Variable water depth experiment platform system capable of adjusting wave direction and flow direction

Abstract

The invention provides a variable water depth experiment platform system capable of adjusting the wave direction and the flow direction, and belongs to the technical field of ocean engineering experiments. The problems that a traditional platform cannot adapt to wave directions of various test water depths and various incidence angles, the adaptability of the adjusting process is poor, and the stability is poor when the platform is fixed to a specific point position are solved. The experimental platform comprises a fixed platform and a rotating platform connected to the side, away from the ground, of the fixed platform, a plurality of lateral supporting devices are arranged on the peripheral side of the fixed platform and used for extending out of a certain node to be coupled with a pool wall, and a buoyancy adjusting assembly used for changing buoyancy is arranged on the fixed platform; the lifting driving assembly is arranged at a certain height and used for driving the experiment platform to ascend and descend in the water pool; and the experimental platform control system is used for controlling the action of the experimental platform and the hoisting assembly. The device is mainly used for variable water depth experiments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine engineering experimental technology, and in particular relates to a variable water depth experimental platform system that can adjust wave direction and current direction. Background Technology

[0002] The research and development of marine engineering equipment is crucial for seizing a leading position in the global marine engineering field. The development of marine engineering equipment, such as underwater vehicles, ships, and offshore platforms, relies on advanced model testing technology and equipment. Among these, cross-medium water-emergence equipment and technologies, such as fluid-structure interaction and cross-medium power and propulsion, are particularly popular research areas in shipbuilding, oceanography, and aerospace. When conducting model experiments related to marine engineering, it is necessary to simulate complex marine environments as thoroughly as possible.

[0003] Taking cross-medium water discharge model tests as an example, these tests require consideration of the vehicle's orientation and the influence of complex marine environments—multi-directional wave and current action and water depth variations. To simulate and study the impact of this complex marine environment on cross-medium water discharge tests, the relevant model tests need to be conducted on an experimental platform capable of omnidirectional rotation to simulate and adapt to various current directions and variable water depths. Therefore, to realistically simulate the marine environment in marine engineering model experiments, consider the effects of variable current directions and varying water depths, and ensure accurate and reliable model test results, it is essential to establish a safe and reliable lifting, rotating, and pitching platform system that can adapt to different wave directions, current directions, and water depths, simultaneously adjust wave direction, current direction, and water depth, and achieve accurate omnidirectional positioning.

[0004] Therefore, in order to conduct cross-medium navigation body model test research and related marine engineering model tests accurately, safely and reliably, it is urgent to establish a lifting, rotating and pitching experimental platform system that can simultaneously rise, fall, rotate and pitch to adapt to various test water depths, various incident angles and wave directions and current directions. In addition, the experimental platform system also needs to have an all-round accurate positioning function. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a variable water depth experimental platform system with adjustable wave and current direction to solve the problems of traditional platforms being unable to adapt to various experimental water depths and wave and current directions with various incident angles, as well as having poor adaptability in the adjustment process and poor stability when fixed at a specific point.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a variable depth experimental platform system with adjustable wave and current directions, comprising: The experimental platform includes a fixed platform and a rotating platform connected to the side of the fixed platform away from the ground. Several lateral support devices are provided around the fixed platform for extending out and coupling with the wall of the pool at certain nodes. A buoyancy adjustment component for changing buoyancy is provided on the fixed platform. The lifting drive assembly is set at a certain height and is used to drive the experimental platform to rise and fall within the water tank; The experimental platform control system is used to control the movements of the experimental platform and lifting components.

[0007] Furthermore, the fixed platform is a double-layer platform, including a fixed layer and a pitch layer, with a pitch adjustment device between the fixed layer and the pitch layer for adjusting the pitch angle of the pitch layer, and the pitch layer is connected to the rotating platform.

[0008] Furthermore, the buoyancy adjustment component is an inflatable and deflated airbag, and several of them are provided and fixed in the fixed layer.

[0009] Furthermore, the pitch adjustment device is a hydraulic ball joint.

[0010] Furthermore, several lifting structures are provided around the fixed layer for connecting to the movable end of the lifting drive assembly.

[0011] Furthermore, the lifting drive assembly includes a motor and a sling, the motor being used to drive the sling to wind up or lower, and the sling being connected to a lifting structure at a corresponding position.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixed platform is provided with several bottom-feeding guide devices around its perimeter, and each bottom-feeding guide device has a corresponding guide pin hole on the ground.

[0013] Furthermore, the rotating platform includes a geared motor, a central shaft device, a rolling support assembly, a structural frame, and a weight-reducing and buffering assembly. The rotating end of the geared motor is used to drive the central shaft device to rotate. The fixed end of the central shaft device near the ground is connected to the fixed platform, and the rotating end far from the ground is connected to the structural frame. The structural frame is provided with a weight-reducing and buffering assembly on the far side for weight reduction and buffering. Several rolling support assemblies are provided and fixed on the fixed platform to support the structural frame in a rolling support manner.

[0014] Furthermore, the structural frame is composed of several fan-shaped frames spliced ​​together, forming an overall circular shape.

[0015] Furthermore, the weight-reducing buffer assembly includes stacked galvanized welded wire mesh and perforated rubber sheet.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This platform system, by setting up a fixed platform capable of lifting and lowering and a rotating platform capable of rotating on the fixed platform, can be adjusted according to the direction of the wave current required for the experiment, adapting to different wave incidence angles, and has a wide range of adaptability. At the same time, the buoyancy adjustment component can increase the flexibility of adjustment during the lifting and lowering process, and help reduce the load required for lifting and lowering, making the lifting and adjustment process more stable. It also helps the platform stop more smoothly at specific points, including the smoothness of descent to the ground. With the lateral support device, when fixed in a specific position, it can reduce the overall weight, and the lateral support device can obtain better stability after coupling with the pool wall, forming a flexible adjustment dynamic adaptation mode, improving the stability of the entire system and making it economical.

[0017] 2. By setting up the pitch function, this platform can achieve pitch movement within a certain angle, further increasing its adaptability to different wave inrush angles; enabling the platform to simulate complex marine environments, simulate multi-directional wave and current effects and different water depth conditions, and is suitable for complex scenarios such as cross-medium water discharge tests; achieving accurate simulation of wave direction, current direction and water depth changes in the real marine environment.

[0018] 3. The platform adopts a multi-layer platform structure design. The lower fixed platform serves as the main load-bearing structure, possessing high strength and rigidity, capable of withstanding loads of over 10 tons, and also enabling the platform to adjust its lifting, pitching, and buoyancy. The upper rotating platform enables functions such as rotation, installation, and retrieval, and serves as the installation foundation for experimental equipment.

[0019] 4. The buoyancy adjustment component enables automatic adjustment of the platform's buoyancy, reducing energy consumption during platform lifting and lowering, and improving the platform's dynamic balance and self-stabilization capabilities under wave and current disturbances.

[0020] 5. The rotating platform adopts a "grinding disc" gear drive structure. The upper and lower platforms are connected by a gear drive structure, with the main gear driven by a reduction motor meshing with the turntable pins to achieve smooth rotation. The rotational friction is low, and copper alloy bearings are used to reduce wear, improve operating efficiency and service life.

[0021] 6. The rotating platform adopts a modular fan-shaped frame design, which facilitates transportation, assembly and adjustment; the platform surface is covered with galvanized welded wire mesh and perforated rubber buffer plate to reduce weight and resistance and protect the model for safe recovery.

[0022] 7. The fixed platform is equipped with a bottom-landing guide device and guide pin holes. With the help of the guide pin holes, the platform can be accurately positioned when it lands on the bottom of the pool, thus improving the accuracy and stability of the platform landing on the bottom of the pool.

[0023] 8. The platform sensing system (depth sensor, angle sensor, tilt sensor, pressure sensor, and air pressure sensor) collects data in real time and feeds it back to the control system (platform lifting control system, platform rotation control system, platform pitch control system, lateral support control system, and air pressure control system) to achieve precise closed-loop control of lifting, rotation, pitch, support, and buoyancy adjustment. The platform has continuous and precise adjustment capabilities. Under complex wave and current conditions, the control system can continuously and precisely adjust the platform to maintain the target depth and angle. This ensures the stability of the platform during experiments and prevents external interference. The platform supports remote control, improving operational safety. Sensor data can be transmitted to the control system in real time for easy monitoring and adjustment.

[0024] 9. The platform has wide applicability, with ample installation space and load-bearing capacity (≥10t), allowing for the installation of various heavy experimental equipment and enabling large-scale impact load experiments to meet the needs of different types of model tests. Standardized interfaces (such as T-slots and quick-change flanges) are reserved on the upper rotating platform, compatible with various auxiliary facilities such as camera brackets and lighting equipment, facilitating data acquisition and analysis. It supports rapid replacement of experimental modules, making it more suitable for diverse task switching and applicable to various marine engineering research fields, such as high-speed water-entry and exiting vehicles, underwater robots, marine platforms, and ship model tests. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of the experimental platform described in this invention; Figure 2 This is a diagram of the control system of the experimental platform described in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental platform described in this invention; Figure 4 This is a top view of the fixed platform described in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the variable water depth experimental platform system with adjustable wave and current direction according to the present invention. Figure 6 This is a top view of the rotating platform described in this invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the lateral support device described in this invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the buoyancy adjustment components described in this invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting structure described in this invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom-feeding guide device described in this invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide pin hole described in this invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the central shaft device described in this invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rolling support assembly described in this invention; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the fan-shaped frame structure described in this invention; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the galvanized welded wire mesh described in this invention; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the perforated rubber sheet described in this invention; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the pitch adjustment device described in this invention.

[0026] Experimental platform 1; Experimental platform control system 2; Fixed platform 3; Rotating platform 4; Gear motor 5; Lateral support device 6; Motor 7; Main beam / auxiliary beam 8; Lifting structure 9; Bottom-drop guide device 10; Guide pin hole 11; Central shaft device 12; Rolling support assembly 13; Fan-shaped structural frame 14; Galvanized welded wire mesh 15; Perforated rubber sheet 16; Pitch adjustment device 17; Buoyancy adjustment assembly 18; Inflation nozzle 19. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, and the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments.

[0028] It should be noted that the descriptions of "left," "right," "left side," "right side," "upper part," "lower part," "top," and "bottom" in this invention are defined based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the described structure must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] Referring to the accompanying drawings, this embodiment relates to an adjustable wave and current direction variable depth experimental platform system. It can simultaneously meet the experimental requirements of adapting to various incident angle wave conditions, different water exit phases, and continuously adjustable underwater depths. The experimental platform system possesses automatic control functions for simultaneous lifting, rotation, and pitch, as well as automatic control functions for lateral support. Through depth and angle sensors on the platform, the water depth, rotation angle, and pitch angle of the platform can be accurately measured and fed back to the control system, thereby enabling precise simultaneous control of the platform's lifting, rotation, and pitch. The control system platform can also continuously and accurately adjust the water depth, rotation angle, and pitch angle under complex wave and current conditions, thus meeting the needs of variable depth experiments. In addition, with the lateral support device, it can maintain stability at the target water depth required for constant depth experiments, while simultaneously rotating and pitching the platform to simulate wave and current in different directions. The lateral support device 6 can resist the interference of complex wave and current conditions on the experiment, ensuring the normal conduct of the experiment. Furthermore, the buoyancy adjustment component 18 can adjust the buoyancy according to the water depth and load, reducing the energy consumption of platform lifting and lowering, and improving the dynamic stability of the platform. The experimental platform also has a large installation space and load-bearing capacity, which can be used to install other large and heavy experimental equipment and carry out other underwater experiments.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the experimental platform 1 mainly consists of a fixed platform 3, a rotating platform 4, and a lateral support device 6. The fixed platform 3 is a double-layer structure, fulfilling the main load-bearing and pitching functions during platform system operation, and can withstand loads exceeding 10t. The rotating platform 4 performs platform rotation, test preparation, model installation, and retrieval functions, and serves as the installation foundation for the required superstructure. The rotating platform 4 and the fixed platform 3 achieve rotation control through a gear-driven "grinding disc" structure. The rotation is driven by a reduction motor 5; the specific gear positions and transmission relationships can be reasonably set according to actual conditions.

[0032] like Figure 2As shown, the experimental platform control system 2 consists of a lower platform lifting control system and a pitch control system, an upper platform rotation control system, a lateral support control system, and a platform sensing system. The control system collects parameters such as platform depth, rotation angle, pitch angle, and lateral support pressure, and performs closed-loop control on the platform lifting motor, platform rotation motor, platform hydraulic ball joint device, and lateral support device hydraulic pump. It can achieve simultaneous automatic and precise control of the platform's lifting, rotation, and pitch, as well as automatic and precise control of the lateral support. Furthermore, due to the high measurement accuracy of the depth sensor, angle sensor, and tilt sensor, the measured data can be transmitted to the control system in real time. Therefore, the control system can achieve continuous and precise control of the experimental platform's lifting, rotation, and pitch under complex wave and current conditions, meeting the working requirements of variable water depth experiments. In addition, for constant water depth experiments, after the platform reaches the target depth and angle, the lateral support system can be controlled to ensure that the lateral support is firmly pressed against the pool wall, keeping the platform stable and undisturbed, thus ensuring the smooth progress of the experiment and preventing interference from complex wave and current conditions in the water, meeting the working requirements of constant water depth experiments.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the platform body 1 mainly includes a fixed platform 3, a rotating platform 4, a reduction motor 5 for the rotating platform 4, and a lateral support device 6. The lower fixed platform 3 performs the main functions of load bearing, lifting, and pitching during the operation of the platform system. It provides dynamic buoyancy through the buoyancy adjustment component 18 and can withstand loads exceeding 10 tons. The rotating platform 4 performs platform rotation, model installation, and retrieval functions, and serves as the installation foundation for the superstructure. The buoyancy adjustment component 18 is specifically an inflatable and deflated airbag, inflated and deflated through an inflation nozzle 19.

[0034] like Figures 4-5 As shown, the fixed platform 3 is the main load-bearing part of the platform system. It adopts a double-layer structure design, including a fixed layer and a pitching layer. The pitching layer is connected to the upper rotating platform 4 and needs to have high strength and rigidity to withstand loads of over 10 tons. The fixed layer is equipped with lifting points for the overall platform lifting, i.e., the lifting structure 9. The overall lifting of the platform is achieved through four motors 7 installed on the pool wall and steel cables. The fixed layer and the pitching layer are connected by a pitch adjustment device 17, specifically a hydraulic ball joint device, which enables the pitching function of the pitching layer to meet the requirements of different wave and current incident angles. The fixed layer adopts a main beam / auxiliary beam structure. Inflatable airbags within the main beam / auxiliary beam provide dynamic buoyancy to the platform, reducing energy loss during platform system lifting.

[0035] like Figure 6As shown, the platform 4 of the rotating platform is composed of multiple fan-shaped structural frames 14, and the platform is equipped with a multi-layered buffer structure for the lossless recovery of the model. The turntable has two evenly arranged rings of rolling support components 13, which are adjustable support wheels. These support wheels are fixed to the pitch layer, and the wheels contact the upper rotating platform, working in conjunction with a geared motor to drive the entire rotating platform 4 to rotate. During the experiment, the rotation angle of the rotating platform 4 is adjusted according to the experimental requirements to adapt to different wave and current directions.

[0036] like Figure 7 As shown, the lateral support device 6 is installed on the fixed platform 3. The lateral support device adopts a hydraulic jacking structure. When the platform is at the set water depth, the jacking rod of the depth limiting device extends, fixing the experimental platform 1 to the pool wall, thereby limiting the platform body 1 at the set water depth and keeping the platform stable during the experiment.

[0037] like Figure 8 As shown, the main beam / auxiliary beam 8 in the fixed platform 3 adopts a box beam structure. Inflatable airbags are embedded inside the box beams. The airbags are inflated and deflated by an air pressure control device to realize dynamic adjustment of buoyancy after the platform enters the water, thereby reducing the energy consumption of lifting and lowering. In order to enhance its ability to withstand environmental pressure, a partition is set at certain intervals inside it.

[0038] like Figure 9 As shown, the lifting structure 9 in the lower fixed platform 3 has reinforced lifting points at the four corners of the main longitudinal beam 8 of the platform, which are connected to the platform lifting system. The lifting points are made of thick plates welded together and are welded to the main beam 8 in an inlay manner. The lifting structure is integrally welded to the main beam box body as a reinforcing rib.

[0039] like Figures 10-11 As shown, the bottom guiding device 10 of the lower fixed platform 3 consists of four sets of coarse guiding structures and four conical guide pin structures installed at the bottom of the pool. The coarse guiding structures achieve preliminary alignment during the bottoming process of the platform, and the conical guide pins connect with the guide pin holes 11 on the lower fixed platform to achieve precise control of the platform's position when it descends to the bottom of the pool.

[0040] like Figures 12-13 As shown, the central axis device 12 and the rolling support assembly 13, also known as the support wheel, of the rotating platform 4 are the load-bearing structures at the center of the platform. The central axis device 12 is also the main load-bearing component during model testing, and its base plate is connected to the pitch layer via welding. The connecting plate of the central axis device 12 is used to mount the fan-shaped structural frame 17 and is connected to the fan-shaped structural frame 14 via screws. The height between the base and the base plate can be adjusted using shims. The support wheel base is connected to the pitch layer via welding, and the installation height of the support force is adjusted by adjusting the four studs on the base.

[0041] like Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 As shown, the fan-shaped structural frame 14 of the rotating platform 4 is composed of 16 fan-shaped structural frames connected by bolts, and has three supports: a central shaft device, an inner ring support wheel, and an outer ring support wheel. Galvanized welded wire mesh 15 and a perforated rubber plate 16 as a buffer device are also laid on the fan-shaped structural frame 14, and the two are connected by steel wire ropes. The galvanized welded wire mesh 15 reduces weight and resistance during lifting, while the perforated rubber plate 16 buffers the impact force of the model falling onto the platform after it falls into the water, ensuring the model can be recovered without damage.

[0042] This invention features a rationally designed structure that meets the requirements of marine environment simulation experiments. Compared to traditional lifting platforms, the experimental platform system of this invention can simultaneously simulate various wave directions, current directions, and continuously adjustable underwater depths. It also possesses automatic control functions for simultaneous lifting, rotation, and pitching, as well as automatic control functions for lateral support. Through depth sensors, angle sensors, and tilt sensors on the experimental platform, precise control of lifting, rotation, and pitch can be achieved simultaneously. Furthermore, continuous and precise control of the experimental platform can be realized under complex wave and current conditions, thus meeting the requirements of variable-depth experiments. For constant-depth experiments, after the experimental platform reaches the target depth and angle, the lateral support device ensures the stability of the platform, thereby ensuring the normal conduct of the experiment and preventing it from being affected by complex underwater wave and current environments.

[0043] The sensors, controllers, and control programs mentioned above are all existing technologies and will not be elaborated upon.

[0044] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention.

Claims

1. A variable-depth experimental platform system with adjustable wave and current direction, characterized in that, include: The experimental platform (1) includes a fixed platform (3) and a rotating platform (4) connected to the side away from the ground. Several lateral support devices (6) are provided around the fixed platform (3) for extending out and coupling with the pool wall at a certain node. A buoyancy adjustment component (18) for changing buoyancy is provided on the fixed platform (3). The lifting drive assembly is set at a certain height to drive the experimental platform (1) to rise and fall in the water tank; The experimental platform control system (2) is used to control the operation of the experimental platform (1) and the lifting components.

2. The variable depth experimental platform system with adjustable wave and current direction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed platform (3) is a double-layer platform, including a fixed layer and a pitch layer. A pitch adjustment device (17) for adjusting the pitch angle of the pitch layer is provided between the fixed layer and the pitch layer. The pitch layer is connected to the rotating platform (4).

3. The variable-depth experimental platform system with adjustable wave and current direction according to claim 2, characterized in that: The buoyancy adjustment component (18) is an inflatable and deflated airbag, and several of them are provided and fixed in the fixed layer.

4. The variable-depth experimental platform system with adjustable wave and current direction according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pitch adjustment device (17) is a hydraulic ball joint.

5. The variable-depth experimental platform system with adjustable wave and current direction according to claim 2, characterized in that: Several lifting structures (9) are provided around the fixed layer for connecting to the movable end of the lifting drive assembly.

6. The variable-depth experimental platform system with adjustable wave and current direction according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lifting drive assembly includes a motor (7) and a sling. The motor (7) is used to drive the sling to be wound up or lowered. The sling is connected to the lifting structure (9) at the corresponding position.

7. The variable depth experimental platform system with adjustable wave and current direction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed platform (3) is provided with several bottom-falling guide devices (10) around its perimeter, and a guide pin hole (11) is provided on the ground at the corresponding position of each bottom-falling guide device (10).

8. A variable-depth experimental platform system with adjustable wave and current direction according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The rotating platform (4) includes a geared motor (5), a central shaft device (12), a rolling support assembly (13), a structural frame (14), and a weight-reducing buffer assembly. The rotating end of the geared motor (5) is used to drive the central shaft device (12) to rotate. The fixed end of the central shaft device (12) near the ground is connected to the fixed platform (3), and the rotating end far from the ground is connected to the structural frame (14). The structural frame (14) is provided with a weight-reducing buffer assembly for weight reduction and buffering on the far side. Several rolling support assemblies (13) are provided and fixed on the fixed platform (3) to support the structural frame (14) in a rolling support manner.

9. The variable-depth experimental platform system with adjustable wave and current direction according to claim 8, characterized in that: The structural frame (14) is composed of several fan-shaped frames spliced ​​together, and the whole is circular.

10. The variable-depth experimental platform system with adjustable wave and current direction according to claim 8, characterized in that: The weight-reducing buffer assembly includes stacked galvanized welded wire mesh (15) and perforated rubber sheet (16).

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