Flange with anisotropic stiffness

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a flange with anisotropic stiffness, which is suitable for an underwater vehicle comprising a shell and a motor, the flange comprising: an outer ring configured to be connected with the shell; an inner ring configured to be connected with the motor; and a plurality of microstructures arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring, the plurality of microstructures being annularly distributed, each of the microstructures having anisotropic stiffness, so that the flange has anisotropic stiffness, thereby enabling elastic waves generated by the motor to be transmitted along a circumferential direction of the flange.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of flange technology, and more particularly to a flange with anisotropic stiffness suitable for underwater vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] An underwater vehicle is a vehicle that navigates underwater. Controlling the vibration and noise of underwater vehicles can improve their performance and navigation accuracy, reduce disturbance to the marine ecosystem, enhance underwater exploration capabilities, and improve their stealth capabilities.

[0003] However, existing technologies for vibration reduction and noise reduction of underwater vehicles, such as vibration reduction and isolation technology using vibration damping devices and vibration isolation materials, acoustic isolation technology using acoustic isolation measures, active noise reduction technology using sensors and control systems, and eddy current noise reduction technology, have drawbacks such as heavy weight, high cost, poor vibration reduction and noise reduction effect, and high energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To at least partially overcome the technical defects of at least one or other inventions mentioned above, at least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a flange with anisotropic stiffness. By setting multiple microstructures with anisotropic stiffness, the elastic wave generated by the motor is transmitted along the circumference of the flange, thereby achieving the purpose of vibration reduction and noise reduction.

[0005] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a flange with anisotropic stiffness suitable for an underwater vehicle, the underwater vehicle including a shell and a motor, the flange including: an outer ring configured to be connected to the shell; an inner ring configured to be connected to the motor; and a plurality of microstructures disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring, the plurality of microstructures being distributed in a ring, each microstructure having anisotropic stiffness, so that the flange has anisotropic stiffness, thereby allowing the elastic wave generated by the motor to be transmitted along the circumference of the flange.

[0006] Optionally, each of the microstructures includes: a main crossbeam extending circumferentially; two secondary crossbeams respectively disposed on both sides of the main crossbeam and extending circumferentially; two pairs of first oblique beams respectively connected between the main crossbeam and the secondary crossbeams, the first oblique beams being configured to improve the anisotropic stiffness of the flange; two pairs of second oblique beams respectively connected between the main crossbeam and the secondary crossbeams, the width of the second oblique beams being smaller than the width of the first oblique beams; and at least one main vertical beam connected to at least one of the secondary crossbeams and located on the side away from the main crossbeam, the main vertical beam extending radially.

[0007] Optionally, the multiple microstructures form a three-ring layer structure, which includes an outer ring layer, a middle ring layer, and an inner ring layer arranged radially in sequence. The size of the microstructure in the outer ring layer is larger than that in the middle ring layer, and the size of the microstructure in the middle ring layer is larger than that in the inner ring layer.

[0008] Optionally, the angle between the first inclined beam and the main crossbeam is 45°, and the angle between the second inclined beam and the main crossbeam is 45°.

[0009] Optionally, the width of the main crossbeam is greater than the width of the secondary crossbeam.

[0010] Optionally, a rounded corner is provided between the first inclined beam and the main crossbeam, and a rounded corner is provided between the second inclined beam and the main crossbeam.

[0011] Optionally, the two first inclined beams in each pair of first inclined beams form a figure-eight structure, and the two second inclined beams in each pair of second inclined beams form an inverted figure-eight shape.

[0012] Optionally, the first inclined beam is located on both sides of a pair of second inclined beams.

[0013] Optionally, the outer ring layer, the middle ring layer, and the inner ring layer each include 24 microstructures.

[0014] Optionally, the middle ring layer is rotated 7.5° relative to the inner ring layer about the central axis to reduce the radial stiffness between the middle ring layer and the inner ring layer.

[0015] According to the above embodiments of the present disclosure, the flange can be made to have anisotropic stiffness by providing a plurality of microstructures with anisotropic stiffness.

[0016] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, after the elastic wave generated during the operation of the motor is transmitted to the flange, due to the anisotropic stiffness of the flange, the elastic wave will be transmitted along the circumference of the flange, avoiding the elastic wave being directly transmitted to the hull of the underwater vehicle along the radial direction of the flange, thereby reducing the vibration of the underwater vehicle caused by the motor, and thus achieving the purpose of vibration reduction and noise reduction of the underwater vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a flange with anisotropic stiffness according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a front view of a flange with anisotropic stiffness according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a side view of a flange with anisotropic stiffness according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the transmission path of the elastic wave generated by the motor in the flange in the existing technology;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the transmission path of the elastic wave generated by the motor in the flange according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the embodiment shown;

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of the embodiment shown;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a front view of a microstructure according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] The meanings of the reference numerals in the above figures are as follows:

[0026] 1. Outer ring;

[0027] 2. Inner ring;

[0028] 3. Microstructure;

[0029] 31. Main crossbeam;

[0030] 32. Secondary crossbeam;

[0031] 33. First inclined beam;

[0032] 34. Second inclined beam;

[0033] 35. Main vertical beam;

[0034] 4. Outer ring layer;

[0035] 5. Middle Ring Layer;

[0036] 6. Inner ring layer. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0038] However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure for ease of explanation. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of this disclosure.

[0039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. The term "comprising" as used herein indicates the presence of features, steps, or operations, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features.

[0040] When using expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C," the expression should generally be interpreted in accordance with the meaning commonly understood by a person skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" should include, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, having B alone, having C alone, having A and B, having A and C, having B and C, and / or having A, B, and C, etc.). Similarly, when using expressions such as "at least one of A, B, or C," the expression should generally be interpreted in accordance with the meaning commonly understood by a person skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" should include, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, having B alone, having C alone, having A and B, having A and C, having B and C, and / or having A, B, and C, etc.).

[0041] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a flange with anisotropic stiffness according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a front view of a flange with anisotropic stiffness according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a side view of a flange with anisotropic stiffness according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the transmission path of the elastic wave generated by the motor in the flange in the existing technology. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the transmission path of an elastic wave generated by a motor in a flange according to an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the embodiment shown. Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of the embodiment shown.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, embodiments of this disclosure provide a flange with anisotropic stiffness. This flange is suitable for underwater vehicles. The underwater vehicle includes a hull and a motor. The flange includes an outer ring 1, an inner ring 2, and a plurality of microstructures 3. The outer ring 1 of the flange is configured to connect to the hull. The inner ring 2 of the flange is configured to connect to the motor. The hull is connected to the motor via the flange. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, microstructure 3 is disposed between outer ring 1 and inner ring 2, with multiple microstructures 3 distributed in a ring, forming a ring structure. Each microstructure 3 can have anisotropic stiffness, which can give the flange anisotropic stiffness, thereby allowing the elastic wave generated by the motor to be transmitted along the circumference of the flange. Figure 4 and Figure 6 The arrows in the diagram can represent the propagation path of elastic waves. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in the existing system, elastic waves are transmitted radially along the flange, and can then be directly transmitted to the hull of the underwater vehicle. Figure 5 and Figure 7 The arrows in the diagram can represent the propagation path of elastic waves. For example... Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, in the flange of this application, the elastic wave is transmitted along the circumference of the flange and then circulates inside the flange, which weakens the elastic wave. Therefore, the vibration and noise transmitted to the hull of the underwater vehicle can be reduced, thereby achieving the purpose of vibration reduction and noise reduction of the underwater vehicle.

[0043] The flange can be made of high-strength stainless steel, which reduces costs and facilitates machining. Multiple mounting holes are provided on the outer ring 1 of the flange to connect it to the housing; for example, six mounting holes can be provided. Multiple mounting holes are provided on the inner ring 2 of the flange to connect it to the motor. Since motor vibration generates noise, the number of mounting holes for connecting the flange to the motor can be more than the number for connecting it to the housing. For example, twelve mounting holes can be provided, and the flange can be threaded onto the motor shaft end based on these mounting holes.

[0044] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, after the elastic wave generated during the operation of the motor is transmitted to the flange, due to the anisotropic stiffness of the flange, the elastic wave will be transmitted along the circumference of the flange, avoiding the elastic wave being directly transmitted to the hull of the underwater vehicle along the radial direction of the flange. This can achieve energy deflection, reduce the normal energy on the surface of the underwater vehicle's hull, and reduce the vibration of the underwater vehicle caused by the motor. This can achieve the purpose of vibration reduction and noise reduction of the underwater vehicle, and improve the stealth of the underwater vehicle.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a front view of a microstructure according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in some embodiments, each microstructure 3 includes a main crossbeam 31, two secondary crossbeams 32, two pairs of first inclined beams 33, two pairs of second inclined beams 34, and at least one main vertical beam 35.

[0047] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 8As shown, the main crossbeam 31 extends circumferentially. Secondary crossbeams 32 are respectively disposed on both sides of the main crossbeam 31 and extend circumferentially. The main crossbeam 31 and secondary crossbeams 32 provide support. A first inclined beam 33 connects the main crossbeam 31 and the secondary crossbeam 32. By setting the first inclined beam 33, the anisotropic stiffness of the flange can be improved, enhancing the radial and axial coupling of the flange. A second inclined beam 34 connects the main crossbeam 31 and the secondary crossbeam 32. The width of the second inclined beam 34 is smaller than the width of the first inclined beam 33. By setting the second inclined beam 34, the stiffness matrix of the flange can be more precisely controlled. A main vertical beam 35 is connected to at least one of the secondary crossbeams 32 and is located on the side away from the main crossbeam 31, extending radially. By setting the main vertical beam 35, the radial stiffness of the flange can be improved, enhancing its load-bearing capacity and impact resistance, preventing flange failure or damage.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in some embodiments, multiple microstructures 3 can form a three-ring layer structure. The three-ring layer structure includes an outer ring layer 4, a middle ring layer 5, and an inner ring layer 6 arranged radially in sequence. Figure 2 The dotted line in the diagram represents the boundary between the outer ring layer 4, the middle ring layer 5, and the inner ring layer 6. The size of the microstructure 3 in the outer ring layer 4 is larger than that in the middle ring layer 5, and the size of the microstructure 3 in the middle ring layer 5 is larger than that in the inner ring layer 6, allowing for a more uniform distribution of the microstructure 3 within the flange. The remaining areas of the three-ring structure, excluding the microstructure 3, can be open spaces, thereby improving material utilization, reducing the overall weight of the underwater vehicle, and enhancing its navigation performance.

[0049] In some embodiments, the angle between the first inclined beam 33 and the main crossbeam 31 is 45°, and the angle between the second inclined beam 34 and the main crossbeam 31 is 45°, which can facilitate radial and circumferential coupling, thereby enabling the flange to have better anisotropic stiffness.

[0050] In some embodiments, the width of the main crossbeam 31 is greater than the width of the secondary crossbeam 32 to ensure that the flange has better load-bearing capacity.

[0051] In some embodiments, a rounded corner is provided between the first inclined beam 33 and the main crossbeam 31, and a rounded corner is provided between the second inclined beam 34 and the main crossbeam 31, thereby avoiding stress concentration and improving the stability of the flange.

[0052] In some embodiments, the two first inclined beams 33 in each pair of first inclined beams 33 form a V-shape, thereby giving the flange better anisotropic stiffness. The two second inclined beams 34 in each pair of second inclined beams 34 form an inverted V-shape, thereby allowing for more precise control of the flange stiffness matrix.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first inclined beam 33 is located on both sides of a pair of second inclined beams 34. The second inclined beams 34 can be connected to the secondary crossbeam 32 via the first inclined beams 33.

[0054] In some embodiments, the outer ring layer 4, the middle ring layer 5, and the inner ring layer 6 each include 24 microstructures 3, and the microstructures 3 can be distributed in an array around the center of the flange, thereby allowing for more uniform adjustment of the anisotropic stiffness of the flange.

[0055] In some embodiments, the middle ring layer 5 is rotated 7.5° relative to the inner ring layer 6 about the central axis to reduce the radial stiffness between the outer ring layer 4, the middle ring layer 5 and the inner ring layer 6.

[0056] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that implementations not illustrated or described in the drawings or the main text of the specification are forms known to those skilled in the art and have not been described in detail. Furthermore, the definitions of the various components described above are not limited to the specific structures, shapes, or methods mentioned in the embodiments, and those skilled in the art can easily modify or substitute them.

[0057] It should also be noted that, in the specific embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated otherwise, the numerical parameters in this specification and the appended claims are approximate values ​​and can be changed according to the desired characteristics obtained from the content of this disclosure. Specifically, all numbers used in the specification and claims to indicate dimensions, range conditions, etc., of the composition should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Generally, this means that there may be variations of ±10% in some embodiments, ±5% in some embodiments, ±1% in some embodiments, and ±0.5% in some embodiments.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described in the various embodiments and / or claims of this disclosure can be combined or combined in various ways, even if such combinations or combinations are not explicitly described in this disclosure. In particular, the features described in the various embodiments and / or claims of this disclosure can be combined or combined in various ways without departing from the spirit and teachings of this disclosure. All such combinations and / or combinations fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0059] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of this disclosure. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A flange with anisotropic stiffness, characterized in that, The flange is suitable for an underwater vehicle, the underwater vehicle including a hull and a motor, and the flange includes: The outer ring is configured to connect to the housing; Inner ring, configured to connect to the motor; and Multiple microstructures are disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring, and the multiple microstructures are distributed in a ring. Each microstructure has anisotropic stiffness to give the flange anisotropic stiffness, thereby allowing the elastic wave generated by the motor to propagate circumferentially along the flange. Each microstructure includes: The main crossbeam extends circumferentially; Two secondary crossbeams are respectively set on both sides of the main crossbeam and extend circumferentially; Two pairs of first inclined beams are respectively connected between the main crossbeam and the secondary crossbeam, and the first inclined beams are configured to improve the anisotropic stiffness of the flange; Two pairs of second inclined beams are respectively connected between the main crossbeam and the secondary crossbeam, and the width of the second inclined beam is smaller than the width of the first inclined beam; and At least one main vertical beam is connected to at least one of the secondary horizontal beams and is located on the side away from the main horizontal beam, the main vertical beam extending radially.

2. The flange according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple microstructures form a three-ring layer structure, which includes an outer ring layer, a middle ring layer, and an inner ring layer arranged radially in sequence. The size of the microstructure in the outer ring layer is larger than that in the middle ring layer, and the size of the microstructure in the middle ring layer is larger than that in the inner ring layer.

3. The flange according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the first inclined beam and the main crossbeam is 45°, and the angle between the second inclined beam and the main crossbeam is 45°.

4. The flange according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the main crossbeam is greater than the width of the secondary crossbeam.

5. The flange according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first inclined beam and the main crossbeam are provided with rounded corners, and the second inclined beam and the main crossbeam are provided with rounded corners.

6. The flange according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two first inclined beams in each pair of first inclined beams form a figure-eight structure, and the two second inclined beams in each pair of second inclined beams form an inverted figure-eight shape.

7. The flange according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first inclined beam is located on both sides of a pair of second inclined beams.

8. The flange according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer ring layer, the middle ring layer, and the inner ring layer each comprise 24 microstructures.

9. The flange according to claim 2, characterized in that, The middle ring layer rotates 7.5° relative to the inner ring layer about the central axis to reduce the radial stiffness between the middle ring layer and the inner ring layer.

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