Active recoil control system
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
InventorsMatthew Tomik, William Bartell, Thomas Tighe, Noah Gordon, Joshua Stapp
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An active recoil control system uses multiple sensors in combination with a solenoid controlled multi-disc brake to adjust the weapon recoil. Using outputs from the sensors, a controller predicts and reacts to a recoiling mass performance, and applies the required braking force, in order to compensate for anticipated or actual variations. Feedback from the sensors allows the active recoil control system to adjust braking during the recoil strokes and counter-recoil strokes in order to optimize the weapon operation and performance in extreme firing conditions.
Claims11
An active recoil control system for adjusting a weapon recoil, wherein a weapon is provided with a recoiling mass, comprising:
- a multi-disc brake that generates a braking load;
- a solenoid that controls operation of the multi-disc brake, for adjusting the weapon recoil;
- a rack gear is mounted on the recoiling mass, to permit the braking load to be transmitted to the recoiling mass;
- wherein the multi-disc brake includes:
- a brake shaft;
- a disc assembly comprised of stators and rotors, wherein as the disc assembly is subjected to an axial load, a torque is applied on the brake shaft;
- and
- a spring that applies a force to a pressure plate;
- wherein the pressure plate selectively transmits the spring force to the disc assembly, causing the brake to apply a damping force to the recoiling mass;
- and
- wherein the solenoid selectively opposes the spring force via the pressure plate, to relieve the spring force transmitted to the disc assembly, in order to allow the brake shaft to spin freely.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.