A one-time anti-fouling mechanism suitable for a small underwater docking station

Abstract

The application discloses a one-time anti-pollution mechanism suitable for a small underwater docking station, which comprises a channel guide opening and a channel cover plate, the channel guide opening is arranged at a channel opening of the docking station, and the channel cover plate covers the channel opening in the form of a cover plate; the channel cover plate comprises an anti-rotation structure, a hinged structure and an adapter, the bottom of the channel cover plate is provided with the hinged structure, and a rotatable and detachable hinge point is formed between the hinged structure and the channel guide opening; a bolt connected with the docking station locks the channel cover plate through the adapter, and the adapter is further fixedly connected with a compression spring; in the locked state, the compression spring is compressed, once the bolt is unlocked, the upper part of the channel cover plate is instantaneously subjected to a turning force under the action of the compression spring, and the channel cover plate is turned around the bottom hinge point and then falls off from the docking station. The channel opening is covered in the form of the channel cover plate, sea creatures are effectively prevented from entering the channel, and the channel cover plate falls off without an additional power source, and the mechanism is simple and reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine antifouling technology, and is mainly a disposable antifouling mechanism for small underwater docking stations. Background Technology

[0002] Underwater docking stations are common in the marine industry, primarily used for information exchange and energy replenishment with underwater unmanned vehicles (UAVs). To achieve these functions, the UAV needs to enter the dock's internal channels via acoustic and optical guidance, where it is then secured by insertion and locking. However, in the marine environment, exposed docking channels are frequently contaminated by marine organisms, leading to docking failures. This is especially true for certain single-use docks with significant information value; docking failures can result in substantial cost losses. Therefore, a reliable antifouling technology is needed for docking station channels to effectively protect against marine organisms, at least before the initial docking. Furthermore, small underwater docking stations often lack sufficient space and electrical interfaces to deploy an additional channel covering mechanism; typically, only antifouling paint is used, which is less effective. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a disposable antifouling mechanism suitable for small underwater docking stations.

[0004] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: A disposable antifouling mechanism suitable for small underwater docking stations, comprising a channel guide port and a channel cover plate. The channel guide port is located at the channel opening of the docking station, and the channel cover plate covers the channel opening in the form of a cover plate. The channel cover plate includes an anti-rotation structure, a hinge structure, and a connecting component. The bottom of the channel cover plate is provided with a hinge structure, and the hinge structure forms a rotatable hinge point with the channel guide port. A pin connected to the docking station locks the channel cover plate through the connecting component, which is also fixedly connected to a compression spring. In the locked state, the compression spring is compressed. Once the pin is released, the upper part of the channel cover plate is instantaneously subjected to a flipping force under the action of the compression spring, rotates around the bottom hinge point, and then falls off the docking station.

[0005] As a preferred technical solution, the inner side of the channel cover has two cuboid anti-rotation structures to limit the left and right swaying of the channel cover.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution, the hinge structure is a protruding hemispherical structure that makes hinged contact with the hemispherical recess on the channel guide port of the docking station.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution, the pin is fixedly connected to the docking station's plug-in / pull-out motion module, and the locking and unlocking of the pin is achieved by the plug-in / pull-out motion, without the need for an additional power source.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution, the channel cover is made of engineering plastic, which has a density greater than seawater. It is manufactured in large quantities at low cost using injection molding and is not recycled after falling off.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the outer side of the channel cover is coated with antifouling paint to suppress the impact of marine organisms on the dock.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the compression spring is made of stainless steel with rust resistance.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention uses a channel cover to cover the channel opening, effectively preventing marine organisms from entering the channel, and the detachment does not require an additional power source, making it simple and reliable. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art or ordinary skills, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the locking principle of the channel cover plate of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the channel cover plate of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the channel cover plate of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the channel cover detachment in this invention.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Compression spring, 2-Adapter, 3-Channel cover, 4-Anti-rotation structure, 5-Hinged structure, 6-Pin, 7-Channel guide port. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0019] like Figure 1 , Figure 4As shown, the present invention provides a disposable antifouling mechanism suitable for small underwater docking stations, including a channel guide port 7 and a channel cover plate 3. The channel guide port 7 is located at the channel opening of the docking station and is funnel-shaped. The channel cover plate 3 covers the channel opening in the form of a cover plate.

[0020] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the channel cover 3 includes an anti-rotation structure 4, a hinge structure 5, and a connecting piece 2. The channel cover 3 is made of engineering plastic with a density greater than seawater. It is manufactured in large quantities at low cost using injection molding and is not recycled after falling off. The outer side of the channel cover 3 is coated with antifouling paint to inhibit the impact of marine organisms on the docking station. The bottom of the channel cover 3 is provided with a hinge structure 5, which is a protruding hemispherical structure that hinges to a hemispherical recess on the channel guide 7 of the docking station. The channel guide provides upward support, and the protruding hemispherical structure and the hemispherical recess form a hinge point that can be rotated and detached. The anti-rotation structure 4 has two cuboid structures on the inner side of the channel cover 3 to limit the left and right swaying of the channel cover 3 and to limit the horizontal rotation of the mechanism when fixed in the channel. The anti-rotation structure 4 is inserted into the inner side of the channel and fits with the front plane of the channel for limiting the movement. The size is a clearance fit to avoid jamming when detached.

[0021] The pin 6 is fixedly connected to the docking station's insertion and removal motion module. Locking and releasing the pin is achieved through insertion and removal motion, eliminating the need for an additional power source. The pin 6, connected to the docking station, locks the channel cover 3 via an adapter 2. The adapter 2 also has a fixed spring 1, made of stainless steel for rust prevention and rapid corrosion. The spring 1 is fixed in the mounting hole of the adapter 2 by an interference fit. The adapter also has a pre-drilled pin hole. When the pin 6 is inserted into the pin hole on the adapter 2, the channel cover 3 is completely locked. In the locked state, the spring 1 is compressed. Once the pin 6 is released, the upper part of the channel cover 3 is instantly subjected to a flipping force under the action of the spring 1, rotating around the bottom hinge point and detaching from the docking station.

[0022] The working principle of this invention is described below:

[0023] Before docking begins, the dock station physically protects the passageway using the anti-fouling mechanism proposed in this invention. When docking commences, as... Figure 4 As shown, the docking station plug-in module moves to avoid the position inside the channel, and the locking anti-fouling mechanism pin 6 moves accordingly (without needing an additional power source), releasing the lock. Under the thrust applied by the compression spring 1, the channel cover 3 quickly rotates around the hinge point on the channel guide port 7 and falls into the seabed, so the docking channel opening is no longer obstructed.

[0024] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A disposable antifouling mechanism suitable for small underwater docking stations, characterized in that: The system includes a channel guide port (7) and a channel cover plate (3). The channel guide port (7) is located at the channel opening of the docking station. The channel cover plate (3) covers the channel opening in the form of a cover plate. The channel cover plate (3) includes an anti-rotation structure (4), a hinge structure (5), and a connector (2). The bottom of the channel cover plate (3) is provided with a hinge structure (5). The hinge structure (5) and the channel guide port (7) form a hinge point that can be rotated and detached. The pin (6) connected to the docking station locks the channel cover plate (3) through the connector (2). The connector (2) is also fixedly connected with a compression spring (1). In the locked state, the compression spring (1) is compressed. Once the pin (6) is released from the lock, the upper part of the channel cover plate (3) is instantly subjected to a flipping force under the action of the compression spring (1). After rotating around the bottom hinge point, it detaches from the docking station.

2. The disposable antifouling mechanism for small underwater docking stations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the channel cover (3) has two cuboid anti-rotation structures to limit the left and right swaying of the channel cover (3).

3. The disposable antifouling mechanism for small underwater docking stations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hinge structure (5) is a protruding hemispherical structure that is in hinge contact with the hemispherical recess on the channel guide port (7) of the docking station.

4. The disposable antifouling mechanism for small underwater docking stations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pin (6) is fixedly connected to the docking station's plug-in / pull-out motion module. The locking and unlocking of the pin is achieved by the plug-in / pull-out motion, without the need for an additional power source.

5. The disposable antifouling mechanism for small underwater docking stations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The channel cover (3) is made of engineering plastic, which has a density greater than that of seawater. It is manufactured in large quantities at low cost using injection molding and is not recycled after it falls off.

6. The disposable antifouling mechanism for small underwater docking stations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the channel cover (3) is coated with antifouling paint to suppress the impact of marine organisms on the dock.

7. The disposable antifouling mechanism for small underwater docking stations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The compression spring (1) is made of stainless steel with rust prevention material.

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