caliber weapon system, the operator can stand a safe distance away and control the complete operation with a remote. The recoil exerciser can be quickly attached to any large caliber weapon system via hooks and a wear-resistant sling.