Integrated underwater tension detection device

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of underwater tension detection, and particularly discloses an integrated underwater tension detection device which comprises a base, a guide wheel, a stop structure, a shaft pin sensor and a watertight connector, a pair of vertical plates with mounting supporting rings are arranged on the base, the shaft pin sensor is arranged in the pair of mounting supporting rings in a penetrating mode, and a stop groove is formed in the outer side of the shaft pin sensor; a strain gauge and a signal processing module are arranged in the watertight connector, and the signal processing module is connected with the watertight connector; the guide wheel is sleeved on the shaft pin sensor and is suspended above the base; the stop structure is arranged on the mounting support ring and can be matched with the stop groove to enable the direction of the tension resultant force of the towing cable to be aligned with the sensitive direction of the strain gauge; the towing cable can be pressed against the guide wheel, the resultant tension of the towing cable acts on the shaft pin sensor, so that the strain gauge slightly deforms and generates resistance change, and the signal processing module calculates the tension of the towing cable based on the resistance change and transmits the tension to the watertight connector. According to the invention, wide-range and high-precision tension detection in a compact space in an underwater environment can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of underwater tension detection technology, and more specifically, relates to an integrated underwater tension detection device. Background Technology

[0002] During covert operations, submarines typically need to maintain a relatively high safe depth to evade anti-submarine detection, which can disrupt communication and precise navigation. Variable-depth communication buoy systems are crucial for addressing this issue. Through the coordinated operation of deployment and retrieval mechanisms, a buoy carrying communication and navigation modules is released to near the surface to perform its mission and then recovered. Real-time monitoring of the tow cable tension is critical during this process, serving as the core basis for the controller to determine the buoy's status and decide on deployment and retrieval actions.

[0003] Currently, there are many technical solutions for tension detection, such as cantilever beam, ring structure, or roller tension sensors. However, in the specific application scenario of a submarine platform, the space occupied by the buoy system's deployment and positioning devices is extremely limited, and the required tension range to be measured is large. Existing integrated underwater tension detection devices are difficult to meet such stringent installation and performance requirements. Their main drawbacks are: First, conventional sensors (such as some spoke-type force sensors or hydraulically based measuring devices) often result in large size and weight due to structural strength and sealing requirements, making them unsuitable for effective deployment within the compact space of a submarine; second, some complex detection mechanisms (such as three-roller force measuring devices or sensors requiring independent sealed compartments), while functionally complete, have insufficient lateral dimensions or overall integration, making it difficult to achieve built-in integration without affecting the original function of the deployment and positioning device; furthermore, the sealing and pressure resistance requirements of the deep-sea environment further increase the complexity and size of sensor design, making it extremely challenging to achieve large-range, high-precision, and compact tension detection within a limited space.

[0004] Therefore, developing a dedicated underwater tension detection solution that can adapt to strict space constraints, has a large range of detection capabilities, and can be highly integrated with the variable depth communication buoy deployment and retrieval device has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide an integrated underwater tension detection device, which aims to solve the problem that existing tension detection devices cannot achieve large-range, high-precision and compact tension detection in the limited space of the underwater environment.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides an integrated underwater tension detection device, comprising a base, guide wheels, a stop structure, a pin sensor, and a watertight connector. The base has a pair of upright plates with mounting support rings. The pin sensor passes through the pair of mounting support rings, with a stop groove on its outer side and a strain gauge and signal processing module inside. The signal processing module is connected to the watertight connector. The guide wheels are fitted onto the pin sensor and suspended above the base. The stop structure is located on the mounting support rings and cooperates with the stop groove to align the direction of the tow cable tension resultant force with the sensitive direction of the strain gauge. The tow cable presses against the guide wheels, applying its tension resultant force to the pin sensor, causing the strain gauge to undergo slight deformation and generate a resistance change. The signal processing module calculates the tow cable tension based on the resistance change and transmits the tension signal to an external display via the watertight connector.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a stop block located between the base and the guide wheel, which cooperates with the guide wheel to form a first limiting space, which is used to restrict the tow cable from coming off from under the guide wheel.

[0008] Furthermore, the stop is a U-shaped groove, and the width of the U-shaped groove is not greater than the width of the guide groove of the guide wheel.

[0009] Furthermore, the stop structure is fixed to the end face of the mounting support ring, and the stop groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft pin sensor.

[0010] Furthermore, one end of the shaft pin sensor is also provided with an adapter, which is connected to a watertight connector, enabling the watertight connector to output wires from a defined direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the connections of the adapter, shaft pin sensor, and watertight connector are all sealed with O-rings.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a baffle structure, which is fixed to a pair of mounting support rings and located outside the guide wheel, forming a second limiting space between itself and the guide wheel. The second limiting space is used to prevent the tow cable from coming off the side of the guide wheel.

[0013] Furthermore, the baffle structure includes a baffle and a baffle rod, with a pair of baffles respectively fixed on corresponding mounting support rings, and the two ends of the baffle rod respectively connected to the corresponding baffle to form a U-shaped frame.

[0014] Furthermore, a bushing is provided between the shaft pin sensor and the guide wheel. The bushing is made of aluminum bronze and its surface is chrome-plated.

[0015] Furthermore, the contact surface between the pin sensor and the bushing is coated with a wear-resistant ceramic material.

[0016] Overall, the technical solutions conceived in this application have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art: (1) This application achieves a high degree of integration between the tension sensing unit and the guide wheel support structure by directly using the shaft pin sensor as the load-bearing shaft of the guide wheel and utilizing the cooperation of the stop groove and the stop structure for precise positioning. This design deeply integrates the measurement function into the load-bearing component, eliminating the need for additional complex support and force transmission mechanisms, making the entire device very compact and significantly reducing its size and weight. It solves the problem that traditional cantilever beam or roller sensors are bulky and difficult to integrate in specific environments with extremely limited space, such as the launching and retrieving device of a submarine depth-changing communication buoy system, providing an excellent solution for achieving high-range, high-precision tension detection in a compact space.

[0017] (2) This application ensures the accuracy of measurement through precise mechanical design. On the one hand, the tension of the tow cable is directly transmitted to the pin sensor through the guide wheel without intermediate links. The force flow path is clear and direct, reducing measurement errors and signal loss caused by factors such as complex force transmission paths or friction. On the other hand, the stop groove on the pin sensor cooperates with the stop structure on the mounting support ring to effectively prevent the sensor from rotating circumferentially when under force. This ensures that the resultant force direction of the tow cable tension is always precisely aligned with the sensitive direction of the strain gauge (usually a high-precision resistance strain gauge) inside the sensor. This allows the resistance change of the strain gauge to reflect the tension magnitude most accurately, significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of the measurement and avoiding measurement distortion caused by directional deviation.

[0018] (3) This application demonstrates good environmental adaptability. First, since the pin sensor itself is integrated into the device as a load-bearing structure, it is easier to achieve a high level of underwater protection through an overall sealed design compared to external sensors, effectively resisting the intrusion of high-pressure seawater. Second, the direct measurement method helps to reduce moving parts and complex mechanical structures, which not only reduces maintenance requirements in highly corrosive marine environments but also improves the stability and durability of the system under long-term use. In addition, the integration of the signal processing module and the setting of the watertight connector ensure that the measurement signal can be stably and reliably transmitted to the external system.

[0019] (4) This application enables the domestically produced new type of submarine depth-changing communication buoy to detect the tension on the tow cable in real time, and to assist the controller in controlling the launch and retrieval device to safely complete the release and retrieval of the buoy body. The launch and retrieval device and the tension detection device release and retrieve various buoys and towed bodies by pulling the tow cable, and can also be applied to marine target detection and hydrological information monitoring. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1This is one of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of an integrated underwater tension detection device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is the second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an integrated underwater tension detection device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an integrated underwater tension detection device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is provided by the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the B-axis structure of the integrated underwater tension detection device.

[0021] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein: 1-Base, 2-Stop, 3-Guide wheel, 4-Bushing, 5-Adapter, 6-Stop structure, 7-Stop bracket, 8-Gasket, 9-Stop bar, 10-Shaft pin sensor, 11-Upright plate, 12-Mounting support ring, 13-Watertight connector, 14-Reinforcing plate, 15-O-ring seal, 16-Standard part, 17-Base plate. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0023] In this article, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The symbol " / " in this article indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship; for example, A / B means A or B.

[0024] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and claims herein are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order of objects. For example, "first response message" and "second response message," etc., are used to distinguish different response messages, not to describe a specific order of response messages.

[0025] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0026] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more, for example, multiple processing units means two or more processing units, multiple elements means two or more elements, etc.

[0027] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] This embodiment provides an integrated underwater tension detection device, such as... Figure 1-2 As shown, the system includes a base 1, guide wheels 3, a stop structure 6, a pin sensor 10, and a watertight connector 13. The base 1 has a pair of upright plates 11 with mounting support rings. The pin sensor 10 passes through the pair of mounting support rings 12, with a stop groove on its outer side and a strain gauge and signal processing module inside. The signal processing module is connected to the watertight connector 13. The guide wheels 3 are fitted onto the pin sensor 10 and suspended above the base 1. The stop structure 6 is located on the mounting support rings and can cooperate with the stop groove to align the direction of the resultant tension of the tow cable with the sensitive direction of the strain gauge. Here, the resultant tension refers to the vector sum of the tensions in all directions of the tow cable. The tow cable presses against the guide wheels 3, applying its resultant tension to the pin sensor 10, causing the strain gauge to undergo slight deformation and generate a change in resistance. The signal processing module calculates the tow cable tension based on the resistance change and transmits the tension signal to an external display through the watertight connector 13.

[0029] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the base 1 is a welded structure, which is formed by welding the base plate 17, the reinforcing plate 14, the upright plate 11 and the mounting support ring 12 in sequence. The base plate 17 of the base 1 is connected to the base of the external positioning device by bolts, and the tension detection device is fixed on the positioning device.

[0030] In this embodiment, the integrated underwater tension detection device also includes a stop block 2, which is located between the base 1 and the guide wheel 3 and cooperates with the guide wheel 3 to form a first limiting space. The first limiting space is used to restrict the towing cable from coming off from under the guide wheel 3.

[0031] Specifically, the stop block 2 is a U-shaped groove, the width of which is no greater than the width of the guide groove of the guide wheel 3. The stop block 2 is fixed to the base plate of the base 1 with screws, forming a closed area together with the guide wheel 3 as the first limiting space to prevent the tow cable from coming out of the bottom groove of the guide wheel 3 during operation.

[0032] In this embodiment, the aforementioned stop structure 6 is fixed to the end face of the mounting support ring 12, and the stop groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft pin sensor 10. Specifically, the stop block 6 is fixed to the support ring of the base 1 by screws, and at the same time cooperates with the groove or slot (not shown in the figure) on the shaft pin sensor 10 to provide installation positioning for the shaft pin sensor 10, ensuring that the direction of the resultant force of the towing cable tension matches the strain gauge attached inside the shaft pin sensor 10, thereby improving the accuracy of tension detection.

[0033] In this embodiment, an adapter 5 is also provided on one end of the pivot sensor 10. The adapter 5 is connected to the watertight connector 13, which enables the watertight connector 13 to exit from a defined direction. That is, the adapter 5 is used to make the exit direction of the watertight connector 13 a specific direction in a narrow space.

[0034] Specifically, the connection points of the adapter 5, the shaft pin sensor 10, and the watertight connector 13 are all sealed with O-rings 15.

[0035] In this embodiment, the integrated underwater tension detection device also includes a baffle structure, which is fixed on a pair of mounting support rings 12 and located outside the guide wheel 3, forming a second limiting space between the baffle structure and the guide wheel 3. The second limiting space is used to prevent the tow cable from coming off the side of the guide wheel 3.

[0036] In this embodiment, the baffle structure includes a baffle 7 and a baffle rod 9. A pair of baffles 7 are vertically fixed on the corresponding mounting support rings 12, and the two ends of the baffle rod 9 are connected to the corresponding baffles 7 to form a U-shaped frame.

[0037] Specifically, the aforementioned baffle 7 is connected to the mounting support ring 12 on the upright plate 11 of the base 1 by screws. The two ends of the baffle 9 are inserted into the mounting holes at the ends of the baffle 7 and fixed by the gasket 8 and the standard part 16. The baffle 9, together with the baffle 7 and the guide wheel 3, forms a closed area to prevent the tow cable from coming out of the side groove of the guide wheel 3 during operation.

[0038] In this embodiment, a bushing 4 is provided between the aforementioned shaft pin sensor 10 and the guide wheel 3. The bushing 4 is made of aluminum bronze and its surface is chrome-plated.

[0039] In this embodiment, the aforementioned base 1, stop bar 9, stop bracket 7, adapter 5, gasket 8 and standard part 12 are all made of seawater resistant stainless steel, such as 316L stainless steel.

[0040] In this embodiment, the aforementioned baffle 2 is made of a non-metallic material with low water absorption, such as polytetrafluoroethylene with low water absorption.

[0041] In this embodiment, the aforementioned bushing 4 is made of aluminum bronze, such as QAl10-4-4 aluminum bronze, and the inner surface of the bushing 4 is provided with an oil storage groove, and its inner and outer cylindrical surfaces are chrome plated.

[0042] In this embodiment, the body of the pin sensor 10 and the stop block 6 are made of high-strength bidirectional stainless steel, such as precipitation-hardening martensitic stainless steel 0Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb, and the contact area between the pin sensor 10 and the bushing 4 is coated with wear-resistant ceramic material.

[0043] At work, such as Figure 4 One end of the tow cable is connected to an external buoy (not shown in the figure), and the other end passes through the guide wheel 3 of the tension detection device and is connected to the reel of the take-up and release device (not shown in the figure). The tow cable transmits the tension of the tow cable to the pivot pin sensor 10 through the guide wheel 3, causing a slight deformation in the body of the pivot pin sensor 10. The strain gauge attached to the inner wall of the pivot pin sensor 10 will also undergo a slight deformation. This slight deformation can cause a change in the resistance value of the strain gauge. The processing module built into the pivot pin sensor 10 can convert the resistance change of the strain gauge into a current signal. Finally, the actual tension on the tow cable is calculated from the magnitude of the tension signal. The watertight connector 13, which is connected to the pivot pin sensor 10 through the adapter 5, can transmit the actual tension signal to the external controller for display through the corresponding cable.

[0044] In summary, the compact underwater tension detection device provided in this application enables the domestically produced new type of submarine depth-changing communication buoy to continuously monitor the tension on the towline, assisting the controller in controlling the deployment and retrieval device to safely complete the release and recovery of the buoy. The deployment and retrieval device and tension detection device release and recover various buoys and towed objects via the towline, and can also be applied to marine target detection and hydrological information monitoring. Furthermore, because the materials used for all components in this application are resistant to seawater corrosion, the structural design is more compact and water pressure resistant, and the connectors used for signal transmission also possess watertight, pressure-resistant, and corrosion-resistant properties, the equipment has a longer lifespan and higher testing stability.

[0045] It should be understood that the above-described device is used to execute the methods in the above embodiments. The implementation principle and technical effect of the corresponding program modules in the device are similar to those described in the above methods. The working process of the device can be referred to the corresponding process in the above methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0046] It should be understood that expressions such as “comprising” and “may include” used in this application indicate the existence of the disclosed functions, operations, or constituent elements, and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, and constituent elements. In this application, terms such as “comprising” and / or “having” are to be interpreted as indicating a particular characteristic, number, operation, constituent element, component, or combination thereof, but not to exclude the existence or possibility of adding one or more other characteristics, numbers, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0047] Furthermore, in this application, the expression "and / or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed words. For example, the expression "A and / or B" may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

[0048] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. "Fixed connection" refers to a connection where the relative positional relationship remains unchanged after connection. "Rotary connection" refers to a connection where the components can rotate relative to each other after connection. "Sliding connection" refers to a connection where the components can slide relative to each other after connection. The directional terms mentioned in the embodiments of this application, such as "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "left," and "right," are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0049] Furthermore, the mathematical concepts mentioned in the embodiments of this application, such as symmetry, equality, parallelism, and perpendicularity, are limitations specific to the current technological level, rather than absolute and strict mathematical definitions. Slight deviations are permissible; approximations of symmetry, equality, parallelism, and perpendicularity are all acceptable. For example, "A and B are parallel" means that A and B are parallel or approximately parallel, and the angle between A and B can be between 0 and 10 degrees. "A and B are perpendicular" means that A and B are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular, and the angle between A and B can be between 80 and 100 degrees.

[0050] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An integrated underwater tension detection device, characterized in that, The system includes a base (1), a guide wheel (3), a stop structure (6), a pin sensor (10), and a watertight connector (13). The base (1) has a pair of upright plates (11) with mounting support rings (12). The pin sensor (10) is inserted into the pair of mounting support rings (12). The outer side of the pin sensor has a stop groove, and the inner side has a strain gauge and a signal processing module. The signal processing module is connected to the watertight connector (13). The guide wheel (3) is fitted onto the pin sensor (10) and suspended above the base (1). The stop structure (6) is located on the mounting support ring and can cooperate with the stop groove to align the direction of the towing cable tension with the sensitive direction of the strain gauge. The towing cable can press against the guide wheel (3) and apply its tension to the pin sensor (10), causing the strain gauge to undergo micro-deformation and generate a resistance change. The signal processing module calculates the towing cable tension based on the resistance change and transmits the tension signal to an external display through the watertight connector (13).

2. The integrated underwater tension detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a stop block (2), which is located between the base (1) and the guide wheel (3) and cooperates with the guide wheel (3) to form a first limiting space. The first limiting space is used to restrict the tow cable from coming off from under the guide wheel (3).

3. The integrated underwater tension detection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The stop block (2) is a U-shaped groove, and the width of the U-shaped groove is not greater than the width of the guide groove of the guide wheel (3).

4. The integrated underwater tension detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The stop structure (6) is fixed to the end face of the mounting support ring, and the stop groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft pin sensor (10).

5. The integrated underwater tension detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the pin sensor (10) is also provided with an adapter (5), which is connected to the watertight connector (13) so that the watertight connector (13) can exit from a defined direction.

6. The integrated underwater tension detection device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The joints of the adapter (5), the shaft pin sensor (10), and the watertight connector (13) are all sealed by O-rings (15).

7. The integrated underwater tension detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a baffle structure, which is fixed on a pair of mounting support rings and located outside the guide wheel (3), and forms a second limiting space between the baffle structure and the guide wheel (3), the second limiting space being used to prevent the tow cable from coming off the side of the guide wheel (3).

8. The integrated underwater tension detection device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The baffle structure includes a baffle (7) and a baffle rod (9). A pair of baffles (7) are fixed on corresponding mounting support rings, and the two ends of the baffle rod (9) are connected to the corresponding baffles (7) to form a U-shaped frame.

9. The integrated underwater tension detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A bushing (4) is provided between the shaft pin sensor (10) and the guide wheel (3). The bushing (4) is made of aluminum bronze and its surface is chrome plated.

10. An integrated underwater tension detection device as described in any one of claims 9, characterized in that, The contact surface between the pin sensor (10) and the bushing (4) is coated with wear-resistant ceramic material.

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