Patent Publication Number: US-10330422-B2

Title: Cartridge based modular turret control system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/055,384, entitled “Cartridge Based Modular Turret Control System,” filed Feb. 26, 2016 by Domholt, et al., which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/722,819, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,733,037, entitled “Battery-Powered Motor Unit,” filed May 27, 2015 by Domholt, et al., which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/895,787, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,759,506, entitled “Battery-Powered Motor Unit,” filed May 16, 2013 by Domholt, et al., which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/751,254, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,443,710, entitled “Battery-Powered Motor Unit,” filed Mar. 31, 2010 by Domholt, et al., which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/165,310, entitled “Battery-Powered Motor Unit,” filed Mar. 31, 2009 by Domholt, et al. 
     This application incorporates the entire contents of the foregoing applications herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Various embodiments relate generally to operation of turret systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Turret gun systems are commonly deployed in military operations. The turret gun systems may be mounted on structures such as buildings, or on vehicles, such as combat vehicles, aircrafts or ships. 
     Turret gun systems are commonly equipped on armored vehicles and have mountings for large caliber guns. For the turret gun systems to be effective, the rotation of the turret gun system must be accomplished very efficiently. Turret gun systems usually include shields to provide protection to the operator(s) of the turret gun system. 
     SUMMARY 
     Apparatus and associated methods relate to a modular cartridge turret assembly system for quickly exchanging modular cartridges to interact with a ring gear. A modular cartridge may be a brake cartridge, which when inserted into a modular cartridge turret assembly, operably engages with the ring gear to inhibit the rotation of a turret. In an illustrative example, the brake cartridge, when inserted, may prevent damages and injuries caused by the rotation of the turret during transportation. In an exemplary embodiment, the modular cartridge turret assembly system may include a locking mechanism to secure the modular cartridge within the modular cartridge turret assembly. The locking mechanism may safeguard that the brake cartridge remains within the modular cartridge turret assembly system during turbulent situations caused by environmental conditions. 
     Various embodiments may achieve one or more advantages. For example, some embodiments may include a hand crank cartridge to actuate rotation of the turret when the hand crank cartridge is installed. In an illustrative example, the brake cartridge may be removed from the modular cartridge turret assembly by releasing the locking mechanism. The hand crank cartridge may be inserted into the modular cartridge turret assembly immediately after the removal of the brake cartridge without the need of any tools. In another embodiment, the hand crank cartridge may include a brake mechanism to operably engage with the ring gear to inhibit the rotation of a turret. In another embodiment, the modular cartridge may be an electrically powered motor cartridge. 
     The modular cartridge turret assembly system for quickly exchanging modular cartridges may provide cost-savings. For example, if the hand crank cartridge malfunctioned or was damaged, only the hand crank cartridge would need to be replaced. The modular cartridge turret assembly system may include individual slide flanges to couple to pre-existing motors or hand cranks. Once the slide flanges are coupled to the motor, for example, the motor may be used with the modular cartridge turret assembly system. The slide flanges may be of different sizes and shapes to accommodate various types of motors, hand cranks, and combination systems. 
     In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be an install pin. For example, the modular cartridge turret assembly and the modular cartridge may include apertures into which an install pin may be inserted. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism may be a self-biased locking mechanism that releasably attaches to either the modular cartridge turret assembly or the modular cartridge. 
     The details of various embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A-1B  depict an exploded view of a turret system including an exemplary cartridge mounting assembly and a magnified view of a cartridge mounting assembly. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a top view of an exemplary cartridge mounting assembly, a set of cartridge ring gear engagement modules, and a pair of cartridge flanges. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a top view of an exemplary cartridge mounting assembly. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge ring gear engagement module for inhibiting rotation of a turret. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a top view of an exemplary cartridge ring gear engagement module coupled to a cartridge mounting assembly for inhibiting rotation of a turret. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a top view of an exemplary cartridge ring gear engagement module for actuating rotation of a turret. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a top view of an exemplary cartridge ring gear engagement module coupled to a cartridge mounting assembly for actuating rotation of a turret. 
         FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C  depict top views of various exemplary slide flange locking mechanisms. 
         FIG. 8D  depicts a top view of an exemplary slide flange with a shelf. 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1A-1B  depict an exploded view of a turret system including an exemplary cartridge mounting assembly and a magnified view of the cartridge mounting assembly. As depicted in  FIG. 1A , a turret system  100  includes a cover plate  105  and a base plate  110 . The cover plate  105  shields a ring gear  115  that is attached to the base plate. The cover plate  105 , as depicted, includes an extended portion  120  where a cartridge ring gear engagement module (CRGEM)  125  communicates with the ring gear  115 . The CRGEM  125  includes a gear engagement component  130 , such that, when the CRGEM  125  installs on a cartridge mounting assembly (CMA)  135 , the CRGEM  125  mounts to an inner race of a bearing (not shown) where the gear engagement component  130  is in operable communication with the ring gear  115  to actuate rotation of the turret system  100 . A pair of slide flange securing mechanisms, such as, for example, install pins (not shown) may secure the CRGEM  125  when installed on the CMA  130 . 
     As depicted,  FIG. 1B  magnifies the CMA  135  to illustrated various CRGEM  125  components that may be quickly installed and uninstalled in a variety of different steps. Beginning at  140 , the CMA  130  does not have any CRGEMs  125   a ,  125   b  installed. A CRGEM  125   a  is installed on the CMA  135 , at  145 . The CRGEM  125   a  is a rotation prevention module that inhibits the turret system  100  from rotating. A rotation prevention module may be advantageous, for example, when transporting the turret system  100  via ship or airplane. 
     At  150 , the CRGEM  125   a  is uninstalled. The CMA  135  may remain empty as in  140 , or another CRGEM  125   b  may be installed. At  155 , CRGEM  125   b  is installed on the CMA  135 . The CRGEM  125   b  may include a mechanical hand crank to be used to actuate rotation of the turret system. The CRGEM  125   b  may be installed during deployment of the turret system  100  to actuate rotation of the turret system  100  when out in the field. 
     In some embodiments, the CRGEM  125   b  may be a battery powered motor of various sizes, including, for example, a standard size battery powered motor or a heavy-duty size battery powered motor. The CMA  135  may permit exchange of various CRGEMs  125  in a quick manner to effectively change the operation modes of the turret system, for example, from a transportation mode to a deployment mode. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a top view of an exemplary cartridge mounting assembly, a set of cartridge ring gear engagement modules, and a pair of cartridge flanges. The CMA  200 , as depicted, includes a pair of mounting surfaces (not shown) for mounting the CMA  200  to a structure. In some embodiments, the mounting surfaces may have a curvature consistent with a structure to which the CMA  200  will be mounted. For example, a curvature of the mounting surfaces may be consistent with the turret system  100 , or a vehicle. 
     As depicted, a pair of slide channels  205 ,  210  form on opposite sides of the CMA  200 . The slide channels  205 ,  210  are configured to receive slide flanges  215   a - 215   b ,  220   a - 220   b . The slide flanges  215   a ,  215   b  are configured to attach to a CRGEM  225 . The slide flanges  215   a ,  215   b  may slideably engage the slide channels  205 ,  210 . When the CRGEM  225  is attached to the slide flanges  215   a ,  215   b  and the slide flanges  215   a ,  215   b  are received by the slide channels  205 ,  210 , a ring gear engagement component  230  of the CRGEM  225  is in operable communication with a ring gear  235 . In some embodiments, the CRGEM  225  may be an electric motor including a hand crank and a brake. In other embodiments, the CRGEM  225  may be a hand crank with no electrical components. 
     As depicted, the slide flanges  220   a ,  220   b  form part of the construction of a CRGEM  240 . The slide flanges  220   a ,  220   b  may slideably engage the slide channels  205 ,  210 . When the slide flanges  220   a ,  220   b  are received by the slide channels  205 ,  210 , a ring gear engagement component  245  of the CRGEM  240  is in operable communication with the ring gear  235 . As depicted, the ring gear engagement component  245  is a rigid unitary piece to inhibit the ring gear  235  from rotating. The CRGEM  240  may be constructed of a rigid material, for example, cast iron. 
     The slide flanges  215   a - 215   b ,  220   a - 220   b  may include apertures that align to apertures included in the slide channels  205 ,  210 . When the apertures of the slide flanges  215   a - 215   b ,  220   a - 220   b  and of the slide channels  205 ,  210  align, a pair of install pins  255   a ,  255   b  may be inserted through the aligned apertures to secure the CRGEM  225 ,  240  to the CMA  200 . 
     The CMA  200 , the slide flanges  215   a ,  215   b , and the CRGEMs  225 ,  240  may be contained as a kit in a container  260 . As depicted, the container  260  is a box. In other embodiments, the container  260  may be cylindrical or rectangular, or a pallet, for example. The container  260  may be constructed of any material suitable to hold the CMA  200 , the slide flanges  215   a ,  215   b , and the CRGEMs  225 ,  240 . For example, the container  260  may be constructed from wood, plastic, or cardboard. In some embodiments, the container  260  may include compartments to arrange the CMA  200 , the slide flanges  215   a ,  215   b , and the CRGEMs  225 ,  240  within the container  260 . 
     The container  260  may also include assembly packaging  270  to hold fasteners that may be used to attach the CMA  200  to a structure. For examples, the fasteners may be bolts  275   a , washers  275   b , and nuts  275   c . In other embodiments, the assembly packaging may include bolts  275   a , washers  275   b , and nuts  275   c  of various sizes and lengths for attaching the CMA  200  to a variety of structures. In some embodiments, the assembly packaging  270  may include other parts aside from fasteners. For example, the assembly packaging  270  may include spacers or standoffs. 
     The container  260  may further include a tools packaging  280 . As depicted, the tools packaging  280  includes an open-end wrench  285   a  and an adjustable plier wrench  285   b . The tools packaging  280  may include other tools necessary to attach the CMA  200  to a structure. For example, screwdrivers, ratchet wrenches, or torque wrenches may be included in the tools packaging  260 . In an exemplary embodiment, the tools included in the tools packaging  280  complements the components of the assembly packaging  270 . An instruction manual  265  is included in the container  260 . The instruction manual  265  may include instructions for attaching the CMA  200  to different structures. In some embodiments, other manuals and information may be included in the container  260 , such as, for example, maintenance guidelines or warranty information for the CMA  200 , the slide flanges  215   a ,  215   b , and the CRGEMs  225 ,  240 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts a top view of an exemplary cartridge mounting assembly. A CMA  300  includes a structure mounting flange  305  and a pair of mounting surfaces  310 . The structure mounting flange  305  has a curvature consistent with a structure, for example, a turret, on which the CMA  30  may be mounted. As depicted, the structure mounting flange  305  and the pair of mounting surfaces  310  are substantially perpendicular relative to one another. The mounting surfaces  310  are configured to complement the mounting flange  305  when mounting to a structure. The structure mounting flange  305  includes mounting apertures  315  to secure the CMA  300  to the structure. The mounting surfaces may also include mounting apertures to secure the CMA  300  to the structure. In some embodiments, the structure mounting flange  305  and mounting surfaces  310  may be a unitary rigid material, such as, for example steel. 
     As depicted, a first receiving surface  320  and a second receiving surface  325  are formed by the CMA  300 . The receiving surfaces  320 ,  325  have a U-shaped construction forming slide channels  330 ,  335 . The U-shaped construction includes a base wall that is coupled to the structure mounting flange  305 . The U-shaped construction further includes two opposing side walls extending from the base wall. The slide channels  330 , 335  are configured to receive slide flanges (described in further detail in  FIGS. 4 and 6 ) to engage operable communication between a CRGEM (reference numbers  400  or  600  in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , respectively) and the CMA  300 . In some embodiments, the thickness of the base wall at one end of the slide channel  330  is less than the thickness of the base wall at an opposite end of the slide channel  330 . 
     The receiving surfaces  320 ,  325  include install pin apertures (not shown) that align on each of the U-shaped walls. In some embodiments, only one of the receiving walls  320 ,  325  may have install pin apertures. Install pins  340 ,  345  are inserted in the aligned apertures of the receiving surfaces  320 ,  325 . The install pins  340 ,  345  include a pin securing mechanism  350 ,  355  to prevent the install pins  340 ,  345  from sliding out of the install pin apertures after being inserted. As depicted, the pin securing mechanism  350 ,  355  is a spring-loaded mechanism that requires a minimum specific load for the install pins  320 ,  325  to be removed. In some embodiments, the pin securing mechanism  350 ,  355  may be other securing mechanisms, such as, for example, lynch pins, R-clips, split pins, or retaining pins. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge ring gear engagement module for inhibiting rotation of a turret. As depicted, the CRGEM  400  includes a brake base  405 . The brake base  405  includes a bottom end  410  and a top end  415 , the bottom end  405  and the top end  415  being substantially parallel to each other. The bottom end  410  and top end  415  are connected by side ends  420 ,  425  defining a substantially rectangular shape for the brake base  405 . A gear communication module  430  extends from the top end  415  substantially orthogonal to the side ends  420 ,  425 . The gear communication module  430  includes a set of teeth  435  to operabably engage the ring gear  115 . As depicted, the set of teeth  435  are of a triangular shape. In some embodiments, the set of teeth  435  may be other shapes, for example, rectangular or square. 
     A pair of slide flanges  440 ,  445  extend from the side walls  420 ,  425 . The slide flange  440  does not extend equally from the side wall  420  between the top end  415  and the bottom end  410 . The slide flange  440  may be formed to compliment a receiving surface  325  by defining a surface distance that increases along the line of travel of a gravity vector. The gravity vector being parallel to the slide flanges  440 ,  445  when the CRGEM  400  is installed in the CMA  300 , which is mounted to a structure. As depicted, the slide flange  440  ends before reaching the bottom end  410  to form a slide support surface  450 . The slide support surface  450  may interface with a respective support surface of a slide channel to contain the slide flange  440  within the slide channel when engaged. Near the top end  415 , the slide flange  440  includes a slide flange aperture  455 . The slide flange aperture  455  may align with the install pin apertures of the receiving surface  325  of the slide channel  335 , and when aligned, the install pin  345  may be inserted through the respective apertures to secure the brake base  405  within the CMA  300 . 
     The slide flange  445  extends substantially equally from the side wall  425  between the top end  415  and the bottom end  410 . The slide flange  445  may be formed to compliment a receiving surface  330 . The slide flange  445  includes a slide flange aperture  460  near the top end  415 . The slide flange aperture  460  may align with the install pin apertures of the receiving surface  320  of the slide channel  330 , and when aligned, the install pin  340  may be inserted through the respective apertures to secure the brake base  405  within the CMA  300 . 
     As depicted, the brake base  405  includes a brake base aperture  465  at the approximate center of the brake base  405 . In some embodiments, the size of the brake base aperture  465  may be smaller or bigger to manage the weight or grip-ability of the CRGEM  400 . In other embodiments, the brake base may not include a brake base aperture  465  to maximize the weight of the CRGEM  400 . 
     In some embodiments, the CRGEM  400  may be installed to facilitate transportation of the turret system  100 . For example, the CRGEM  400  may be installed to prevent the turret from rotating while being transported by a ship or an airplane. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a top view of an exemplary cartridge ring gear engagement module coupled to a cartridge mounting assembly for inhibiting rotation of a turret. As depicted, the CMA  300  is coupled to the CRGEM  400 . The slide flange  440  is slidably received by the slide channel  335 . The install pin  345  is inserted through the install pin apertures of the receiving surface  325 . The slide flange  445  is slidably received by the slide channel  330 . The install pin  340  is inserted through the install pin apertures of the receiving surface  320 . As depicted, with the install pins inserted, the CRGEM  400  is securely coupled to the CMA  300 . In the turret system  100 , the gear communication module  430  is in a plane parallel with the ring gear  115  when the brake base  405  is installed in the CMA  300 . 
     The CRGEM  400  may be quickly removed from the CMA  300  by removing the install pins  340 ,  345  and slidably disengaging the slide flanges  440 ,  445  from the slide channels  330 ,  335 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a top view of an exemplary cartridge ring gear engagement module for actuating rotation of a turret. The CRGEM  600  includes a ring engagement module  605  with a ring of teeth  610  around a circumference about the drive gear  615 . The drive gear  615  attaches the ring of teeth  610  to a housing body  620  of the CRGEM  600 . A housing portion  625  extends from the housing side  630 . As depicted, the housing portion  625  is cylindrical in shape. The housing portion  625  may contain a drive gear mechanism to drive the drive gear  615  to actuate the ring engagement module  605 . In some embodiments, the housing portion  625  may be of another shape, for example, rectangular. The drive gear mechanism may be a hand crank brake. In other embodiments, the drive gear mechanism may be motorized, for example, an electromagnetic motor. 
     A pair of slide flange mounts  640 ,  655  attach to housing sides  630 ,  635  of the housing body  620 . In the depicted embodiment, the slide flange mount  640  is configured to attach to the housing side  630  adjacent to the housing portion  625 . The slide flange mount  640  forms a slide flange  645  to be received by the slide channel  335 . The slide flange  645  includes a slide flange aperture  650 . The slide flange mount  655  is configured to attach to the housing side  635 . The slide flange mount  655  forms a slide flange  660  to be received by the slide channel  330 . The slide flange  660  includes a slide flange aperture  665 . As depicted, the slide flange mount  655  is larger than the slide flange mount  640 . In some embodiments, the slide flange mounts  640 ,  655  may be approximately equal in size. In other embodiments, the slide flange  640  may be larger than slide flange  655 . 
     The housing body  620  includes a manual input shaft (not shown). The manual input is in operable communication with the drive mechanism to drive the driver gear  615 . A drive cap  670  is pivotably disposed over the manual input shaft. The drive cap  670 , when opened, may receive a handle  675 . The handle  675 , when attached to the manual input shaft, may be operated to drive gear mechanism to drive the drive gear  615  to actuate the ring engagement module  605 . The handle  675  has a coupling end that is configured to removably attach to the manual input shaft. As depicted, the coupling end has U-shaped coupling to interface with the manual input shaft. In some embodiments, the handle  670  may have other coupling ends, as such, for example, the handle  670  and the manual input shaft may mutually define a pin passage to receive a handle pin to secure the handle  670  to the manual input. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a top view of an exemplary cartridge ring gear engagement module coupled to a cartridge mounting assembly for actuating rotation of a turret. As depicted, the CMA  300  is coupled to the CRGEM  700 . The slide flange  705  is slidably received by the slide channel  335 . The slide flange  710  is slidably received by the slide channel  330 . When the CMA  300  is installed on a structure with a ring gear, the ring of teeth  715  are positioned to interface with a ring gear. As depicted, the housing portion  720  is longer than the housing portion  625  of the CRGEM  600 . The housing portion  720  may be configured to hold an electrical motor to drive a driver gear. A drive cap  725  is pivotably disposed over the manual input shaft. The drive cap  725 , when opened, may receive a handle to drive a drive gear to actuate a ring engagement module  715 . The drive cap  726  may include an override switch configured to prevent operation of the electrical motor when the drive cap  726  is open. 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  depict top views of various exemplary slide flange locking mechanisms.  FIG. 8A  depicts a slide flange securing mechanisms having a slide lock  805 . The slide lock  805  may slide to cover a slide flange received by a slide channel  810  to secure the slide flange within the slide channel  810 . As depicted, the inner walls of the slide channel  810  are substantially parallel to each other.  FIG. 8B  depicts a slide flange securing mechanisms having a rotary lock  815 . The rotary lock  815  rotates about a rotation attachment pin  820  to cover a slide flange received by a slide channel  825  to secure the slide flange within the slide channel  825 .  FIG. 8C  depicts a slide flange securing mechanism having a button release  830 . As depicted, a self-biased locking mechanism  835  is located within the slide channel  840 . A slide flange (not shown) is configured to define an engagement area to receive the self-biased locking mechanism  835 . After the engagement area releasably engages the spring loaded component  835 , the button release  830  must be pressed to remove the slide flange from the slide channel  840 . As depicted, the slide channel  840  includes a pair of apertures  845  configured to releasably engage a slide flange self-biased locking mechanism (not shown) to secure the slide flange within the slide channel  840 . The slide flange self-biased locking mechanism may be released by pressing a release button located on the slide flange. 
       FIG. 8D  depicts a top view of an exemplary slide flange with a shelf. A slide channel  855  is configured to receive a slide flange (not shown). The slide channel  855 , as depicted, is a U-shaped channel having parallel inner side walls to define an area to receive a corresponding slide flange. A shelf  860 , depicted by the angled hash lines, is located at a bottom end of the slide channel  855 . The shelf  860  may be configured to support a slide flange that engages the slide channel  855 . In some embodiments, the shelf  860  may be attached directly to the slide channel  855 . In other embodiments, the shelf  860  may be entirely within the slide channel  855 . In another embodiment, the shelf  860  may be support only a portion of an engaging slide flange. 
     Although various embodiments have been described with reference to the Figures, other embodiments are possible. For example, the CRGEM  600  may be a battery-powered motor unit such as described, for example, at [0051-0060] and in FIGS. 1-9A of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/895,787, titled “Battery-Powered Motor Unit,” filed by Domholt et al., on May 16, 2013. 
     In some embodiments, the CMA  200  may include an indicator for a quick indication that the slide flanges  215   a - 215   b ,  220   a - 220   b  are properly inserted into the slide channels  205 ,  210 . The indicators may be located on the CMA  200  or the slide flanges  215   a - 215   b ,  220   a - 220   b . The indicator may be may be a mechanical turn switch that rotates when the slide flanges  215   a - 215   b ,  220   a - 220   b  are inserted into the slide channels. 
     In another embodiment, the indicator may be a light source, such as, for example, an LED. The CMA  200  may include sensors, such as, for example, proximity sensors. The sensors may detect insertion of the slide flanges  215   a - 215   b ,  220   a - 220   b  to the slide channels  205 ,  210  and transmit instruction commands to the light source to flash a particular pattern or color. In some embodiments, the indicator may be an audio speaker to provide an audio alert when the slide flanges  215   a - 215   b ,  220   a - 220   b  are improperly inserted. 
     A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modification may be made. For example, advantageous results may be achieved if the steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different sequence, or if components of the disclosed systems were combined in a different manner, or if the components were supplemented with other components. Accordingly, other implementations are contemplated.