Underwater multifunctional flow making trailer device and flow making method

The underwater multi-functional flow-generating trailer device solves the problems of high energy consumption and unstable flow field in existing flow-generating systems, and realizes low-cost and high-efficiency simulation of complex flow fields, meeting the diverse needs of deep-water experiments in marine engineering.

CN120756633BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-12DALIAN UNIV OF TECH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
DALIAN UNIV OF TECH
Filing Date
2025-05-22
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing studies on the performance of marine structures, external circulation and internal vertical circulation flow generation systems have high energy consumption, poor flow field uniformity and stability, which affect the reliability of experimental data and are complex to maintain, making it difficult to meet the requirements for long-term stable operation.

Method used

Design an underwater multi-functional flow-generating trailer device, including a detachable track, an underwater trailer, an underwater drag chain, and a power transfer box. The trailer moves on the underwater track to simulate complex flow fields. Combining a waterless pump and multiple flow-generating methods, it can achieve multi-functional experiments.

Benefits of technology

It reduces equipment costs and energy consumption, improves the stability and uniformity of the flow field, enhances the reliability and flexibility of the experiment, and supports diverse experimental needs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application discloses a kind of underwater multifunctional flow-making trailer devices applied to ocean engineering deepwater experimental pool, it is related to the technical field of ocean engineering experiment;Including: detachable track, with the lifting float bottom of laboratory is connected;Underwater trailer, bottom is equipped with guide wheel group, with detachable track form sliding fit;Underwater tow chain, one end is fixed to underwater trailer, other end is connected to power adapter box, inside integrated power cable, signal line, provide power for underwater trailer and transmit data;Power adapter box, fixed on pool side wall or float bottom structure, connected with external power supply and control system through waterproof joint, while with power cable, signal line in underwater tow chain butt joint, realize remote power supply and control of trailer.The application has excellent working condition adaptability and long-term operation reliability, can ensure continuous stable work under various complex test conditions, provides technical support for ocean engineering deepwater experimental research.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engineering experimental technology, specifically to an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device and a current-generating method. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of marine resource development, marine structures such as ships and offshore platforms need to withstand the combined effects of multiple environmental loads, including wind, waves, and currents, during actual service. Due to the significant complexity and variability of the marine environment, coupled with insufficient engineering experience and technological accumulation, current performance research on marine structures still heavily relies on physical model tests in laboratory water tanks.

[0003] In experiments simulating the impact of marine environmental loads on structures, accurate simulation of environmental loads is a key technical challenge, with current generation technology being particularly crucial. Existing technologies primarily employ two current generation methods: external circulation current generation systems and internal vertical circulation current generation systems based on floating bottom structures. However, both of these approaches have significant limitations: firstly, the systems consume a large amount of energy, leading to a substantial increase in experimental costs; secondly, the uniformity and stability of the flow field are difficult to guarantee, affecting the reliability of experimental data; and thirdly, system maintenance is complex, hindering long-term stable operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device and current-generating method, which has excellent adaptability to working conditions and long-term operational reliability, and can ensure continuous and stable operation under various complex test conditions, providing technical support for deep-water experimental research in marine engineering.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application is: an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device applied to a deep-water experimental pool in marine engineering, comprising:

[0006] Detachable rails connect to the laboratory's floating bottom.

[0007] The underwater trailer is equipped with a set of guide wheels at the bottom, which slides into a detachable track.

[0008] The underwater drag chain is fixed at one end to the underwater trailer and connected to the power adapter box at the other end. It integrates power cables and signal lines to provide power to the underwater trailer and transmit data.

[0009] The power adapter box is fixed to the side wall of the pool or the floating bottom structure. It connects to the external power supply and control system through a waterproof connector, and also connects to the power supply cable and signal line in the underwater tow chain to realize remote power supply and control of the trailer.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the underwater trailer includes:

[0011] The submersible motor, as a power source, has its output shaft rigidly connected to the input shaft of the underwater reducer via a coupling;

[0012] The underwater reducer has its output shaft connected to the drive gear via a key, and the driven gear is fixedly connected to the wheel via an axle.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an underwater bearing is provided between the wheel and the axle.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detachable rails are hoisted to a predetermined position on the surface of the lifting floating bottom by a crane and then fixed with bolts. Adjacent detachable rails are connected by flanges and pre-tightened.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the underwater trailer is hoisted by a crane and placed on a detachable track.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detachable track is provided with baffles and underwater buffers at both ends.

[0017] This invention also provides a method for creating current using an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device applied to a deep-water experimental pool in marine engineering, comprising:

[0018] Pumpless flow generation test: The test model is placed on an underwater trailer and moved along a track to achieve pumpless flow generation.

[0019] Pump-free oblique and lateral flow generation test: Adjust the detachable track to be oblique or lateral, place the test model on the underwater trailer, and move it along the track to achieve pump-free oblique and lateral flow generation.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes:

[0021] Lateral current generation test: The current generation device is fixed on the lifting floating bottom on one side of the underwater trailer, and the test model is placed on the underwater trailer and moved along the track to achieve lateral current generation.

[0022] Forward flow generation test: Remove part of the detachable track, fix the test model to the lifting floating bottom, place the water pump on the underwater trailer and move it along the track to generate flow directly in front of the test model, thus achieving forward flow generation;

[0023] Countercurrent generation test: A dual underwater trailer cooperative operation mode is adopted, with the test model placed on one trailer and the water pump placed on the other trailer. The two trailers move in opposite directions along the track to achieve countercurrent generation.

[0024] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes:

[0025] Dual-device dual-model lateral current generation test: Two identical underwater multi-functional current generation trailers are installed on a floating bottom. The current generation device is fixed on the floating bottom on the side of one of the underwater trailers. The test model is placed on the corresponding underwater trailer. During the test, the two trailers move synchronously along the track. The lateral flow field generated by the current generation device directly acts on the test model. This is how the dual-device dual-model lateral current generation test is realized.

[0026] Single-device dual-model lateral flow generation test: The flow generation device is fixed on the lifting floating bottom on one side of the underwater trailer. Two underwater trailers are installed on the detachable track. The two test models are placed on the corresponding underwater trailers. During the test, the two trailers move synchronously along the track. The lateral flow field generated by the flow generation device directly acts on the test model. This method realizes the single-device dual-model lateral flow generation test.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes:

[0028] Enhanced flow generation test: The test model is placed on an underwater trailer, and the flow generation device is fixed to a detachable track to generate flow directly in front of the test model, thereby enhancing the flow generation.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention can achieve the following technical effects:

[0030] 1. The structural design is simple and reliable, easy to maintain and upgrade, effectively extending the service life of the equipment and reducing maintenance costs;

[0031] 2. This device is detachable, movable, and rotatable, and has minimal interference with other experimental equipment;

[0032] 3. Compared with traditional integrated flow generation systems, this device has a lower cost and lower energy consumption, resulting in significantly improved operational economy;

[0033] 4. By using a towed movement method in conjunction with a rising and lowering floating bottom, it can flexibly simulate complex water flow environments with different water depths, flow velocities, and flow directions;

[0034] 5. Possesses multi-functional testing capabilities, including pumpless flow generation test, pumpless lateral / oblique flow generation test, side flow generation test, dual-device dual-model side flow generation test, single-device dual-model side flow generation test, forward flow generation test, enhanced flow generation test, and counter-flow generation test.

[0035] 6. It can carry experimental models to achieve relative flow generation, meeting diverse experimental needs. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the underwater multi-functional flow-generating trailer device;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the underwater trailer structure.

[0039] Figure 3 Layout diagram of the flow generation method for an underwater multi-functional flow generation trailer device;

[0040] The numbers in the diagram are explained as follows: 1-1 Detachable track, 1-2 Underwater drag chain and cable, 1-3 Underwater trailer, 1-4 Power adapter box; 2-1 Wheels, 2-2 Submersible motor, 2-3 Underwater reducer, 2-4 Drive gear. Detailed Implementation

[0041] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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 some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0044] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0045] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0046] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] It should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device for use in deep-water experimental pools of marine engineering, comprising:

[0050] The detachable track is fixedly connected to the laboratory's lifting and floating bottom structure by high-strength bolts to ensure the stability of the track during underwater operation; preferably, the detachable track is equipped with vehicle stops at both ends to prevent the trailer from exceeding its travel range, and is equipped with underwater buffers (such as hydraulic or rubber buffer mechanisms) to absorb the impact energy during trailer braking or collision.

[0051] The underwater trailer is equipped with a set of guide wheels at its bottom, which slides into a detachable track to enable precise movement of the trailer along the track;

[0052] The underwater cable chain is fixed to the trailer at one end and connected to the power adapter box at the other end. It integrates power cables and signal lines to provide power to the underwater trailer and transmit data. The underwater cable chain adopts a waterproof and sealed design to ensure long-term reliability in deep water environments.

[0053] The power adapter box is fixed to the side wall of the pool or the floating bottom structure. It is connected to the external power supply and control system through a waterproof connector, and at the same time, it is connected to the cables and signal lines in the underwater drag chain to realize remote power supply and control of the trailer.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the underwater trailer includes:

[0055] Submersible motors, as power sources, can be frequency converters, with speed adjustments as needed; their output shafts are rigidly connected to the input shaft of the underwater reducer via a coupling.

[0056] The underwater reducer has an output shaft that drives the drive gear via a key connection, and the driven gear is fixedly connected to the wheel via an axle. An underwater bearing is installed between the wheel and the axle.

[0057] Underwater speed sensor provides real-time feedback on trailer speed;

[0058] Underwater displacement sensors are used to precisely control the trailer's travel position;

[0059] The aforementioned submersible motor and underwater reducer are securely connected to the vehicle body base via a set of positioning bolts.

[0060] Example 2

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for creating current using an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device applied to a deep-water experimental pool in marine engineering, including:

[0062] 1. Pump-free flow generation test: The test model is fixedly mounted on an underwater trailer, which moves along a track. The relative motion between the trailer and the water body generates a flow field, thus achieving pump-free flow generation. Figure 3 As shown in 'a'.

[0063] 2. Pump-free oblique and lateral flow generation tests: Based on test requirements, the track of the underwater multi-functional flow-generating trailer is disassembled, reassembled, or extended, and the track layout is adjusted to be oblique or lateral. The test model is fixedly mounted on the underwater trailer, and the trailer moves along the adjusted track direction to achieve pump-free oblique or lateral flow generation. Figure 3 As shown in b in the figure.

[0064] 3. Lateral Current Generation Test: The current generation device is fixedly installed on one side of the underwater multi-functional current generation trailer, and the test model is fixedly installed on the underwater trailer. During the test, the trailer is driven to move along the track, and the laterally installed current generation device is activated simultaneously, aligning the current generation direction with one side of the trailer. This method achieves lateral current generation. Figure 3 As shown in c in the figure.

[0065] 4. Dual-device, dual-model lateral current generation test: Two identical underwater multi-functional current generation trailers are fixed parallel to each other on a floating bottom. A current generation device is fixedly installed on one side of one trailer, and the test model is fixedly installed on the other trailer. During the test, both trailers are driven synchronously along a track. The lateral flow field generated by the current generation device acts on the test model, thus achieving dual-vehicle, dual-model lateral current generation. Figure 3 As shown in d.

[0066] 5. Single-device dual-model lateral current generation test: The current generation device is fixedly installed on one side of the underwater multi-functional current generation trailer. Two underwater trailers are mounted on the same track, and two test models are fixedly installed on these two trailers respectively. During the test, the two trailers are driven synchronously to move along the track. The lateral flow field generated by the current generation device acts on both test models simultaneously. This method realizes the single-device dual-model lateral current generation test. Figure 3 As shown in e.

[0067] 6. Forward Flow Generation Test: Remove the rear half of the track and fix the test model on the floating bottom. Mount the water pump on an underwater trailer and drive the trailer along the remaining track, so that the water pump is directly facing the test model to generate a flow field. This method achieves forward flow generation. Figure 3 As shown in f in the figure.

[0068] 7. Enhanced Flow Generation Test: The test model is fixedly mounted on an underwater trailer, while a flow generation device is fixedly installed on a track. During the test, the trailer carrying the model is moved while the fixed flow generation device is activated, so that it directly faces the moving test model to generate a superimposed flow field. This method enhances flow generation. Figure 3 As shown in g in the figure.

[0069] 8. Countercurrent Generation Test: Two underwater trailers are mounted on a track. One trailer carries the test model, and the other carries a water pump. During the test, the two trailers are driven to move towards each other along the track, so that the flow field generated by the water pump is opposite to the direction of the model's movement. This achieves countercurrent generation. Figure 3 As shown in h.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A method for creating current using an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device applied to a deep-water experimental pool in marine engineering, characterized in that, The underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device includes: Detachable rails connect to the laboratory's floating bottom. The underwater trailer is equipped with a set of guide wheels at the bottom, which slides into a detachable track. The underwater drag chain is fixed at one end to the underwater trailer and connected to the power adapter box at the other end. It integrates power cables and signal lines to provide power to the underwater trailer and transmit data. The power adapter box is fixed to the side wall of the pool or the floating bottom structure. It is connected to the external power supply and control system through a waterproof connector, and at the same time, it is connected to the power supply cable and signal line in the underwater towing chain to realize remote power supply and control of the trailer. The method for generating flow includes: Lateral current generation test: The current generation device is fixed on the lifting floating bottom on one side of the underwater trailer, and the test model is placed on the underwater trailer and moved along the track to achieve lateral current generation. Forward flow generation test: Remove part of the detachable track, fix the test model to the lifting floating bottom, place the water pump on the underwater trailer and move it along the track to generate flow directly in front of the test model, thus achieving forward flow generation; Countercurrent generation test: A dual underwater trailer cooperative operation mode is adopted, with the test model placed on one trailer and the water pump placed on the other trailer. The two trailers move in opposite directions along the track to achieve countercurrent generation.

2. The current-generating method of an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device applied to a deep-water experimental pool in marine engineering according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underwater trailer includes: The submersible motor, as a power source, has its output shaft rigidly connected to the input shaft of the underwater reducer via a coupling; The underwater reducer has its output shaft connected to the drive gear via a key, and the driven gear is fixedly connected to the wheel via a wheel axle.

3. The current-generating method of an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device applied to a deep-water experimental pool in marine engineering according to claim 2, characterized in that, An underwater bearing is provided between the wheel and the axle.

4. The current-generating method of an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device applied to a deep-water experimental pool in marine engineering according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detachable rails are hoisted to a predetermined position on the surface of the lifting floating bottom by a crane and then fixed with bolts. Adjacent detachable rails are connected by flanges and pre-tightened.

5. The current-generating method of an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device applied to a deep-water experimental pool in marine engineering according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underwater trailer is hoisted by a crane and placed on a detachable track.

6. The current-generating method of an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device applied to a deep-water experimental pool in marine engineering according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detachable track is equipped with baffles and underwater buffers at both ends.

7. The current-generating method of an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device applied to a deep-water experimental pool in marine engineering according to claim 1, comprising: Pumpless flow generation test: The test model is placed on an underwater trailer and moved along a track to achieve pumpless flow generation. Pump-free oblique and lateral flow generation test: Adjust the detachable track to be oblique or lateral, place the test model on the underwater trailer, and move it along the track to achieve pump-free oblique and lateral flow generation.

8. The current-generating method of an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device applied to a deep-water experimental pool in marine engineering according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Dual-device dual-model lateral current generation test: Two identical underwater multi-functional current generation trailers are installed on a floating bottom. The current generation device is fixed on the floating bottom on the side of one of the underwater trailers. The test model is placed on the corresponding underwater trailer. During the test, the two trailers move synchronously along the track. The lateral flow field generated by the current generation device directly acts on the test model. This is how the dual-device dual-model lateral current generation test is realized. Single-device dual-model lateral flow generation test: The flow generation device is fixed on the lifting floating bottom on one side of the underwater trailer. Two underwater trailers are installed on the detachable track. The two test models are placed on the corresponding underwater trailers. During the test, the two trailers move synchronously along the track. The lateral flow field generated by the flow generation device directly acts on the test model. This method realizes the single-device dual-model lateral flow generation test.

9. The current-generating method of an underwater multi-functional current-generating trailer device applied to a deep-water experimental pool in marine engineering according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Enhanced flow generation test: The test model is placed on an underwater trailer, and the flow generation device is fixed to a detachable track to generate flow directly in front of the test model, thereby enhancing the flow generation.