Operating method of modular manned submersible capable of being freely matched

The modular manned submersible system addresses the inflexibility of traditional designs by enabling adaptable module configurations, improving operational efficiency and reducing energy waste through interchangeable modules with unified interfaces.

CN119239887APending Publication Date: 2025-01-03CHINA SHIP SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CENTER
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411557141.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-04
Publication Date
2025-01-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing manned submersibles have fixed dimensions and capabilities, limiting their ability to adapt to varying operational requirements and objectives, necessitating multiple dives and increasing operational complexity and time.

Method used

A modular manned submersible system with interchangeable modules, each with a unified power and control interface, allowing for flexible configuration and adjustment of main dimensions, energy supply, and diving capabilities based on operational needs.

Benefits of technology

Enables precise functional matching for diverse missions, enhancing scalability and operational efficiency by allowing modules to be added or removed as needed, optimizing performance for specific tasks while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an operation method of a modular manned submersible capable of being freely matched, accurate function matching aiming at different task targets is realized by designing six independent modules and then through a modular functional unit assembly form, and the submersible has higher expansibility due to the superposable energy, power and buoyancy adjusting capacity, so that the operation of the modular manned submersible is facilitated. The underwater vehicle can cope with various targets such as operation, sailing, exploration, salvage, laying and recycling, unmanned reconnaissance and manned fine operation, the operation pertinence of the underwater vehicle is effectively improved, the ability to cope with complex operation is high enough, and excessive consumption is avoided when simple operation is coped with.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of submersibles, and in particular to an operating method of a modular manned submersible that can be freely matched. Background Art

[0002] Manned submersibles enable humans to visit the seabed to conduct field surveys, sampling, mapping, searching, salvage and other operations, and can perform delicate seabed operations in complex marine environments.

[0003] Manned submersible systems are diverse and complex in structure, involving multiple functions such as buoyancy adjustment, attitude adjustment, energy supply, navigation control, and operating tools. In conventional design concepts, these functions and actuators are an indispensable part of the submersible and form the submersible body. This also determines that the main dimensions of the submersible are fixed and cannot be adjusted according to the operating environment and operating objectives. Correspondingly, when the main dimensions and configuration of a submersible are determined, its operating capabilities, including operating time and energy reserves, are also determined, and subsequent changes must be adjusted through upgrades and modifications.

[0004] Due to the above-mentioned limitations, the operating time, energy supply, navigation speed and operating capacity of existing submersibles cannot be matched and adjusted according to the operating objectives. In the face of complex operations, multiple dives and relay operations may be required to achieve the operating objectives, which increases the time and difficulty of the operation.

[0005] In summary, it is necessary to develop a modular manned submersible, which will effectively solve the problem that different work tasks require different work capabilities. The submersible can be accurately configured according to different work objectives, eliminate unnecessary functional modules, and add required functional modules to complete the work tasks in the most appropriate state. At present, there is no such equipment at home and abroad.

[0006] This type of modular manned submersible should have the following features:

[0007] 1. Divide independent modules by function, each module can work independently or simultaneously;

[0008] 2. Each module has a unified power supply interface and control interface, and the interfaces are all quick-plug;

[0009] 3. Each module maintains a uniform size and is replaceable, and the module layout can be adjusted according to operational needs;

[0010] 4. The main dimensions of the submersible body can be adjusted according to the number of modules. Summary of the invention

[0011] In response to the above-mentioned problems in the existing production technology, the applicant provides an operating method for a modular manned submersible that can be freely matched, so that the main functions of the submersible can be modularized, and any combination configuration can be carried out according to the operation task, and the main scale, energy source, and diving and buoyancy capabilities can be adjusted to achieve the best state for completing the task.

[0012] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0013] A method for operating a modular manned submersible that can be freely matched includes the following operation procedures:

[0014] Step 1: Develop a navigation route and voyage plan based on operational requirements and tasks, and develop a submersible combination plan based on this. Based on operational needs, environmental assessment, and submersible balance, evaluate the number and distribution of energy modules, the number and distribution of buoyancy adjustment modules, and the number and distribution of propulsion modules, and prepare other modules;

[0015] Step 2: According to the plan, transport the required standard modules to the designated operation site, build an assembly platform on the mother ship or shore, bring the crane to the site, and prepare for assembly;

[0016] Step 3: Assemble the modules in the predetermined positions according to the combination plan. During assembly, first connect the strong and weak current quick-plug interfaces, then lock the structural interfaces between the modules, and assemble the standardized modules into a manned submersible with operational capabilities.

[0017] Step 4: Carry out onshore joint adjustment and pre-dive inspection of the assembled manned submersible. With the manned cabin module as the core, conduct path verification of various functions of the submersible according to the electrical control logic to ensure that the control center, signal transmission, and actuators remain in normal state and meet the diving conditions;

[0018] Step 5: Place the assembled manned submersible into the water through the mother ship A-frame or shore-based crane, and the manned submersible enters the autonomous navigation state;

[0019] Step 6: The navigator takes over the submersible, supplies power to the submersible through the energy module, drives the manned submersible to the designated sea area through the propulsion module, goes to the designated depth as planned through the buoyancy adjustment module, keeps the submersible at a fixed height and depth through the propulsion module, carries out operations, and returns to the surface through the buoyancy adjustment module after completing the operations, and returns to the mother ship or shore base;

[0020] Step 7: Recover, rinse and disassemble the assembled manned submersible through the mother ship A-frame or shore-based crane and transport it back to the hangar;

[0021] Step 8: Carry out functional inspection and maintenance on each standard module, and store it in the warehouse after meeting the warehousing requirements.

[0022] Its further technical solution is:

[0023] There are six major modules in total, namely: bow module, manned cabin module, propulsion module, buoyancy adjustment module, energy module and stern module.

[0024] Each module is equipped with a 20-foot standard container outside.

[0025] The bow module and the stern module have the same structure.

[0026] The structure of the bow module is as follows: it includes a light outer shell, a suspension block is arranged inside the light outer shell, and a streamlined structure is arranged at one end of the light outer shell.

[0027] The manned cabin module adopts a manned cabin structure with an inner diameter of 1.8 meters.

[0028] Propulsion module docking interfaces are distributed at intervals on the upper part of the propulsion module, and propulsion module high-voltage interfaces and propulsion module low-voltage interfaces are distributed at intervals on the lower part. The main thruster is installed in the middle position inside the propulsion module.

[0029] The buoyancy adjustment module has high-voltage interfaces and low-voltage interfaces spaced apart at the top and bottom, and a buoyancy adjustment module docking interface spaced apart at the bottom. A buoyancy block is provided in the middle of the buoyancy adjustment module, and an adjustable water tank is provided above the buoyancy block. A computer tank and a junction box are provided on one side of the adjustable water tank, and a power distribution tank, a seawater pump and a seawater pump motor drive tank are provided on the other side of the adjustable water tank.

[0030] Energy module docking interfaces are distributed at intervals on the upper part of the energy module, and energy module high-voltage interfaces and energy module low-voltage interfaces are distributed at intervals on the lower part. Fuel cell stacks, oxygen cylinders and hydrogen storage tanks are distributed inside the energy module.

[0031] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0032] The present invention has a compact and reasonable structure and is easy to operate. Through the modular functional unit assembly form, it can achieve precise functional matching for different mission objectives. The superimposed energy, power, and buoyancy adjustment capabilities enable the submersible to have higher scalability, and can cope with various objectives such as operations, navigation, exploration, salvage, deployment and recovery, unmanned reconnaissance, and manned precision operations. It effectively improves the operational targeting of the submersible, ensures that the ability is strong enough to cope with complex operations, and avoids excessive consumption when dealing with simple operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the bow module of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the manned cabin module of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the propulsion module of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the buoyancy adjustment module of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the energy module of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 This is an application diagram of the present invention.

[0039] Among them: 1. Bow module; 2. Manned cabin module; 3. Propulsion module; 4. Buoyancy adjustment module; 5. Energy module; 6. Stern module;

[0040] 301, propulsion module docking interface; 302, main thruster; 303, propulsion module strong current interface; 304, propulsion module weak current interface;

[0041] 401, strong power interface of buoyancy adjustment module; 402, power distribution tank; 403, computer tank; 404, junction box; 405, buoyancy block; 406, adjustable water tank; 407, docking interface of buoyancy adjustment module;

[0042] 501, energy module docking interface; 502, fuel cell stack; 503, oxygen cylinder; 504, hydrogen storage tank; 505, energy module high-voltage interface; 506, energy module low-voltage interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The specific implementation of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0044] like Figure 1-Figure 6 As shown, the operation method of the modular manned submersible capable of being freely matched in this embodiment includes the following operation process:

[0045] Step 1: Formulate a navigation route and voyage plan based on operational requirements and tasks, and formulate a submersible combination plan based on this. Based on operational needs, environmental assessment, and submersible balance, evaluate the number and distribution of energy modules 5, the number and distribution of buoyancy adjustment modules 4, and the number and distribution of propulsion modules 3, and prepare other modules;

[0046] Step 2: According to the plan, transport the required standard modules to the designated operation site, build an assembly platform on the mother ship or shore, bring the crane to the site, and prepare for assembly;

[0047] Step 3: Assemble the modules in the predetermined positions according to the combination plan. During assembly, first connect the strong and weak current quick-plug interfaces, then lock the structural interfaces between the modules, and assemble the standardized modules into a manned submersible with operational capabilities.

[0048] Step 4: Carry out onshore joint adjustment and pre-dive inspection of the assembled manned submersible. With the manned cabin module 2 as the core, conduct path verification of various functions of the submersible according to the electrical control logic to ensure that the control center, signal transmission, and actuators remain in normal state and meet the diving conditions;

[0049] Step 5: Place the assembled manned submersible into the water through the mother ship A-frame or shore-based crane, and the manned submersible enters the autonomous navigation state;

[0050] Step 6: The navigator takes over the submersible, supplies power to the submersible through the energy module 5, drives the manned submersible to the designated sea area through the propulsion module 3, goes to the designated depth according to the plan through the buoyancy adjustment module 4, keeps the submersible at a fixed height and depth through the propulsion module 3, carries out the operation, and returns to the surface through the buoyancy adjustment module 4 after completing the operation, and returns to the mother ship or the shore;

[0051] Step 7: Recover, rinse and disassemble the assembled manned submersible through the mother ship A-frame or shore-based crane and transport it back to the hangar;

[0052] Step 8: Carry out functional inspection and maintenance on each standard module, and store it in the warehouse after meeting the warehousing requirements.

[0053] There are six major modules in total, namely: bow module 1, manned cabin module 2, propulsion module 3, buoyancy adjustment module 4, energy module 5 and stern module 6.

[0054] Each module is equipped with a 20-foot standard container outside.

[0055] The bow module 1 and the stern module 6 have the same structure.

[0056] The structure of the bow module 1 is as follows: it comprises a light outer shell, a suspension block is arranged inside the light outer shell, and a streamlined structure is arranged at one end of the light outer shell.

[0057] The manned cabin module 2 adopts a manned cabin structure with an inner diameter of 1.8 meters.

[0058] The propulsion module 3 has propulsion module docking interfaces 301 spaced apart at the top, and propulsion module strong current interfaces 303 and propulsion module weak current interfaces 304 spaced apart at the bottom. A main thruster 302 is installed at the middle position inside the propulsion module 3.

[0059] The buoyancy adjustment module 4 has high-voltage interfaces 401 and low-voltage interfaces spaced apart at intervals on the upper portion thereof, and has docking interfaces 407 spaced apart at the lower portion thereof. A buoyancy block 405 is disposed in the middle portion of the buoyancy adjustment module 4, and an adjustable water tank 406 is disposed above the buoyancy block 405. A computer tank 403 and a junction box 404 are disposed on one side of the adjustable water tank 406, and a power distribution tank 402, a seawater pump, and a seawater pump motor drive tank are also disposed on the other side of the adjustable water tank 406.

[0060] Energy module docking interfaces 501 are spaced apart at the top inside the energy module 5, and energy module high-voltage interfaces 505 and energy module low-voltage interfaces 506 are spaced apart at the bottom. A fuel cell stack 502, an oxygen cylinder 503 and a hydrogen storage tank 504 are distributed inside the energy module 5.

[0061] The present invention comprises a total of six standardized modules, namely a bow module 1, a manned cabin module 2, a propulsion module 3, a buoyancy adjustment module 4, an energy module 5 and a stern module 6. Each module is the size of a 20-foot standard container. Prefabricated cables are laid on the left and right sides of the extended edge. The left side is a power supply cable to provide power energy, and the right side is a control cable for control signal transmission. Quick-plug interfaces are arranged on both sides for quick connection between modules.

[0062] The bow module 1 and the stern module 6 have the same structure and are both well streamlined, so as to optimize the fluid performance of the complete submersible after assembly.

[0063] The manned cabin module 2 is a manned cabin with an inner diameter of 1.8 meters. It is equipped with life support devices and navigation control equipment inside. It can realize rapid integration of the cabin power distribution with other modules through connectors. It can realize manned diving when necessary. When manned diving is not required, the module can be uninstalled and the submersible can be operated as an unmanned submersible.

[0064] The propulsion module 3 can adjust the thrust direction of the propeller such as main thrust, side thrust, vertical thrust, etc. according to the installation position of the module.

[0065] The buoyancy adjustment module 4 mainly includes an adjustable water tank 406, a seawater pump, a junction box 404, a seawater pump motor drive tank, a power distribution tank 402, a computer tank 403, and a buoyancy block 405, which can realize the buoyancy adjustment of the entire submersible, and can also play a role in adjusting the posture of the submersible by adjusting the position of the module.

[0066] The energy module 5 mainly includes a fuel cell stack 502, a hydrogen storage tank 504, and an oxygen cylinder 503, which provide normal and emergency power supply for the submersible.

[0067] The assembly relationship of the present invention is: the internal structure of each module is a standard fixed mode, the assembly between different modules adopts the form of head-to-tail connection, the structural connection is achieved through the module docking interface, and the power supply and signal connection are achieved through the strong and weak current interfaces.

[0068] The working process of the present invention is: according to the actual operational needs, the required energy, buoyancy adjustment ability, whether it is manned, navigation performance and other indicators are estimated, and on this basis, the type, quantity and distribution form of the required modules are determined, and they are assembled according to the specified distribution method to achieve rapid and accurate formation of a submersible that meets the operational capabilities.

[0069] The present invention realizes flexible and adjustable performance indicators of the submersible and fast assembly through a modular assembly method, and transforms the traditional fixed performance indicator mode into a variable performance indicator mode oriented to operation requirements.

[0070] The present invention adopts the method of quick disassembly of structure and quick insertion of strong and weak electricity to reduce the number of installation brackets, simplify the disassembly and assembly process between modules, and enhance the assembly reliability between modules, thus providing effective support for the rapid assembly of the submersible and quickly reaching a serviceable state.

[0071] The present invention not only allows each functional module to be replaced and increased or decreased, but also takes into account the requirements of hydrodynamic performance, and effectively improves the navigation resistance performance of the submersible through the good line shape of the first module.

[0072] The above description is an explanation of the present invention, not a limitation of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined in the claims. Any form of modification may be made within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for operating a modular manned submersible that can be freely matched, characterized in that: The following operation procedures are included: Step 1: Formulate a navigation route and voyage plan based on operational requirements and tasks, and formulate a submersible combination plan based on this. Based on operational needs, environmental assessment, and submersible balance, evaluate the number and distribution of energy modules (5), the number and distribution of buoyancy adjustment modules (4), and the number and distribution of propulsion modules (3), and prepare other modules; Step 2: According to the plan, transport the required standard modules to the designated operation site, build an assembly platform on the mother ship or shore, bring the crane to the site, and prepare for assembly; Step 3: Assemble the modules in the predetermined positions according to the combination plan. During assembly, first connect the strong and weak current quick-plug interfaces, then lock the structural interfaces between the modules, and assemble the standardized modules into a manned submersible with operational capabilities. Step 4: Conduct onshore joint debugging and pre-dive inspection of the assembled manned submersible. With the manned cabin module (2) as the core, conduct path verification of various functions of the submersible according to the electrical control logic to ensure that the control center, signal transmission, and actuators remain in normal state and meet the diving conditions. Step 5: Place the assembled manned submersible into the water through the mother ship A-frame or shore-based crane, and the manned submersible enters the autonomous navigation state; Step 6: The navigator takes over the submersible, supplies power to the submersible through the energy module (5), drives the manned submersible to the designated sea area through the propulsion module (3), and proceeds to the designated depth according to the plan through the buoyancy adjustment module (4). The submersible is kept at a fixed height and depth through the propulsion module (3) to carry out operations. After the operations are completed, the buoyancy adjustment module (4) is used to return to the surface and return to the mother ship or the shore. Step 7: Recover, rinse and disassemble the assembled manned submersible through the mother ship A-frame or shore-based crane and transport it back to the hangar; Step 8: Carry out functional inspection and maintenance on each standard module, and store it in the warehouse after it meets the warehousing requirements.

2. The method for operating a modular manned submersible capable of being freely matched according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are six modules in total, namely: bow module (1), manned cabin module (2), propulsion module (3), buoyancy adjustment module (4), energy module (5) and stern module (6).

3. The method for operating a modular manned submersible capable of being freely matched according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each module is equipped with a 20-foot standard container outside.

4. The method for operating a modular manned submersible capable of being freely matched according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bow module (1) and the stern module (6) have the same structure.

5. The method for operating a modular manned submersible capable of being freely matched according to claim 4, characterized in that: The structure of the bow module (1) is as follows: it comprises a light outer shell, a suspension block is arranged inside the light outer shell, and a streamlined structure is arranged at one end of the light outer shell.

6. The method for operating a modular manned submersible capable of being freely matched according to claim 2, characterized in that: The manned cabin module (2) adopts a manned cabin structure with an inner diameter of 1.8 meters.

7. The method for operating a modular manned submersible capable of being freely matched according to claim 2, characterized in that: The propulsion module (3) has a propulsion module docking interface (301) spaced apart at the top, a propulsion module strong current interface (303) and a propulsion module weak current interface (304) spaced apart at the bottom, and a main thruster (302) is installed at the middle position inside the propulsion module (3).

8. The method for operating a modular manned submersible capable of being freely matched according to claim 2, characterized in that: The buoyancy adjustment module (4) has strong current interfaces (401) and weak current interfaces of the buoyancy adjustment module arranged at intervals on the upper part thereof, and has docking interfaces (407) of the buoyancy adjustment module arranged at intervals on the lower part thereof. A buoyancy block (405) is arranged at the middle position of the buoyancy adjustment module (4), and an adjustable water tank (406) is arranged above the buoyancy block (405). A computer tank (403) and a junction box (404) are arranged on one side of the adjustable water tank (406), and a power distribution tank (402), a seawater pump and a seawater pump motor drive tank are also arranged on the other side of the adjustable water tank (406).

9. The method for operating a modular manned submersible capable of being freely matched according to claim 2, characterized in that: Energy module docking interfaces (501) are distributed at intervals on the upper part of the energy module (5), and energy module strong current interfaces (505) and energy module weak current interfaces (506) are distributed at intervals on the lower part. A fuel cell stack (502), an oxygen cylinder (503) and a hydrogen storage tank (504) are distributed inside the energy module (5).