A linear array release mechanism based on gravity

Abstract

The application discloses a line array release mechanism based on gravity, which comprises a guide device, the guide device is supported on a water surface platform through a hinged mode, can rotate around a hinge point, and is hollow inside and has an open back end; a stabilizer, the stabilizer is connected to the tail end of the line array, and the stabilizer comprises a tow body and a traction rod, wherein the tow body has a certain weight and volume for tensioning the line array, the traction rod is V-shaped, and the open end of the traction rod is hinged to the opposite sides of the tow body and can rotate relatively. The application can realize safe and reliable release and recovery of the line array from the water surface to the water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of unmanned deployment and take-off technology, specifically relating to a linear array release mechanism based on gravity. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, when surface ships deploy and retract linear arrays for reconnaissance missions, a certain tension is required to prevent the array cables from slackening. When the array is initially deployed or about to be retrieved, the freeboard of the surface ship means the end of the array is exposed to the air, making it difficult for it to provide traction. Once the array enters the water, the fluid resistance increases with the length of the array submerged, consequently increasing its traction force. Therefore, providing initial traction is crucial. Current methods for releasing traction include manual assistance, mechanical traction, and water jetting. Manual assistance involves manually grasping the array and pulling it into the water, but its automation level is low and requires manpower. Mechanical traction applies friction by clamping the array, then uses a mechanism to push it overboard and into the water; however, its complex mechanism can easily deform the array sheath, and it has high requirements for size, installation space, and control. Water jetting release utilizes powered water flow to initially release the array, but it requires sufficient water resources and pumps. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a linear array release mechanism based on gravity, which enables the safe and reliable release and recovery of the linear array from the water surface into the water.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention is to provide a linear array release mechanism based on gravity, comprising:

[0005] A guiding device is supported on a water surface platform by a hinge and can rotate around the hinge point. The guiding device is hollow inside and has an open rear end.

[0006] A stabilizer is connected to the end of a linear array. The stabilizer includes a tow body and a traction rod. The tow body has a certain weight and volume for tightening the linear array. The traction rod is V-shaped and its open end is hinged to the opposite sides of the tow body, allowing it to rotate relative to the tow body.

[0007] In the storage state, the traction rod is housed in the guide device, and the tow body is pulled vertically outside the opening at the rear end of the guide device under the influence of the recovery force; during the release of the linear array, the stabilizer disengages from the guide device, and the guide device self-balances according to the change in the towing angle of the linear array.

[0008] When the linear array is released, the recovery force on the cable decreases. When the torque generated by the recovery force is less than the torque generated by the weight of the towed vehicle, the guide device opening begins to rotate downwards. The towed vehicle falls together with the traction rod under the influence of gravity. In the air, the tension on the cable is mainly maintained by the weight of the stabilizer itself. As the linear array continues to release, the stabilizer enters the water. At this point, the tension of the linear array is mainly generated by the fluid resistance of the towed vehicle. As the length of the linear array submerged in the water increases, the tension on the cable also increases. The guide device can self-balance according to the change in the towing angle of the linear array. After the linear array is retrieved and the stabilizer exits the water, the traction rod is pulled into the guide device under the action of the recovery force. Since the towed vehicle and the traction rod can rotate at an angle, when the towed vehicle rotates to a vertical position, it is blocked outside the opening at the rear end of the guide device, ending the retrieval task.

[0009] Preferably, the stabilizer further includes a buoyancy body and a sensing block. The buoyancy body is used to give the stabilizer a zero buoyancy characteristic in water, so as not to affect the towing performance of the linear array in water. The sensing block is used to provide a signal for positioning. The buoyancy body is located in the towing body, and the sensing block is mounted on the towing rod.

[0010] Preferably, the main body of the guiding device is a cylindrical guiding tube. The guiding device also includes several rollers and a positioning sensor. The rollers provide a smooth and unobstructed path for the linear array, and the positioning sensor detects the positioning status of the stabilizer. In other words, the positioning sensor realizes the positioning sensing function of the stabilizer.

[0011] Preferably, the guide tube has an open rear end and is flared outwards towards the end, meaning that its diameter increases as it gets closer to the end.

[0012] Preferably, the towing body is a cylindrical structure, and the traction rod is hinged to the outside of the cylindrical body through two bushings, with the hinge points arranged eccentrically, allowing the cylindrical body to rotate around the bushings.

[0013] Preferably, the guiding device is hinged to the water surface platform via a mounting bracket.

[0014] Preferably, the mounting frame consists of a main arm, a support shaft, a forearm, a second rotating shaft, and a spindle. The main arm is a mirror structure with several support shafts connecting its two sides. The forearm and the main arm are hinged together by the second rotating shaft and can rotate around the second rotating shaft. The forearm is hinged to the guide device by the spindle.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages after adopting the above solution:

[0016] This technology is particularly suitable for the autonomous deployment and retrieval requirements of unmanned surface vessels;

[0017] This invention employs a combination of stabilizer and guide device. Through the structural design of the stabilizer and guide device, it achieves the initial release function of the linear array under the action of gravity. It provides a passive release mechanism that requires no additional power source and relies solely on gravity, offering advantages such as simple structure, ingenious design, and high safety and reliability.

[0018] This invention can also effectively prevent stabilizer recovery from getting stuck, thus improving the success rate of subsequent missions.

[0019] This invention, through the configuration of simple sensor components, also has the detection capability for the safe recovery of linear arrays into place. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the release mechanism of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the storage state of the release mechanism of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the initial release state of the release mechanism of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the release mechanism of the present invention in a dragging state;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the release mechanism structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the stabilizer of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the guiding device of the present invention.

[0027] In the attached diagram: 1. Stabilizer, 2. Guiding device, 3. Mounting frame, 4. Linear array, 11. Cylinder, 12. Buoyancy body, 13. Traction rod, 14. Bushing, 15. Sensing block, 21. Guide cylinder, 22. Roller, 23. Position sensor, 24. First rotating shaft, 31. Main arm, 32. Support shaft, 33. Forearm, 34. Second rotating shaft, 35. Spindle. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0029] A linear array release mechanism based on gravity, such as Figure 1-7 As shown, it includes a stabilizer 1, a guide device 2, a mounting bracket 3, and a linear array 4. The stabilizer 1 is connected to the end of the linear array 4.

[0030] The stabilizer 1 has a cylindrical front section and a slightly flared rear section with a tail fin. Specifically, the stabilizer 1 includes a tow body and a traction rod 13. The tow body has a certain weight and volume to tension the linear array 4. The traction rod 13 is V-shaped, and its open end is hinged to the opposite sides of the tow body, allowing relative rotation. In this embodiment, the tow body is a cylindrical structure 11. The traction rod 13 is hinged to the outside of the cylindrical body 11 via two bushings 14, with the hinge points eccentrically arranged. The cylindrical body 11 can rotate around the bushings 14. Furthermore, the stabilizer 1 also includes a buoyancy body 12 and a sensing block 15. The buoyancy body 12 is used to give the stabilizer 1 a zero-buoyancy characteristic in water, thereby not affecting the towing performance of the linear array 4 in water. The sensing block 15 is used to provide a signal for positioning. During installation, the buoyancy body 12 is located in the cylindrical body 11, and the magnetic block 15 is installed in the middle of the head of the traction rod 13.

[0031] The guiding device 2 has a cylindrical structure, including a main guide cylinder 21 and other components such as a roller 22, a positioning sensor 23, and a first rotating shaft 24. The guide cylinder 21 is hinged to the mounting bracket 3 and can rotate around the first rotating shaft 24. The positioning sensor 23 is installed inside the guide cylinder, allowing it to sense signals from the magnetic blocks 15 in the stabilizer 1 within a certain distance. In this embodiment, the rollers provide a smooth path for the linear array 4, and the positioning sensor 23 detects the positioning status of the stabilizer. Furthermore, the guide cylinder 21 has an open rear end and a flared shape that expands towards the end; that is, its diameter increases towards the end, but its diameter does not exceed the length of the cylinder 11.

[0032] In addition, the guide device 2 is hinged to the water surface platform via the mounting frame 3. The mounting frame 3 consists of a main arm 31, a support shaft 32, a forearm 33, a second rotating shaft 34, and a spindle 35. Specifically, the main arm 31 is a mirror structure, with several support shafts 32 connecting the two sides. The forearm 33 is hinged to the main arm 31 via the second rotating shaft 34 and can rotate around the second rotating shaft 34. The forearm 33 is hinged to the guide device 2 via the spindle 35.

[0033] In the storage state, the traction rod 13 is housed in the guide device 2, and the tow body is pulled vertically to the outside of the rear opening of the guide device 2 under the influence of the recovery force; during the release of the linear array 4, the stabilizer 1 disengages from the guide device 2, and the guide device 2 self-balances according to the change of the towing angle of the linear array 4.

[0034] When the linear array 4 is released, the recovery force on the cable decreases. When the torque generated by the recovery force is less than the torque generated by the weight of the towed body, the opening of the guide device 2 begins to rotate downwards. Under the action of gravity, the towed body falls together with the traction rod 13. In the air, the tension on the cable is mainly maintained by the weight of the stabilizer 1 itself. As the linear array 4 continues to be released, the stabilizer 1 enters the water. At this time, the tension of the linear array 4 is mainly generated by the fluid resistance of the towed body. As the length of the linear array 4 in the water increases, the tension on the cable also increases. The guide device 2 can self-balance according to the change of the towing angle of the linear array. After the linear array 4 is recovered to the point where the stabilizer 1 exits the water, the traction rod 13 is pulled into the guide device 2 under the action of the recovery force. Since the towed body and the traction rod 13 can rotate at an angle, when the towed body rotates to a vertical position, it is blocked outside the opening at the rear end of the guide device 2, ending the recovery task.

[0035] The above description only illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Any equivalent structural or procedural modifications made using this specification are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A linear array release mechanism based on gravity, characterized in that: include A guiding device, which is supported on a water surface platform by a hinge, is hollow inside and has an open rear end. A stabilizer is connected to the end of a linear array. The stabilizer includes a tow body and a traction rod. The tow body has a specific weight for tightening the linear array. The traction rod is V-shaped and its open end is hinged to the opposite sides of the tow body. The tow body is a cylindrical structure. The traction rod is hinged to the outside of the cylindrical body through two bushings, and the hinge point is eccentrically arranged. In the storage state, the traction rod is housed in the guide device, and the towing body is pulled vertically to the outside of the rear opening of the guide device; during the release of the linear array, the stabilizer disengages from the guide device, and the guide device self-balances according to the change in the towing angle of the linear array.

2. The linear array release mechanism based on gravity according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the linear array is retrieved, the traction rod is pulled into the guide device under the action of the retrieval force until the tow body is pulled into a vertical position and tightened at the outer end of the rear opening of the guide device, thus ending the retrieval task.

3. The linear array release mechanism based on gravity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stabilizer also includes a buoyancy body and a sensing block. The buoyancy body is used to give the stabilizer a zero buoyancy characteristic in water, so as not to affect the towing performance of the linear array in water. The sensing block is used to provide a signal for positioning. The buoyancy body is located in the towing body, and the sensing block is mounted on the towing rod.

4. The linear array release mechanism based on gravity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body of the guiding device is a cylindrical guiding tube. The guiding device also includes several rollers and a positioning sensor. The rollers provide a smooth and unobstructed path for the linear array, and the positioning sensor detects the positioning status of the stabilizer.

5. The linear array release mechanism based on gravity according to claim 4, characterized in that: The rear end of the guide tube is open and flared.

6. The linear array release mechanism based on gravity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guiding device is hinged to the water surface platform via a mounting bracket.

7. The linear array release mechanism based on gravity according to claim 6, characterized in that: The mounting frame consists of a main arm, a support shaft, a forearm, a second rotating shaft, and a spindle. The main arm is a mirror structure with several support shafts connecting its two sides. The forearm and the main arm are hinged together by the second rotating shaft and can rotate around the second rotating shaft. The forearm is hinged to the guide device by the spindle.

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