A turntable brake mechanism and parameter design method for a neutrino buoy deployment device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a turntable brake mechanism for a neutrino buoy deployment device, comprising a first component, a second component, a transmission rod, a handle, and a steel wire. The first component and the second component are mirror-symmetrical and connected by the transmission rod. The first component includes a first lifting platform, a first elastic member, a first brake mechanism protection plate, a first triangular connecting rod, and a first connecting rod. The tops of the first and second lifting platforms can engage and disengage with the serrated plate on the edge of the turntable. This invention overcomes the problem that existing brake devices are not suitable for ultra-deepwater operations, largely ensuring the stability of the turntable during the descent of the deployment device, and improving the safety of the deployment operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of neutrino buoy deployment, and in particular to a turntable braking mechanism of a neutrino buoy deployment device and a parameter design method. Background Art

[0002] The "Sea Bell" neutrino telescope project requires the construction of a dense detector array consisting of 1,200 detectors in series. During the deployment process, the deployment device integrates and packages 20 neutrino detector balls and transports them to the seabed. After the deployment device lands smoothly on the bottom, the turntable equipped with the neutrino detector balls rotates and rises simultaneously. As each section of the cable is tightened, the neutrino detector balls are released under the tension. However, during the descent of the deployment device turntable in the seawater, it may be disturbed by the water and rotate. In severe cases, individual detector balls may be accidentally released or the cables may become entangled and tangled. In addition, during the process of assembling the 20 detector balls one by one onto the deployment device turntable on land, if the turntable is not equipped with a properly designed brake device, it will also rotate irregularly, greatly increasing the difficulty of installing the detector balls, reducing installation efficiency, and making it impossible to ensure the quality of the detector balls installed at sea under special circumstances.

[0003] In response to the above-mentioned practical engineering problems, and in combination with the harsh sea conditions when the "Sea Bell" neutrino telescope project is operating in ultra-deep water at 3,500 meters, a deployment device turntable brake mechanism is designed that not only fits the structural design of the deployment device, but can withstand the large static pressure of seawater, can keep the turntable from rotating during the descent process under poor sea conditions, and can maintain high efficiency and reliability when installing the detection ball on land or at sea. This is of great significance to the advancement of the "Sea Bell" neutrino telescope project.

[0004] Therefore, the technicians in this field are committed to developing a neutrino buoy deployment device turntable brake mechanism and parameter design method. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are:

[0006] 1. Existing brake mechanism designs are mainly for onshore operations or shallow water depths. In deeper ocean waters, the brake mechanism is not strong enough and weak components are easily damaged in accidental collisions.

[0007] 2. When installing the 20 probe balls sequentially into the empty spaces on the deployment device's turntable, on land or (under special circumstances) at sea, if the turntable's rotation is not restricted, the turntable's rotation may slow down installation, considering the high force required to unlock the clamp lock in the current empty space when installing the probe balls. Furthermore, installation efficiency is even more difficult to ensure in the turbulent conditions of offshore work. Furthermore, due to the instability of the turntable, the probe balls may not be properly installed. In this case, not only is the deployment success difficult to guarantee, but the surface glass of the probe balls may also be scratched, causing them to fail.

[0008] 3. During the process of the deployment device descending from the sea surface to the seabed, the turntable of the deployment device may rotate due to water disturbance. In serious cases, it may even cause individual detection balls to accidentally fall out or the cables to become entangled and knotted.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a turntable brake mechanism of a neutrino buoy deployment device, comprising a first component, a second component, a transmission rod, a handle, and a steel wire. The first component is mirror-symmetrical to the second component. The first component comprises a first lifting platform, a first elastic member, a first brake mechanism protection plate, a first triangular connecting rod and a first connecting rod. The second component comprises a second lifting platform, a second elastic member, a second brake mechanism protection plate, a second triangular connecting rod and a second connecting rod. The two ends of the transmission rod are respectively connected to the first triangular connecting rod and the second triangular connecting rod. The internal rotating structure of the handle is connected to one end of the first triangular connecting rod through the steel wire. The first triangular connecting rod can rotate around a first axis. The other end of the first triangular connecting rod is connected to one end of the first connecting rod. The other end of the first connecting rod is connected to the first lifting platform. One end of the first elastic member is fixed and the other end is connected to the first lifting platform. The tops of the first and second lifting platforms can engage or disengage with the serrated plate on the edge of the turntable. The first elastic and second elastic members are springs. As the handle (fixed to the deployment device's base frame, not shown in the figure) rotates, the wire connected to the handle's internal rotating structure tightens or loosens. Tightening the wire causes the triangular connecting rod to rotate clockwise as shown. This moves the connecting rod downward, compressing the spring, lowering the platform and separating it from the serrated plate on the turntable. The transmission rod then rotates the other triangular connecting rod, lowering the platform on the other side as well, disengaging the tops of the platforms from the serrated plate on the turntable. When the wire loosens, the springs at both ends drive the platform upward, causing the tops of the platforms to engage with the serrated plate on the turntable.

[0010] Furthermore, the material of the turntable brake mechanism of the neutrino buoy deployment device is mainly high-strength alloy steel.

[0011] In a second aspect, the present invention further provides a parameter design method for the turntable brake mechanism of the neutrino buoy deployment device, comprising steps 1-13:

[0012] Step 1: Obtain the overall design plan of the turntable brake mechanism, including structural drawings and parts drawings;

[0013] Step 2: Develop a simulation model based on the overall design of the turntable brake mechanism to analyze its structural strength and other indicators;

[0014] Step 3: Develop a test model based on the overall design of the turntable brake mechanism to analyze the structural strength and other indicators of the turntable brake mechanism;

[0015] Step 4: Determine the quality of the upper structure such as the deployment device turntable based on actual conditions;

[0016] Step 5: Determine the material used for the turntable brake mechanism;

[0017] Step 6: Determine the overall volume of the turntable brake mechanism;

[0018] Step 7: Determine the overall mass of the turntable brake mechanism;

[0019] Step 8: Determine the rigidity of the lifting platform;

[0020] Step 9: Determine the strength and stiffness of the turntable brake mechanism lift platform connecting rod and spring;

[0021] Step 10: Determine the coordination and movement relationship between the spring and the connecting rod of the processed turntable brake mechanism during operation;

[0022] Step 11: Determine the maximum speed and acceleration of the spring and connecting rod movement, as well as the time required to complete braking and release, when the turntable brake mechanism is in operation based on numerical simulation;

[0023] Step 12: Through the above steps, preliminarily determine the parameters of the turntable brake mechanism that meet the actual requirements, including the selection and stiffness coefficient of the spring;

[0024] Step 13: Optimize the parameters of the turntable brake mechanism based on the model test and numerical simulation results, and iterate repeatedly to continuously obtain better results.

[0025] Furthermore, the step 5 specifically involves further determining the material used for the turntable brake mechanism based on the mass of the upper structure of the deployment device determined in step 4.

[0026] Furthermore, the step 6 specifically involves determining the overall volume of the turntable brake mechanism according to component strength and stiffness requirements.

[0027] Furthermore, the step 7 specifically involves determining the overall mass of the turntable brake mechanism according to component strength and stiffness requirements.

[0028] Furthermore, the step 8 specifically involves determining the stiffness of the lifting platform according to the maximum water depth in which the deployment device is located during operation and the shape and thickness of the lifting platform of the turntable brake mechanism that is preliminarily designed.

[0029] Furthermore, the step 9 specifically determines the strength and stiffness of the lifting platform connecting rod and spring of the turntable brake mechanism according to the mass of the upper structure of the deployment device.

[0030] Furthermore, the step 10 specifically involves determining the coordination and movement relationship between the spring and the connecting rod of the processed turntable brake mechanism during operation through actual mechanical structure verification tests.

[0031] Furthermore, the step 11 specifically involves determining, based on numerical simulation, the maximum speed and acceleration of the spring and connecting rod movement, as well as the time required to complete braking and separation when the turntable brake mechanism is in operation.

[0032] Technical Effects

[0033] This invention proposes a novel structural design for the braking mechanism of a neutrino buoy deployment system. This overcomes the unsuitability of existing braking systems for ultra-deepwater operations, significantly ensuring the stability of the turntable during the descent of the deployment system and improving the safety of the deployment operation. The core components of the braking mechanism (transmission rod, connecting rod, lifting platform, and protective plate) are manufactured from high-strength, pressure-resistant materials, overcoming the insufficient pressure-bearing capacity of existing braking mechanisms and further facilitating safe and efficient deployment. This invention presents a structural design for the braking mechanism of a neutrino buoy deployment system, providing a valuable reference for the deployment of dense deep-sea neutrino detector arrays.

[0034] 2. The present invention proposes a purely mechanical turntable brake mechanism for a neutrino buoy deployment device. During the installation of the probe balls, the turntable can be rotated to an empty position and then the brake mechanism can be used to limit the position. After the current probe ball is installed, the brake mechanism is unlocked and the turntable is rotated to the next empty position, and this process continues until all 20 probe balls are assembled. During the installation process, the turntable remains stable and does not rotate, improving the smoothness and stability of the deployment device's probe ball installation process. When the probe ball is to be installed into the corresponding empty position on the turntable, the brake mechanism's lifting platform is raised so that its top contacts the serrated plate on the edge of the deployment device's turntable, completing the lock of the turntable. After the current probe ball is installed and the next probe ball is ready to be installed, the brake mechanism's lifting platform is lowered so that its top separates from the serrated plate on the edge of the deployment device's turntable, allowing the turntable to rotate to the next empty position. The present invention provides a highly efficient turntable brake mechanism structural design for probe ball installation in a waterwheel-type neutrino buoy deployment device. This design effectively reduces damage and failure of the probe balls caused by the free rotation of the turntable, improving the efficiency and safety of installation operations.

[0035] 3. How to deal with water disturbances during the descent of the deployment device is a key link in the entire deployment process. The present invention introduces a turntable brake mechanism to ensure that the turntable does not rotate freely during descent, without interference in the deployment operation, thereby promoting the successful execution of the entire deployment operation. A purely mechanical turntable brake mechanism design for a deployment device is provided, which is easy to operate and highly reliable. The turntable can be kept in a fixed state during the descent of the deployment device, and can rotate freely when the detection ball begins to be released. This provides a more reliable means for the deployment of neutrino buoy series, and combined with a purely mechanical brake structure, it can greatly ensure the success of the deployment operation.

[0036] The concept, specific structure and technical effects of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to fully understand the purpose, characteristics and effects of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a turntable brake mechanism of a neutrino buoy deployment device of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the braking state of the turntable braking mechanism of the neutrino buoy deployment device of the present invention (one side);

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the unlocked state of the turntable brake mechanism of the neutrino buoy deployment device of the present invention (one side);

[0040] Figure 4 The present invention provides a flow chart of a method for optimizing the design of parameters of a turntable brake mechanism of a neutrino buoy deployment device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following describes several preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings to make its technical content clearer and easier to understand. The present invention can be embodied in many different forms of embodiments, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments mentioned herein.

[0042] In the drawings, components with identical structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and components with similar structures or functions are denoted by similar reference numerals. The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrary and are not limited by the present invention. For clarity, the thickness of components in some places in the drawings is appropriately exaggerated.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, a turntable brake mechanism of a neutrino buoy deployment device of the present invention includes a first component, a second component, a transmission rod 5, a handle 8 and a steel wire. The first component is mirror-symmetrical to the second component and is connected through the transmission rod 5. The first component includes a lifting platform 2, a spring 3, a brake mechanism protection plate 4 and a triangular connecting rod 6 and a connecting rod 7. The handle 8 is connected to the triangular connecting rod 6 of the first component through a steel wire. The top of the lifting platform 2 can engage with the serrated plate 1 on the edge of the turntable.

[0045] The turntable brake mechanism is directly fixed to the bottom plate frame of the neutrino buoy deployment device. The turntable needs to be fixed when installing the detection ball or resisting seawater disturbance. At this time, the brake mechanism lifting platform is in contact with the serrated plate on the edge of the turntable; when switching the installation position of the detection ball or preparing to start the deployment operation on the seabed, the turntable needs to be unlocked. At this time, the brake mechanism lifting platform is separated from the serrated plate on the edge of the turntable.

[0046] When installing a probe ball into the turntable, either onshore or offshore, first align the top of the platform with the serrated plate 1 on the edge of the turntable and secure the turntable. To install the next probe ball, pull the handle clockwise as shown (the handle is fixed to the deployment device's base frame (not shown). The wire connected to the handle's internal rotating structure is pulled and tightened toward the upper left, driving the triangular connecting rod clockwise as shown. This moves the connecting rod downward, compressing the spring, and lowering the platform, separating it from the serrated plate on the turntable. The transmission rod then rotates the other triangular connecting rod, causing the other platform to also descend. The brake mechanism is now unlocked. After rotating to the next probe ball installation position, pull the handle counterclockwise to lock the brake mechanism. Repeat this step repeatedly to achieve stable and efficient installation of multiple probe balls. (In severe sea conditions, the brake mechanism must be locked in advance. Only after the entire deployment device has been transported to the seabed can the ROV manipulator unlock the brake mechanism and prepare for deployment.)

[0047] The first component and the second component are located on the left and right sides of the turntable respectively, and the two are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner. The structure of the first component is as follows: Figure 2 As shown in the figure, in the braking state, the brake mechanism is internally self-locking. The connecting rod and two springs provide upward support for the lifting platform, and the top of the lifting platform engages the serrated plate on the edge of the turntable. At this point, the deployment device turntable is fixed and cannot rotate freely. Pulling the handle clockwise (using the ROV manipulator when on the seabed) causes the triangular connecting rods on both sides to rotate clockwise synchronously, separating the top of the lifting platform from the serrated plate on the turntable edge, and the brake mechanism enters the unlocked state.

[0048] like Figure 3As shown, in the unlocked state, the connecting rod moves downward, compressing the two springs and driving the platform downward. The top of the platform separates from the serrated plate on the edge of the turntable. At this point, the deployment device turntable is not fixed and can rotate freely. Pulling the handle counterclockwise causes the triangular connecting rods on both sides of the brake mechanism to rotate counterclockwise synchronously, causing the top of the platform to engage the serrated plate on the edge of the turntable, and the brake mechanism enters the braking state.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, a method for designing parameters of a turntable brake mechanism of a neutrino buoy deployment device of the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0051] Step 1: Obtain the overall design plan of the turntable brake mechanism, including structural drawings, parts drawings, etc.

[0052] Steps 2 and 3: Develop a simulation model or test model based on the design drawings to analyze the structural strength and other indicators of the turntable brake mechanism.

[0053] Step 4: Determine the quality of the upper structure such as the deployment device turntable based on actual conditions.

[0054] Step 5: Based on the mass of the deployment device superstructure determined in Step 4, further determine the material used for the turntable brake mechanism (mainly high-strength alloy steel).

[0055] Steps 6 and 7: Further determine the overall volume and mass of the turntable brake mechanism based on the component strength and stiffness requirements.

[0056] Step 8: Determine the stiffness of the lifting platform based on the maximum water depth in which the deployment device will be located during operation and the shape and thickness of the preliminary designed turntable brake mechanism lifting platform.

[0057] Step 9: Determine the strength and stiffness of the turntable brake mechanism lifting platform connecting rod and spring based on the mass of the deployment device superstructure.

[0058] Step 10: Through actual mechanical structure verification tests, determine the coordination and movement relationship between the spring and the connecting rod of the processed turntable brake mechanism during operation.

[0059] Step 11: Determine the maximum speed and acceleration of the spring and connecting rod movement, as well as the time required to complete braking and release when the turntable brake mechanism is in operation based on numerical simulation.

[0060] Step 12: Through the above steps, preliminarily determine the parameters of the turntable brake mechanism that meet the actual requirements (including the selection and stiffness coefficient of the spring).

[0061] Step 13: Optimize the parameters of the turntable brake mechanism based on the model test and numerical simulation results, and iterate repeatedly to continuously obtain better results.

[0062] Step 14: Through model testing and numerical simulation, the performance indicators (such as strength) and functional realization of the turntable brake mechanism after iterative optimization design are checked and verified.

[0063] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It should be understood that numerous modifications and variations based on the concepts of the present invention are possible without inventive effort by those skilled in the art. Therefore, any technical solution that can be derived by one skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation based on the concepts of the present invention and the prior art should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A turntable brake mechanism for a neutrino buoy deployment device, characterized in that: The first component comprises a first component, a second component, a transmission rod, a handle, and a steel wire. The first component is mirror-symmetrical to the second component. The first component comprises a first lifting platform, a first elastic member, a first brake mechanism protection plate, a first triangular link and a first link. The second component comprises a second lifting platform, a second elastic member, a second brake mechanism protection plate, a second triangular link and a second link. The two ends of the transmission rod are respectively connected to the first triangular link and the second triangular link. The internal rotating structure of the handle is connected to one end of the first triangular link through the steel wire. The first triangular link can rotate around the first axis. The other end of the first triangular link is connected to one end of the first link. The other end of the first link is connected to the first lifting platform. One end of the first elastic member is fixed and the other end is connected to the first lifting platform. The tops of the first and second lifting platforms can engage or disengage with the serrated plate on the edge of the turntable. The first elastic and second elastic members are springs.

2. The turntable brake mechanism of the neutrino buoy deployment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the turntable brake mechanism of the neutrino buoy deployment device is mainly high-strength alloy steel.

3. A parameter design method for the turntable brake mechanism of the neutrino buoy deployment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Includes steps 1-13: Step 1: Obtain the overall design plan of the turntable brake mechanism, including structural drawings and parts drawings; Step 2: Develop a simulation model based on the overall design of the turntable brake mechanism to analyze the structural strength indicators of the turntable brake mechanism; Step 3: Develop a test model based on the overall design of the turntable brake mechanism to analyze the structural strength indicators of the turntable brake mechanism; Step 4: Determine the mass of the superstructure of the deployment device based on actual conditions; Step 5: Determine the material used for the turntable brake mechanism; Step 6: Determine the overall volume of the turntable brake mechanism; Step 7: Determine the overall mass of the turntable brake mechanism; Step 8: Determine the rigidity of the lifting platform; Step 9: Determine the strength and stiffness of the turntable brake mechanism lift platform connecting rod and spring; Step 10: Determine the coordination and movement relationship between the spring and the connecting rod of the processed turntable brake mechanism during operation; Step 11: Determine the maximum speed and acceleration of the spring and connecting rod movement, as well as the time required to complete braking and release, when the turntable brake mechanism is in operation based on numerical simulation; Step 12: Through the above steps, preliminarily determine the parameters of the turntable brake mechanism that meet the actual requirements, including the selection and stiffness coefficient of the spring; Step 13: Optimize the parameters of the turntable brake mechanism based on the model test and numerical simulation results, and iterate repeatedly to continuously obtain better results.

4. The parameter design method according to claim 3, wherein: The step 5 specifically involves further determining the material used for the turntable brake mechanism based on the mass of the upper structure of the deployment device determined in step 4.

5. The parameter design method according to claim 3, wherein: The step 6 specifically involves determining the overall volume of the turntable brake mechanism according to component strength and stiffness requirements.

6. The parameter design method according to claim 3, wherein: The step 7 specifically involves determining the overall mass of the turntable brake mechanism according to component strength and stiffness requirements.

7. The parameter design method according to claim 3, wherein: The step 8 specifically involves determining the rigidity of the lifting platform according to the maximum water depth in which the deployment device is located during operation and the shape and thickness of the lifting platform of the turntable brake mechanism that is preliminarily designed.

8. The parameter design method according to claim 3, wherein: The step 9 specifically involves determining the strength and stiffness of the lifting platform connecting rod and spring of the turntable brake mechanism based on the mass of the upper structure of the deployment device.

9. The parameter design method according to claim 3, wherein: The step 10 specifically involves determining the coordination and movement relationship between the spring and the connecting rod of the processed turntable brake mechanism during operation through actual mechanical structure verification tests.

10. The parameter design method according to claim 3, wherein: The step 11 specifically involves determining, based on numerical simulation, the maximum speed and acceleration of the spring and connecting rod movement, as well as the time required to complete braking and separation when the turntable brake mechanism is in operation.

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