A release device for polar profile observation system

Abstract

The present invention provides a release device for a polar profile observation system, which is intended to solve the problem of bottom dragging and grounding that may occur when polar ocean observation equipment drifts with ocean currents after the ice breaks or melts, so as to ensure the safety of the equipment and the continuity of data collection. The device includes key components such as a support frame, a release base, a control electronic cabin, a release mechanism and a float. The support frame moves up and down along the under-ice guide cable, and is attached to the under-ice guide cable to form a binding before the under-ice guide cable is released. The release base is used to provide an installation platform for the release mechanism, and the control electronic cabin is used to receive the release signal sent by the under-ice guide cable and enable the release mechanism. The release mechanism is used to perform the release task, so that the under-ice guide cable is separated from the support frame, and the float provides buoyancy to balance the gravity of the release device. The under-ice guide cable moves up and down to perform profile observation. When the under-ice guide cable is trapped and needs to be separated, the release mechanism is triggered to separate the under-ice guide cable from the support frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of underwater equipment, and in particular to a release device for a polar profile observation system. Background Art

[0002] In recent decades, the polar sea ice environment has changed significantly. In order to understand the underlying driving factors of these changes, it is essential to conduct long-term continuous profile observations of environmental parameters such as ocean temperature, salinity, depth and currents in polar ice areas, especially for the study of key scientific issues such as climate change, atmospheric circulation, marine ecology and marine biological systems. The ice-based profiler is an important polar ocean observation equipment, mainly composed of a surface float, a profile observation system, an under-ice guide cable and a weight. One end of the guide cable is connected to a surface float fixed on the sea ice, and the other end is connected to an underwater weight, so that the cable is in a straight state. The profile observation system conducts long-term profile monitoring of marine environmental parameters during the vertical up and down movement of the cable. However, with the reduction and thinning of polar sea ice, these devices may lose their fixed foundation due to the breakage or melting of sea ice and drift with the ocean currents. During the drifting process, the underwater weight is very likely to run aground in the shallow water area along the way, causing the guide cable to relax and bend, and then the profile observation system cannot move up and down and is trapped. Therefore, the profile observation system needs to be equipped with a reliable release device so that it can detach from the guide cable under the ice and continue profile observation, thereby ensuring that the profile observation system can conduct long-term and stable observations of ocean environmental parameters and provide key data support for polar ocean scientific research and global climate change response. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the embodiment of the present application is to provide a release device for a polar profile observation system to solve the problem that when polar ocean observation equipment is drifting with the ocean current after the ice breaks or melts, the profile observation system is trapped because it cannot move up and down due to being dragged on the bottom or stranded.

[0004] The embodiment of the present application provides a release device for a polar profile observation system, including a support frame, a release base, a control electronic cabin, a release mechanism, a float, a profile observation system, and an under-ice guide cable;

[0005] The support frame moves up and down along the under-ice guide cable, and carries the release base, the control electronic cabin, the release mechanism, the float, and fits the profile observation system when release is not required;

[0006] The release mechanism includes an elastic band and a release spring, wherein the elastic band surrounds the profile observation system so that the support frame and the profile observation system are bound together, and the release spring is installed between the support frame and the profile observation system and one end of the release spring is fixed to the support frame;

[0007] The float is used to provide buoyancy to balance the weight of the release device, so as to keep the release device in a suspended state underwater;

[0008] The control electronic cabin is used to enable the release mechanism after receiving a release signal from the profile observation system to release the elastic band, so that the profile observation system is separated from the support frame under the push of the release spring.

[0009] Furthermore, the support frame includes a support frame body, a guide ring, a limit top block, and a cup-shaped groove;

[0010] A plurality of guide rings are arranged on the same side of the support frame body, each guide ring has a through hole with a diameter larger than the diameter of the under-ice guide cable, and the under-ice guide cable passes through the through holes of all guide rings, so that the support frame can move up and down along the under-ice guide cable;

[0011] The limit top blocks are fixed at both ends of the support frame body, and are used to limit the axial movement of the profile observation system when it is in a state of being fitted with the support frame;

[0012] The cup-shaped groove is fixed at the upper and lower ends of the support frame body, one end of the release spring is installed in the cup-shaped groove, and the length of the release spring in a free state is greater than the sum of the depth of the cup-shaped groove and the inward length of the limiting top block.

[0013] Furthermore, the main body of the support frame is an aluminum alloy annular semi-cylinder, and the position on the support frame where the float is installed is hollowed out.

[0014] Further, the control electronic cabin includes a pressure cabin, a low-temperature resistant battery and a control circuit arranged inside the pressure cabin, a watertight patch cable and an underwater radio frequency antenna arranged on an end cover of the pressure cabin;

[0015] The pressure cabin is installed on the support frame;

[0016] The watertight patch cable is connected to the watertight plug on the underwater motor in the release mechanism, and the low-temperature resistant battery and the control circuit provide power to the underwater motor through the watertight patch cable and enable it to work;

[0017] The underwater radio frequency antenna is used to receive the release signal sent by the profile observation system and transmit the signal to the control circuit in the control electronic cabin, so that the control circuit controls the operation of the underwater motor.

[0018] Furthermore, the pressure cabin is fixed and mounted on the support frame by clamping the control electronics cabin base and the control electronics cabin clamp.

[0019] Furthermore, the release mechanism also includes an underwater motor and a trigger unit;

[0020] The underwater motor is arranged in a sealed cabin, the sealed cabin is clamped and fixed by an underwater motor clamp and an underwater motor base, and a watertight plug connected to the control electronic cabin is arranged on the sealed cabin;

[0021] Both ends of the elastic band are compressed by elastic band joints, and the elastic band joints are connected to the trigger unit;

[0022] The trigger unit is used to trigger the release action of the elastic band and the release spring, thereby achieving the release of the profile observation system.

[0023] Furthermore, the trigger unit includes a release pull plate, a release hinged rod, a release trigger, a release lever, a release fork, a tension spring, a wire tensioning bracket, and a pull wire; the pull wire is anchored on the release pull plate, and the other end of the pull wire is tightened by the underwater motor after passing around the wire tensioning bracket, the release pull plate is hingedly connected to the release hinged rod, the release trigger, the release lever and the release fork are fixed on the release base, and the elastic wrap joint is connected to the release fork pin; the tension spring is arranged between the release lever and the release base, and is used to provide a constant elastic force to pull the release lever.

[0024] Furthermore, the floating body is divided into two parts, which are installed at the upper and lower ends of the supporting frame and distributed at the upper and lower sides of the control electronic cabin and the release mechanism.

[0025] Furthermore, the designed buoyancy of the float is determined by the gravity of the support frame, the release base, the control electronics cabin, the release mechanism and the float.

[0026] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application may have the following beneficial effects:

[0027] It can be seen from the above embodiments that the present application proposes a release device for a polar profile observation system. When the profile observation system does not need to be released, the elastic band relies on its elastic force to bind the profile measurement system to the annular semi-cylindrical surface of the support frame, and relies on the release fork in the trigger unit to fix and tighten the elastic band, and the generated torque is reversely balanced by the release lever; when the profile observation system sends a release signal, the underwater radio frequency antenna located at the end cover of the control electronic cabin receives the release signal, and the control circuit inside the electronic cabin enables the underwater motor to rotate and gradually pulls the release pull plate through the pull wire, and the release hinged rod hinged on the release pull plate is pulled to lift the release lever to cause it to rotate, resulting in the reverse torque acting on the release fork being cancelled, and then the release fork rotates under the elastic force of the elastic band, and the release spring releases the compressed elastic force at this time to push the profile observation system outward so that the elastic band is completely separated from the release fork, completing the entire release task of the profile observation system. This mechanical triggering method has the characteristics of simple structure and high triggering efficiency. The underwater motor and the trigger unit are respectively provided with two groups in the trigger mechanism, and a redundant triggering strategy is adopted to ensure that at least one group of the trigger mechanism can work normally under the expected operating conditions, thereby improving the reliability and release success rate of the release device.

[0028] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a release device for a polar profile observation system according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the support frame structure of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the control electronics cabin described in the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the release mechanism of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure when the release mechanism of the present invention is triggered.

[0035] The reference numerals in the figure include: 1. support frame; 11. guide ring; 12. limit top block; 13. cup-shaped groove; 2. release base; 3. control electronic cabin; 31. watertight patch cable; 32. underwater radio frequency antenna; 33. control electronic cabin base; 34. control electronic cabin clamp; 4. release mechanism; 410. underwater motor; 411. underwater motor clamp; 412. underwater motor base; 413. watertight connector; 420. release pull plate; 421. release hinge rod; 422. release trigger; 423. release lever; 424. release fork; 425. tension spring; 426. wire bracket; 427. pull wire; 430. elastic wrap; 431. elastic wrap joint; 44. release spring; 5. buoy; 6. profile observation system; 7. under-ice guide cable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Here, exemplary embodiments are described in detail, and examples thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The implementations described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with the present application.

[0037] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The singular forms of "a", "said" and "the" used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates other meanings. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0038] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in the present application to describe various information, these information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the present application, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining".

[0039] Figure 1The present invention is a schematic structural diagram of a release device of a polar profile observation system provided according to an exemplary embodiment, comprising a support frame 1, a release base 2, a control electronic cabin 3, a release mechanism 4, a float 5, a profile observation system 6, and an under-ice guide cable 7; wherein the support frame 1 performs up and down profile movement along the under-ice guide cable 7, and carries the release base 2, the control electronic cabin 3, the release mechanism 4, and the float 5, and fits the profile observation system 6 when release is not required; the release mechanism 4 comprises an elastic band 430 and a release spring 44, and the elastic band 430 surrounds the profile observation system 6. system 6, so that the support frame 1 and the profile observation system 6 are bound; the release spring 44 is installed between the support frame 1 and the profile observation system 6 and one end is fixed on the support frame 1; the float 5 is used to provide buoyancy to balance the gravity of the release device, so as to keep the release device in a suspended state underwater; the control electronic cabin 3 is used to enable the release mechanism 4 after receiving the release signal sent by the profile observation system 6, so as to release the elastic bag 430, so that the profile observation system 6 is separated from the support frame 1 under the push of the release spring 44.

[0040] More specifically, Figure 2 As shown, the support frame 1 includes a support frame body, a guide ring 11, a limit top block 12, and a cup-shaped groove 13; the support frame 1 body is an aluminum alloy annular semi-cylinder, and there are at least 3 guide rings 11, which are evenly distributed on the same side of the support frame 1 to provide stable axial guidance and keep the support frame 1 in a vertical upward posture. The guide ring 11 is provided with a through hole with a rounded corner whose diameter is larger than the wire diameter of the under-ice guide cable 7, which is used to pass the under-ice guide cable 7 made of Kevlar material to achieve stable mooring of the profile observation system 6 on the cable, and the rounded corner of the through hole is designed to remove the under-ice guide cable 7 and the guide ring 11. The sharp edges between them can reduce wear; the limiting top block 12 is welded at the two ends of the support frame 1 to limit the axial movement of the profile observation system 6 when it is in contact with the support frame 1; the cup-shaped groove 13 is welded at the upper and lower ends of the support frame 1, and one end of the release spring 44 is installed in the cup-shaped groove. Considering that the limiting top block 12 has a certain length inward, the length of the release spring 44 in the free state is greater than the sum of the depth of the cup-shaped groove 13 and the inward length of the limiting top block 12; the two positions for installing the float 5 on the support frame 1 are hollowed out to reduce the gravity of the support frame 1.

[0041] In one embodiment, the release base 2 is fitted to the support frame 1 via an arc surface, and the remaining surfaces are all flat surfaces, and the entire body is made of aluminum alloy.

[0042] More specifically, Figure 3As shown, the control electronic cabin 3 includes a pressure cabin composed of a sealed end cover and a sealed cabin body, a low-temperature resistant battery and a control circuit arranged inside the pressure cabin, a watertight patch cable 31 and an underwater radio frequency antenna 32 arranged on the end cover of the pressure cabin, and the pressure cabin is made of aluminum alloy material, and is clamped and fixed by a control electronic cabin base 33 and a control electronic cabin clamp 34 and installed on the support frame 1; the two watertight patch cables 31 are connected to the watertight plugs 413 on the two underwater motors 410 in the release mechanism 4, and the low-temperature resistant battery is connected to the release mechanism 4. The control circuit provides power to the underwater motor 410 through the watertight connector cable 31 and enables it to work; the underwater radio frequency antenna 32 is used to receive the release signal sent by the profile observation system 6, and transmit the signal to the control circuit in the control electronics cabin 3, so that the control circuit controls the underwater motor 410 to work; the control electronics cabin base 33 is fixed to the support frame 1 with screws, and the control electronics cabin base 33 and the control electronics cabin clamp 34 are combined with screws to clamp the control electronics cabin 3 to fix it.

[0043] More specifically, Figure 4 As shown, the release mechanism includes an underwater motor 410, an elastic wrapping band 430 and the release spring 44, and the trigger unit includes a release pull plate 420, a release hinged rod 421, a release trigger 422, a release lever 423, a release fork 424, a tension spring 425, a tensioning bracket 426, and a pull wire 427; the sealed cabin is clamped and fixed by the underwater motor clamp 411 and the underwater motor base 412, and the underwater motor 410 is a miniature brushed DC motor, which is installed in the sealed cabin to isolate seawater and prevent water pressure from affecting the motor. A plane is milled on the side wall of the sealed cabin of the underwater motor 410 as the sealing surface of the watertight plug 413, and the plug is led out from the sealed cabin and screwed on the side wall of the sealed cabin, so that the side wall of the sealed cabin is provided with a watertight plug 413 connected to the watertight patch cable 31. One end of the pull wire 427 is passed through the rotating shaft of the underwater motor 410, and the other end is tied to the release pull plate 420. The tensioning bracket 426 tensions the pull wire 427 to maintain the synchronous operation of the underwater motor 410 and the release pull plate 420; the release pull plate 420 is hinged to the release hinge rod 421, and the release trigger 422, the release lever 423 and the release fork 424 are fixed to the release base 2 with plug screws; the tension spring 425 is hooked on the fixing bolts of the release lever 423 and the release base 2, respectively, to provide a constant elastic force to pull the release lever 423, establish a static balance state, and resist false triggering caused by small external disturbance forces; the two ends of the elastic strap 430 are pressed by the elastic strap joint 431, and the elastic strap joint 431 is pin-connected to the release fork 424.

[0044] In one embodiment, the present application sets two sets of underwater motors 410 installed on both sides of the release base 2; the trigger unit is deployed in two sets, symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides of the release base, and one side adopts a cam mechanism transmission method, including a release pull plate, two release hinged rods, two release triggers, two release levers, two release forks, and two tension springs. The release trigger, release lever, and release fork on one side are all installed on the release base by screws, and the release pull plate is hinged to one end of the release hinged rod by screws, and the other end of the release hinged rod is respectively hinged to the end of the release trigger, one end of the tension spring is respectively fixed to the release base, and the other end is respectively fixed to the release lever; the elastic wrapping belt is pressed at the joints at both ends by the pre-tightening force of the screw, and the joint pins at both ends of the elastic wrapping belt are connected to the four release forks on the left and right sides of the release base; the release spring is installed in two cup-shaped grooves welded at the upper and lower ends of the support frame, and the length of the release spring in a free state exceeds the depth of the cup-shaped groove plus the inward length of the limiting top block.

[0045] More specifically, Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the release mechanism of the present invention when it is triggered. After the underwater motor 410 is enabled, the pull line 427 passing through its rotating shaft is tightened, and the release pull plate 420 is pulled in the direction of the tensioning bracket 426. The release hinge rod 421 drives one end of the release trigger 422 to lift the release lever 423. At this time, the reverse torque introduced by the release trigger 422 is greater than the torque generated by the elastic force of the tension spring 425. Therefore, the release lever 423 rotates, canceling the reverse balancing torque generated by the elastic force of the elastic band 430 acting on the release fork 424, and then the release fork 424 rotates under the elastic force of the elastic band 430. At this time, the release spring 44 releases the compressed elastic force to push the profile observation system 6 outward, so that the elastic band 430 and the release fork 424 are completely decoupled and separated, completing the release process of the profile observation system 6.

[0046] In one embodiment, the float 5 is a PVC foam board with polyurea sprayed on its surface. It is divided into two parts and fixed to the upper and lower ends of the support frame 1 by screws, distributed on the upper and lower sides of the control electronics cabin 3 and the release mechanism 4, so as to enhance the balance stability of the release device of the polar profile observation system when suspended underwater. Since the profile observation system 6 needs to be detached from the under-ice guide cable 7 to continue profile observation, the profile observation system 6 needs to have the ability to change its own buoyancy and can freely switch its own negative buoyancy, zero buoyancy, and positive buoyancy states. The design buoyancy of the float 5 is determined by the gravity of the release device of the polar profile observation system composed of the support frame 1, the release base 2, the control electronics cabin 3, the release mechanism 4, and the float 5, and is used to provide buoyancy to balance the gravity of the release device, so that the release device of the polar profile observation system maintains a zero buoyancy suspension state underwater.

[0047] In the specific implementation process, the support frame 1 performs up and down profile movement along the under-ice guide cable 7, and carries the release base 2, the control electronic cabin 3, the release mechanism 4 and the floating body 5. When the profile observation system 6 does not need to be released, it is attached to the profile observation system 6 to form a binding; the release base 2 is used to provide an installation platform for the release mechanism 4, and plays a fixed support role; the control electronic cabin 3 is used to receive the release signal sent by the profile observation system 6 and enable the release mechanism 4, which is responsible for the transmission of power and the reception of signals; the release mechanism 4 can execute the release process under the power drive of the control electronic cabin 3, so that The profile observation system 6 is detached from the supporting frame 1; the float 5 provides buoyancy to balance the gravity of the release device, so that the net buoyancy of the entire release device is zero, so that it remains suspended underwater; the profile observation system 6 moves up and down along the under-ice guide cable 7 to conduct polar profile observations. When trapped and needing to be detached, the release mechanism 4 is triggered, and the profile observation system 6 is detached from the supporting frame 1 to complete the separation; the under-ice guide cable 7 is passed through the supporting frame 1, and the supporting frame 1 and the profile observation system 6 are fitted and bound when release is not required, thereby achieving safe mooring and stable movement of the profile observation system 6 under the ice before being released.

[0048] The present invention aims to ensure that the profile observation system 6 can stably perform observations in the polar sub-ice environment before being released, and when release is required, it can control the power drive of the electronic cabin 3 to trigger the release mechanism 4 and safely release the profile observation system 6, so that it can independently complete the profile observation task.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present application after considering the specification and practicing the contents disclosed herein. The present application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the present application, which follow the general principles of the present application and include common knowledge or customary technical means in the art that are not disclosed in the present application.

[0050] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact construction that has been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims

1. A release device for a polar profile observation system, characterized in that: It includes a support frame, a release base, a control electronic cabin, a release mechanism, a float, a profile observation system, and an under-ice guide cable; The support frame moves up and down along the under-ice guide cable, and carries the release base, the control electronic cabin, the release mechanism, the float, and fits the profile observation system when release is not required; The release mechanism includes an elastic band and a release spring, wherein the elastic band surrounds the profile observation system so that the support frame and the profile observation system are bound together, and the release spring is installed between the support frame and the profile observation system and one end of the release spring is fixed to the support frame; The float is used to provide buoyancy to balance the weight of the release device, so as to keep the release device in a suspended state underwater; The control electronic cabin is used to enable the release mechanism after receiving the release signal sent by the profile observation system to release the elastic band, so that the profile observation system is separated from the support frame under the push of the release spring; Wherein, the release mechanism also includes an underwater motor and a trigger unit; The underwater motor is arranged in a sealed cabin, the sealed cabin is clamped and fixed by an underwater motor clamp and an underwater motor base, and a watertight plug connected to the control electronic cabin is arranged on the sealed cabin; Both ends of the elastic band are compressed by elastic band joints, and the elastic band joints are connected to the trigger unit; The trigger unit is used to trigger the release action of the elastic band and the release spring, thereby realizing the release of the profile observation system. The trigger unit includes a release pull plate, a release hinged rod, a release trigger, a release lever, a release fork, a tension spring, a wire tensioning bracket, and a pull line; one end of the pull line is anchored on the release pull plate, and the other end of the pull line is tightened by the underwater motor after passing through the wire tensioning bracket; the release pull plate is hingedly connected to the release hinged rod, the release trigger, the release lever and the release fork are fixed on the release base, and the elastic band joint is connected to the release fork pin; the tension spring is arranged between the release lever and the release base, and is used to provide a constant elastic force to pull the release lever.

2. The release device according to claim 1, characterized in that The support frame includes a support frame body, a guide ring, a limit top block, and a cup-shaped groove; A plurality of guide rings are arranged on the same side of the support frame body, each guide ring has a through hole with a diameter larger than the diameter of the under-ice guide cable, and the under-ice guide cable passes through the through holes of all guide rings, so that the support frame can move up and down along the under-ice guide cable; The limit top blocks are fixed at both ends of the support frame body, and are used to limit the axial movement of the profile observation system when it is in a state of being fitted with the support frame; The cup-shaped groove is fixed at the upper and lower ends of the support frame body, one end of the release spring is installed in the cup-shaped groove, and the length of the release spring in a free state is greater than the sum of the depth of the cup-shaped groove and the inward length of the limiting top block.

3. The release device according to claim 2, characterized in that The support frame body is an aluminum alloy annular semi-cylinder, and the position on the support frame where the float is installed is hollowed out.

4. The release device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control electronic cabin includes a pressure-resistant cabin, a low-temperature resistant battery and a control circuit arranged inside the pressure-resistant cabin, a watertight patch cable and an underwater radio frequency antenna arranged on an end cover of the pressure-resistant cabin; The pressure cabin is installed on the support frame; The watertight patch cable is connected to the watertight plug on the underwater motor in the release mechanism, and the low-temperature resistant battery and the control circuit provide power to the underwater motor through the watertight patch cable and enable it to work; The underwater radio frequency antenna is used to receive the release signal sent by the profile observation system and transmit the signal to the control circuit in the control electronic cabin, so that the control circuit controls the operation of the underwater motor.

5. The release device according to claim 4, characterized in that The pressure-resistant cabin is fixed and mounted on the support frame by clamping the control electronics cabin base and the control electronics cabin clamp.

6. The release device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The floating body is divided into two parts, which are installed at the upper and lower ends of the supporting frame and distributed at the upper and lower sides of the control electronic cabin and the release mechanism.

7. The release device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The designed buoyancy of the float is determined by the gravity of the support frame, the release base, the control electronics cabin, the release mechanism and the float.

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