Bionic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of submarine cable protection, in particular to a bionic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluid, which comprises a bending limiting unit, the bending limiting unit comprises a filling layer and a protection layer, and the filling layer is arranged on the inner side of the protection layer; the filling layer is filled with a non-Newtonian fluid filler; and the vortex-induced vibration suppression unit comprises a flexible bionic fin, and the flexible bionic fin is arranged on the outer side of the protective layer and is used for suppressing vortex-induced vibration of the submarine cable. Non-Newtonian fluid is used as a filling medium of the filling layer due to the physical property, and connecting discs are symmetrically arranged at the upper end and the lower end of the protective layer, so that a bending limiting unit similar to a'bamboo joint type 'is formed, self-adaptive matching of the rigidity of the device and a dynamic load borne by the submarine cable is achieved, stepless and smooth transition from'flexibility' to'rigidity 'is achieved, and the service life of the submarine cable is prolonged. And a bending limiting function is realized while a certain bending degree is provided for the submarine cable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of submarine cable protection, and specifically to a biomimetic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluids. Background Technology

[0002] Submarine cables, as critical infrastructure for marine energy transmission and information communication, are widely used in major projects such as offshore wind power, transoceanic power transmission, and marine observation systems. Their safe and stable operation is directly related to the reliability of the entire marine energy and communication network. However, submarine cables face severe mechanical and environmental challenges due to their long-term service in the complex and ever-changing marine environment.

[0003] On the one hand, ocean currents, waves, ship movement, and dynamic loads during installation can easily cause repeated bending of submarine cables. If the bending radius exceeds the material limit, it will lead to insulation damage or even conductor breakage. On the other hand, when ocean currents bypass submarine cables, they can easily generate periodically detached vortices, inducing vortex-induced vibration (VIV). Under long-term action, this can cause fatigue damage and significantly shorten the service life of submarine cables.

[0004] Existing technologies primarily employ mechanical bending limiters for cable protection. These devices generally utilize a split "Hafer structure" design, with mechanical connections between units to achieve both hinged and bending-limiting functions. While these limiters can control static or low-frequency bending radii to some extent, they inherently rely on the geometric constraints of rigid components and lack adaptive response capabilities to dynamic loads. In actual sea conditions, when encountering sudden strong currents or violent waves, traditional bending limiters cannot adjust their stiffness in real time according to the bending rate. Instead, the abrupt change in structural rigidity leads to stress concentration, exacerbating local fatigue. Furthermore, their complex mechanical connection structure not only increases installation and maintenance difficulty but also poses reliability risks such as connection failure and corrosion jamming. To address these issues, existing technology CN112102992A proposes an impact-resistant armored military cable. This cable achieves dynamic protection of the cable core by incorporating an elastic rubber layer within the cable, followed by multiple cavities evenly spaced within the elastic rubber layer and filled with a layer of dilatant non-Newtonian fluid. However, this structural design does not consider the combined effects of vortex-induced vibrations caused by ocean currents on cable bending. Regarding vibration suppression, existing technologies such as patents CN111433429A, CN120674140A, and CN120237570A propose various passive methods, including additional helical deflectors, rigid fins, or surface roughening treatments. While these methods can partially disrupt the vortex coherent structure, their vibration suppression effect is fixed and cannot be dynamically adjusted according to ocean current speed or vibration amplitude. More importantly, current bending limiting and vibration suppression functions are typically implemented by independent components, lacking functional integration and collaborative working mechanisms, resulting in low overall protection efficiency and structural redundancy. Furthermore, submarine cables generate a large amount of Joule heat during high-load operation. If this heat cannot be dissipated in time, it will accelerate the aging of insulation materials, degrade dielectric properties, and even cause thermal breakdown. However, existing protection devices generally neglect heat dissipation requirements or rely solely on natural convection, and their heat dissipation efficiency is far from meeting the temperature control requirements of high-power submarine cables.

[0005] Furthermore, in emerging applications such as offshore wind power, submarine cables often need to be connected to the foundation structure via clamps. While existing clamps can provide radial fixation, their ability to prevent axial slippage is weak. Under the long-term effects of the cable's own weight, water current drag, and dynamic loads, the cable is prone to slowly sliding down within the clamp, leading to changes in the shape of the suspension section, a reduction in the local bending radius, and the formation of new stress concentration points, seriously threatening system safety. At the same time, with the development of new high-performance bend limiters, their interface forms are often incompatible with existing clamps, necessitating a transitional connection solution that can achieve both reliable mechanical connection and effective prevention of axial slippage.

[0006] In summary, existing submarine cable protection technologies suffer from multiple shortcomings, including poor adaptability, functional fragmentation, insufficient heat dissipation, and low connection reliability, making it difficult to meet the comprehensive protection requirements of high-reliability, long-life submarine cable systems in complex marine environments. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a novel submarine cable protection device that integrates adaptive bending limitation, intelligent vortex-induced vibration suppression, and efficient active heat dissipation. This device should be able to achieve smooth switching between rigidity and flexibility based on dynamic load characteristics, and through a high degree of structural and functional integration, fundamentally improve the environmental adaptability and service safety of submarine cable systems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a biomimetic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluids, an anti-slip connector for use with it, and a submarine cable protection system, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0008] Specifically, this invention proposes a biomimetic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluids, comprising: A bending limiting unit includes a filler layer and a protective layer, wherein the filler layer is disposed inside the protective layer; the filler layer is filled with a non-Newtonian fluid filler; connecting discs are symmetrically arranged at the upper and lower ends of the protective layer; and... The vortex-induced vibration suppression unit includes a flexible bionic fin, which is disposed on the outside of the protective layer to suppress the vortex-induced vibration of the submarine cable.

[0009] Furthermore, the filling layer includes a plurality of flexible cavities, which are divided into a plurality of sector-shaped chambers along the circumferential direction, and each sector-shaped chamber is filled with the non-Newtonian fluid filler.

[0010] Furthermore, the flexible cavity wall separating the sector-shaped chambers is provided with multiple wall holes.

[0011] Furthermore, the vortex-induced vibration suppression unit includes multiple flexible bionic fins, which are spirally arranged around the outer surface of the protective layer.

[0012] Furthermore, the flexible bionic fin includes an inner bionic fin filling layer and an outer bionic fin protective layer, wherein the bionic fin filling layer includes a bionic fin cavity filled with a non-Newtonian fluid filler.

[0013] Furthermore, the bending restraint unit also includes: A fixing layer disposed inside the filling layer; And / or, a support layer disposed between the filling layer and the protective layer, the support layer including a cavity and a honeycomb support disposed inside the cavity.

[0014] Furthermore, the bending limiting unit also includes a heat dissipation layer disposed between the filling layer and the protective layer, the heat dissipation layer including a heat dissipation layer cavity and a heat dissipation channel disposed inside the heat dissipation layer cavity.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes an anti-slip connector for the biomimetic submarine cable protection device as described above, the anti-slip connector including a connecting portion that matches the end connecting disc of the bending limiting unit, and a connecting portion for connecting a submarine cable clamp; the anti-slip connector has an inner wall, the surface of which is arranged with friction strips.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes a submarine cable protection system, including at least one biomimetic submarine cable protection device as described above, and an anti-slip connector as described above, wherein the anti-slip connector is connected between the biomimetic submarine cable protection device and the submarine cable clamp.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: (1) By using the physical properties of non-Newtonian fluids as the filling medium of the filling layer, and combining it with the symmetrically arranged connecting discs at the upper and lower ends of the protective layer, a bending limiting unit similar to a "bamboo joint" is formed. The arrangement of the upper and lower connecting discs of the protective layer gives the protective device a certain rigidity, while the filling layer utilizes the shear thickening properties of the non-Newtonian fluid filler to achieve adaptive matching between the device stiffness and the dynamic load (bending speed) on the submarine cable, realizing a stepless and smooth transition from "flexible" to "rigid". It provides a certain degree of bending for the submarine cable while simultaneously achieving the bending limiting function. Furthermore, the connection is achieved through the connecting discs, which eliminates the need for traditional bending limiters to rely on mechanical components (i.e., male and female heads) to contact and lock together to achieve bending limiting and protection functions. Instead, a flange connection with symmetrical connecting discs is adopted, which is simpler and easier to install and maintain. Moreover, the filling layer and the protective layer neck are integrated and wrapped around the outside of the submarine cable. Compared with the traditional Haver structure, this effectively improves the installation efficiency and reduces the maintenance cost, while also reducing the risk of connection failure due to mechanical wear.

[0018] (2) By incorporating flexible bionic fins, the protective layer integrating these fins can suppress vortex-induced vibrations. When water flows, the spirally arranged flexible bionic fins actively disrupt the formation of large-scale vortices, dispersing most of the periodic vortex energy into chaotic small vortices, thus reducing the energy that triggers vibrations at the source. Simultaneously, the residual vortex-induced energy acts on the structure, causing structural vibrations. This vibration is transmitted to the internal non-Newtonian fluid through the flexible structure. During minor vibrations, the non-Newtonian fluid remains soft, and the system damping is moderate, allowing the structure to respond slightly without accumulating excessive stress. When the vibration intensifies to the point where it may trigger harmful vortex-induced resonance, the shear rate increases, and the non-Newtonian fluid undergoes instantaneous shear thickening. This change causes a sharp increase in damping, converting the enormous vibrational energy into heat through internal friction, which is then rapidly dissipated.

[0019] (3) Through the setting of the heat dissipation layer, the Joule heat generated during the operation of the submarine cable can be conducted to the inner wall of the heat dissipation layer through the fixing layer, filling layer and support layer. The ocean flow allows seawater to enter the heat dissipation channel through the water flow hole and flow along the spiral path in the channel. Then, it can fully exchange heat with the wall of the heat dissipation channel and be discharged from the outlet, realizing continuous passive heat dissipation of the submarine cable. It is also an integrated protection device with efficient heat dissipation and vortex vibration suppression functions.

[0020] (4) By setting up an anti-slip connector with friction strips, when the submarine cable tends to slide axially due to gravity or ocean currents, the outer sheath of the submarine cable squeezes the rubber friction strip, causing it to undergo elastic deformation and generate reverse friction resistance. The direction of this friction resistance is opposite to the direction of submarine cable sliding, effectively preventing the submarine cable from axially displacing inside the device. Moreover, the rubber material does not damage the surface of the submarine cable sheath. By integrating the anti-slip connector and the protective device, the compatibility of the protective device with traditional clamps and the problem of axial sliding can be solved. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the biomimetic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluid proposed in this invention. Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the biomimetic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluid proposed in this invention; Figure 3 A transverse cross-sectional view of the biomimetic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluid proposed in this invention; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the biomimetic fin structure in the biomimetic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluid proposed in this invention; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the connecting disc structure in the biomimetic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluid proposed in this invention; Figure 6A schematic diagram of the installation and connection of the anti-slip connector for a biomimetic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluids proposed in this invention; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the anti-slip connector for a biomimetic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluids proposed in this invention.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Fixing layer; 2. Filling layer; 21. Non-Newtonian fluid filler; 22. Filling layer cavity; 23. Flexible cavity wall; 24. Wall hole; 3. Supporting layer; 31. Honeycomb support; 32. Supporting layer cavity; 4. Heat dissipation layer; 41. Heat dissipation channel; 42. Heat dissipation layer cavity; 5. Protective layer; 51. End connecting plate; 52. Connecting hole; 53. Protective layer shell; 6. Submarine cable; 7. Water flow hole; 8. Flexible bionic fin; 9. Connector; 10. Bionic fin protective layer; 101. Bionic fin shell; 102. Bionic fin honeycomb support; 11. Bionic fin filling layer; 111. Bionic fin non-Newtonian fluid filler; 112. Bionic fin cavity; 12. Anti-slip connector; 121. Upper connecting plate; 122. Contraction section; 123. Lower connecting plate; 124. Friction strip; 13. Clamp. Detailed Implementation

[0023] 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. 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.

[0024] Example 1: This invention provides a novel concept for a submarine cable bending limiting device, while also allowing for a moderate increase in the number of bending limiter units and a reduction in their usage. Specifically, this invention provides a biomimetic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluids, the overall structure of which is as follows: Figure 1-3As shown, the device includes a bending limiting unit and a vortex-induced vibration suppression unit. The bending limiting unit includes a filling layer 2 and a protective layer 5. The filling layer 2 is located inside the protective layer 5, and the submarine cable 6 is located inside the filling layer 2. The multi-layer structure of the filling layer 2 and the protective layer 5 achieves integrated wrapping of the submarine cable. The filling layer 2 is filled with a non-Newtonian fluid filler 21, enabling the protective device to dynamically respond to the bending of the submarine cable. The protective layer 5 protects the internal structure from external environmental corrosion and enhances the overall mechanical strength. Connecting discs 51 are symmetrically arranged at the upper and lower ends of the protective layer 5 for quick connection and sealing between adjacent protective units. The connecting discs 51 can be conventional flanges. The vortex-induced vibration suppression unit includes a flexible biomimetic fin 8, which mimics the streamlined shape of a fish's dorsal fin. The flexible biomimetic fin 8 is located on the outer side of the portion between the symmetrically arranged connecting discs 51 to suppress vortex-induced vibration of the submarine cable in complex marine environments.

[0025] Using the physical properties of non-Newtonian fluids as the filling medium for the filling layer 2, and combined with symmetrically arranged connecting discs 51 at both ends of the protective layer 5, a "bamboo-like" bending limiting unit is formed. The position of the connecting discs 51 provides the protective device with a certain degree of rigidity. Simultaneously, utilizing the shear thickening properties of the non-Newtonian fluid filling material 21, the device's rigidity is adaptively matched to the dynamic load (bending speed) experienced by the submarine cable, thus achieving a stepless and smooth transition from "flexible" to "rigid." This provides the submarine cable with a certain degree of bending while simultaneously limiting its bending function. Furthermore, the connection via the connecting discs 51 eliminates the need for traditional bending limiters that rely on mechanical components (i.e., male and female connectors) for contact locking to achieve bending limiting and protection. The use of symmetrical connecting discs 51 with flange connections is simpler and easier to install and maintain. The filling layer 2 and the protective layer 5 are integrated and wrapped around the outside of the submarine cable 6. Compared to the traditional Haver structure, this effectively improves installation efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and minimizes the risk of connection failure due to mechanical wear.

[0026] Simultaneously, flexible biomimetic fish fins 8 are integrated to suppress vortex-induced vibration. When water flows, the spirally arranged flexible biomimetic fish fins 8 actively disrupt the formation of large-scale vortices, dispersing most of the periodic vortex energy into chaotic small vortices, thus reducing the energy that triggers vibration at its source. Meanwhile, the residual vortex-induced energy acts on the structure, causing structural vibration. This vibration is transmitted to the internal non-Newtonian fluid through the flexible structure. During minor vibrations, the non-Newtonian fluid remains flexible, and the system damping is moderate, allowing the structure to respond slightly without accumulating excessive stress. When the vibration intensifies, reaching a point where potentially harmful vortex-induced resonance may occur, the shear rate increases, and the non-Newtonian fluid undergoes instantaneous shear thickening. This change causes a sharp increase in damping, converting the enormous vibrational energy into heat through internal friction, which is then rapidly dissipated.

[0027] When the submarine cable 6 is subjected to external dynamic loads and undergoes bending deformation, the filling layer 2 generates shear strain, causing the non-Newtonian fluid filler 21 to withstand different shear rates. Specifically: under normal sea conditions, the submarine cable 6 swings slowly with a small amplitude, and the shear rate is below the critical value. The non-Newtonian fluid filler 21 exhibits a low-viscosity liquid state and can flow freely in multiple fan-shaped chambers. The device as a whole maintains high flexibility and does not significantly constrain the movement of the submarine cable. Under extreme sea conditions, the submarine cable 6 bends rapidly and significantly, and the shear rate exceeds the critical threshold. The non-Newtonian fluid filler 21 triggers a shear thickening effect, and the viscosity rises rapidly. The fluid flow resistance increases significantly, and the device stiffness is smoothly enhanced, effectively limiting the bending radius of the submarine cable. Under catastrophic impact loads, the submarine cable 6 bends violently and instantaneously, and the shear rate exceeds the critical upper limit. The viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid filler 21 soars by several orders of magnitude within milliseconds, and the fluid solidifies. The filling layer 2 transforms into an approximately rigid body, achieving instantaneous rigid locking of the submarine cable 6 and preventing structural failure.

[0028] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, to improve the response efficiency of the non-Newtonian fluid filler under dynamic loads, the filler layer 2 includes multiple flexible cavities 22. Each flexible cavity 22 is divided into multiple fan-shaped chambers along its circumference by a flexible cavity wall 23. Each fan-shaped chamber is filled with a non-Newtonian fluid filler 21. This non-Newtonian fluid filler 21 can instantly change its rheological properties when subjected to external impact or shear force, thereby enhancing the bending stiffness of the structure. The flexible cavity wall 23 has multiple wall holes 24 to maintain fluid communication between adjacent chambers, ensuring that the non-Newtonian fluid can flow and respond to changes in shear rate when bending in any direction. Preferably, the non-Newtonian fluid filler can be one of polyvinyl chloride, rubber solution, plastic fiber melt, or shear thickening fluid. The flexible cavity 22 is made of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) material, which has excellent elasticity and weather resistance, and can maintain structural stability under deep-sea high pressure and low temperature environments.

[0029] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, preferably, multiple flexible bionic fins 8 are provided on the outside of each protective layer 5. The multiple flexible bionic fins 8 are arranged in two layers. The flexible bionic fins 8 of each layer are spirally wrapped around the outer surface of the protective layer 5 and are tightly connected to the protective layer 5 by hot melt bonding or co-injection molding process. Specifically, the flexible bionic fin 8 includes an inner bionic fin filling layer 11 and an outer bionic fin protective layer 10. The bionic fin protective layer 10 includes a bionic fin shell 10 and a bionic fin honeycomb support 102. The bionic fin honeycomb support 102 is disposed inside the bionic fin shell 101, providing structural support and retaining a certain degree of flexibility. The bionic fin shell 101 is made of semi-rigid polyurethane material. The bionic fin filling layer 11 includes a bionic fin cavity 112 and a non-Newtonian fluid filler 111 filling the bionic fin cavity 112. The bionic fin cavity 112 is also made of TPU material.

[0030] When ocean currents act on the flexible bionic fin 8, its streamlined shape can disrupt the periodic shedding of the Karman vortex street and weaken the excitation source of vortex-induced vibration. The residual vibration is transmitted to the internal bionic fin non-Newtonian fluid filler 111 through the bionic fin protective layer 10. The fluid adaptively adjusts its viscosity according to the shear rate caused by the vibration: it maintains a low viscosity under micro-amplitude vibration to reduce structural stress concentration; under strong vibration conditions, it triggers a shear thickening effect, and the viscosity increases significantly. Vibration energy is dissipated through internal fluid friction to achieve intelligent damping and vibration suppression. The non-Newtonian fluid characteristics are utilized again to achieve adaptive vibration suppression through a spiral arrangement.

[0031] Furthermore, the end connecting plate 51 of the protective layer 5 is provided with a plurality of connecting holes 52. The connecting holes 52 are used to realize the axial connection between adjacent bending limiting mechanism units through the connector 9. The connector 9 can be bolts or other connecting components, which will not be described in detail here. The protective layer 5 also includes a protective layer shell 53, which has a cylindrical structure and is used to improve the protective capability of the protective layer.

[0032] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the bending limiting unit also includes a fixing layer 1, which is disposed inside the filling layer 2. The inner diameter of the fixing layer 1 matches the outer diameter of the submarine cable 6 to be protected and is directly wrapped around the surface of the submarine cable 6 to fix the submarine cable 6. The fixing layer 1 is made of TPU material, which utilizes the high elasticity and surface friction coefficient of TPU material to achieve radial fixation of the submarine cable 6 and prevent it from sliding relative to each other inside the device.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the bending limiting unit also includes a support layer 3, which is disposed between the filling layer 2 and the protective layer 5. The support layer 3 includes a support layer cavity 32 and a honeycomb bracket 31 disposed inside the support layer cavity 32. The honeycomb bracket 31 adopts a hexagonal periodic arrangement structure and is prepared by injection molding or 3D printing process to provide uniform mechanical support and retain a certain degree of flexibility. The support layer 3 and the filling layer 2 are connected by thermal welding or integral injection molding to provide a limited deformation space for the filling layer 2, while uniformly transferring the external load to the filling layer 2 and reducing local stress concentration.

[0034] Example 2: Based on Example 1, in order to solve the heat dissipation problem of submarine cables under high load operation, such as... Figures 1-3 As shown, in this embodiment, the bending limiting unit also includes a heat dissipation layer 4, which is disposed between the filling layer 2 and the protective layer 5. When a support layer 3 is provided, the heat dissipation layer 4 is preferably disposed between the support layer 3 and the protective layer 5. The heat dissipation layer 4, the support layer 3, and the protective layer 5 are tightly bonded together by thermal welding or integral injection molding to form an overall sealed structure.

[0035] The heat dissipation layer 4 includes a heat dissipation layer cavity 42 and heat dissipation channels 41 disposed inside the heat dissipation layer cavity 42. The heat dissipation channels 41 are arranged continuously in a spiral within the heat dissipation layer cavity 42, preferably as a single channel, but multiple channels can be provided to improve heat dissipation performance. The cross-section of the heat dissipation channels 41 is rectangular or circular, and they penetrate the entire heat dissipation layer 4 axially. The heat dissipation layer cavity 42 is made of semi-rigid polyurethane with a Shore hardness of 80–90A, an elastic modulus of 30–100 MPa, and a tensile strength of 25–60 MPa. Correspondingly, the surface of the protective layer 5 is provided with multiple water flow holes 7, which are connected to the ports of the heat dissipation channels 41 one by one.

[0036] Through the design of the heat dissipation layer, the Joule heat generated during the operation of the submarine cable 6 can be conducted layer by layer through the fixing layer 1, the filling layer 2 and the support layer 3 to the inner wall of the heat dissipation layer 4. The ocean flow allows seawater to enter the heat dissipation channel 41 through the water flow hole 7 and flow along the spiral path in the channel. After sufficient heat exchange with the wall of the heat dissipation channel 41, it is discharged from the outlet, realizing continuous passive heat dissipation of the submarine cable 6. At the same time, it is an integrated protection device with efficient heat dissipation and vortex vibration suppression functions.

[0037] Example 3: Based on Embodiment 1 and / or Embodiment 2, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the present invention also proposes an anti-slip connector for a biomimetic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluids. The anti-slip connector 12 adopts a Haver-style symmetrical split-and-assemble structure. Each assembly includes a connecting part that matches the end connecting plate of the bending limiting unit, and a connecting part for connecting the submarine cable clamp. Specifically, the connecting parts are an upper connecting plate 121 and a lower connecting plate 123. The anti-slip connector 12 also includes a shrinkage part 122 and a friction strip 124. Specifically, the two assemblies are fastened into a ring-shaped whole by multiple connectors 9 on both sides of the shrinkage part 122. The upper connecting plate 121 is provided with a connection hole that matches the flange of the cable clamp 13, and the upper connecting plate 121 is fixedly connected to the flange of the clamp 13 through the connector 9; the lower connecting plate 123 is provided with a connection hole that matches the end connecting plate 51 of the bending limiting unit, and is connected to the bending limiting unit through the connector 9; the inner wall of the contraction part 122 has a conical structure, and its surface is densely arranged with friction strips 124 that are inclined upward at 45°. Preferably, the friction strips 124 are made of elastic rubber material with a Shore hardness of 50-70A, and their free ends face the inlet direction of the cable 6.

[0038] By incorporating an anti-slip connector with friction strip 124, when the submarine cable 6 tends to slide axially due to gravity or ocean currents, the outer sheath of the submarine cable 6 presses against the friction strip 124, causing it to elastically deform and generate reverse frictional resistance. This frictional resistance is in the opposite direction to the sliding direction of the submarine cable 6, effectively preventing axial displacement of the submarine cable 6 within the device, and the rubber material does not damage the surface of the sheath of the submarine cable 6. By integrating the anti-slip connector 12 and the protective device, the compatibility issues between the protective device and the traditional clamp 13, as well as the axial sliding problem, can be resolved.

[0039] Example 4: Based on Embodiments 1 to 3, the present invention further proposes a submarine cable protection system, including at least one biomimetic submarine cable protection device as described above, and an anti-slip connector as described above, wherein the anti-slip connector is connected between the biomimetic submarine cable protection device and the submarine cable clamp.

Claims

1. A biomimetic submarine cable protection device based on non-Newtonian fluids, characterized in that, include: A bending limiting unit includes a filler layer and a protective layer, wherein the filler layer is disposed inside the protective layer; the filler layer is filled with a non-Newtonian fluid filler; connecting discs are symmetrically arranged at the upper and lower ends of the protective layer; and... The vortex-induced vibration suppression unit includes a flexible bionic fin, which is disposed on the outside of the protective layer to suppress the vortex-induced vibration of the submarine cable.

2. The biomimetic submarine cable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filling layer includes multiple flexible cavities, which are divided into multiple sector-shaped chambers along the circumferential direction, and each sector-shaped chamber is filled with the non-Newtonian fluid filler.

3. The biomimetic submarine cable protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible cavity wall separating the sector-shaped chambers has multiple wall holes.

4. The biomimetic submarine cable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vortex-induced vibration suppression unit includes multiple flexible bionic fins, which are spirally arranged around the outer surface of the protective layer.

5. The biomimetic submarine cable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible bionic fin includes an inner bionic fin filling layer and an outer bionic fin protective layer. The bionic fin filling layer includes a bionic fin cavity filled with a non-Newtonian fluid filler.

6. The biomimetic submarine cable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bending limiting unit also includes a fixing layer disposed inside the filling layer.

7. The biomimetic submarine cable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bending limiting unit also includes a support layer disposed between the filling layer and the protective layer, the support layer including a cavity and a honeycomb support disposed inside the cavity.

8. The biomimetic submarine cable protection device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The bending limiting unit also includes a heat dissipation layer disposed between the filling layer and the protective layer, the heat dissipation layer including a heat dissipation layer cavity and a heat dissipation channel disposed inside the heat dissipation layer cavity.

9. An anti-slip connector for use in the biomimetic submarine cable protection device as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The anti-slip connector includes a connecting portion that matches the end connecting disc of the bending limiting unit, and a connecting portion for connecting a submarine cable clamp; the anti-slip connector has an inner wall, the surface of which is arranged with friction strips.

10. A submarine cable protection system, characterized in that, It includes at least one biomimetic submarine cable protection device as described in any one of claims 1-8, and an anti-slip connector as described in claim 9, wherein the anti-slip connector is connected between the biomimetic submarine cable protection device and the submarine cable clamp.

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