Device applied to fault reproduction of towed working condition of towed line array

Abstract

The invention relates to a towed line array towing condition fault reproduction device comprising a first winch and a second winch which are oppositely arranged and used for winding and tensioning a towed line array; the sliding rail is arranged between the first winch and the second winch; the second winch sliding base is arranged on the sliding rail and used for driving the second winch to move along the sliding rail so as to adjust the distance between the two winches. According to the invention, the composite working condition of tension and vibration of the towed line array when the towed line array is towed on the sea can be simulated, and the dynamic response of the towed line array in the actual towing process can be reproduced in a plant through the device. And meanwhile, real-time monitoring and data acquisition are carried out on the towed line array in cooperation with debugging equipment, so that stable reproduction, accurate positioning and reason analysis of a fault phenomenon are realized, and the maintenance efficiency of the towed line array is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of underwater sonar equipment testing and maintenance technology, specifically relating to a device for reproducing faults in towed linear array operation. Background Technology

[0002] A towed array is a slender, flexible sonar system. Its core components include various sensors, data acquisition and transmission modules, wires, and optical fibers. These components are encapsulated in an external sheath filled with a specific medium to form a watertight structure. Towed arrays are primarily used in underwater towed operations. Due to their high integration of internal components, compact spatial structure, and flexible characteristics, they are subjected to continuous axial tension and towing vibrations during operation, often inducing or exposing potential faults. Once a fault occurs, repairs cannot be performed at the site, requiring the towed array to be retrieved and returned to the factory for processing. Changes in environmental conditions after retrieval often weaken or eliminate the fault symptoms, making accurate fault location and subsequent repairs difficult. This not only prolongs the repair cycle but also easily leads to misjudgment of the fault location, preventing the true fault from being eradicated and creating potential hazards.

[0003] Currently, there are two main methods for reproducing common faults: The first is the tension and shaking method, which involves disassembling the towed array into unit segments, applying tension on a tension table, and then artificially shaking to simulate vibration. This method requires system disassembly, and the artificial vibration simulation is ineffective and inefficient. The second method is the vibration test method, which involves winding the towed array onto a disk. Because axial tension cannot be applied while it is wound, only vibration conditions can be simulated. This results in a limited range of simulated conditions, significantly differing from the actual working environment, and thus limiting the simulation's fidelity.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a fault reproduction device that can highly reproduce the actual towing conditions of the towing array in the factory, so as to achieve non-disassembly, adjustable, multi-dimensional composite condition simulation, thereby improving the efficiency of fault detection and maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a device for reproducing faults in the towing operation of a towed array, so as to solve the problems of inaccurate fault reproduction, low efficiency and insufficient simulation in the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is to provide a device for reproducing faults in the towing operation of a towed array, comprising:

[0007] The first winch and the second winch are arranged opposite each other and are used to wind and tension the drag line array;

[0008] A slide rail is arranged between the first winch and the second winch;

[0009] The second winch sliding base is set on the slide rail and is used to drive the second winch to move along the slide rail to adjust the distance between the two winches.

[0010] The first winch guiding mechanism and the second winch guiding mechanism are respectively set in the cable entry and exit directions of the first winch and the second winch. Both the first winch guiding mechanism and the second winch guiding mechanism include rotatable guide wheels arranged vertically and vertically to keep the towed line array in a straight line in the test area between the two winches.

[0011] The first sliding base and the second sliding base are sequentially arranged on the slide rail;

[0012] A vertical sliding bracket and a horizontal sliding bracket are respectively installed on the first sliding base and the second sliding base;

[0013] A vertical exciter and a horizontal exciter are respectively installed on the vertical sliding bracket and the horizontal sliding bracket, wherein the vertical exciter is used to simulate drag vibration in the vertical direction, and the horizontal exciter is used to simulate drag vibration in the horizontal direction.

[0014] This device ensures the stability of the drag array during the two winches' winding and pulling, facilitating excitation by the vibrator. The second winch is position-adjustable to adapt to testing requirements of unit segments of different lengths. The vibrator is four-way adjustable, achieving precise alignment and optimal excitation. It allows for sequential dragging simulation of each unit segment in the system without disassembling the drag array. Adjustable drag tension simulation is achieved through the coordinated control of the two winches. Furthermore, multi-directional adjustable drag vibration simulation is achieved using vibrators arranged vertically and horizontally. The guide wheels feature a staggered design, and the two winches are arranged opposite each other. Precise design and installation of the first winch's fixed base, the second winch's sliding base, and the slide rails ensure that the guide mechanisms of the two winches are aligned in a straight line in both height and horizontal directions. This design ensures that even if the guide mechanisms shift during winding and unwinding, the unit segment under test between the two winches remains in a straight line, providing the necessary conditions for effective excitation by the vibrator.

[0015] The second winch has an adjustable position to adapt to the testing requirements of different length unit segments. The second winch is set on the second winch sliding base, which cooperates with the slide rail to drive the second winch to move and fix in the front and back direction. By changing the distance between the two winches, it can adapt to the testing requirements of different length unit segments.

[0016] Multi-directional adjustable drag vibration simulation is achieved using exciters arranged vertically and horizontally, primarily accomplished by vertically mounted and horizontally mounted exciters. The vertically mounted exciters simulate vertical drag vibration, while the horizontally mounted exciters simulate horizontal drag vibration. By adjusting the frequency and amplitude of each exciter, multi-dimensional vibration environments under different working conditions can be flexibly reproduced.

[0017] The system achieves adjustable towing tension simulation through the coordinated control of two winches, primarily accomplished by the first and second winches. After the tested segment of the towing array arrives at the test area, the system employs a high-precision torque control inverter and servo drive to precisely adjust and control the tension between the two winches. By setting different tension parameters, the system can simulate the different tensile forces experienced by each segment of the towing array during actual towing (maximum in the first segment, decreasing sequentially, and minimum in the last segment).

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes debugging equipment and debugging cables for real-time monitoring and data acquisition of the towed array. Existing debugging equipment acts as a "stethoscope" for the towed array, responsible for real-time monitoring of various electroacoustic performances and sensor parameters of the towed array during fault reproduction, in order to accurately locate the fault point during fault reproduction.

[0019] This invention can simulate the combined tension and vibration conditions experienced by a towed array during sea towing. Using this device, the dynamic response of the towed array during actual towing can be reproduced within a factory facility. Simultaneously, in conjunction with debugging equipment, the towed array can be monitored and data collected in real time, enabling stable reproduction, precise location, and root cause analysis of fault phenomena, effectively improving the maintenance efficiency of the towed array. Furthermore, the device can simulate towing conditions again on the repaired towed array, achieving a closed-loop process from fault reproduction to repair verification. This confirms the effectiveness of the repair and ensures that the performance and reliability of the towed array have been fully restored before delivery.

[0020] Preferably, the vertical and horizontal vibrators can be adjusted in four directions (front-back, left-right, and right-right) via the first sliding base, the second sliding base, the vertical sliding bracket, and the horizontal sliding bracket. The vertical and horizontal vibrators are respectively mounted on the vertical and horizontal sliding brackets and equipped with corresponding sliding bases, allowing for displacement adjustment in four directions (front-back, left-right, and right-right) within the horizontal plane. Front-back adjustment accommodates test unit segments of different lengths, ensuring that the vertical and horizontal vibrators are always in the optimal excitation position; left-right adjustment facilitates alignment and installation between the vertical and horizontal vibrators and the test unit segment.

[0021] Preferably, the bottom of the vertical sliding bracket and the horizontal sliding bracket are provided with pulleys and locking devices, which can move left and right and be fixed along the small slide rails provided on the first sliding base and the second sliding base respectively; the bottom of the first sliding base and the second sliding base are provided with pulleys and locking devices, which can move back and forth along the slide rails and be fixed.

[0022] Preferably, the winding reel of the first winch has a waist-shaped hole on its side for leading out the first end of the drag line array; the bottom of the first winch is provided with a first winch fixing base.

[0023] Preferably, the first and second winches are equipped with a tension control system to simulate the axial tension when the towing array is being dragged.

[0024] Preferably, the device can move different segments of the towed wire array sequentially to the test area for operational simulation without disassembling the towed wire array, by controlling the synchronous operation of the first and second winches. In other words, without disassembling the towed wire array, each segment in the system is sequentially simulated for towing conditions, mainly accomplished by the first winch, the second winch, and the corresponding two winch guiding mechanisms. After the towed wire array is installed with the first and second winches, the segment under test between the two winches is in a straight line. The two winch motors can be synchronously controlled by the winch frequency converter to gradually transfer the towed wire array wound on the first winch to the second winch. Whenever the segment under test reaches the middle test area, a towing condition simulation is performed, thereby achieving segment-by-segment testing of the entire towed wire array.

[0025] Preferably, the first and second winch guiding mechanisms are arranged in a straight line in both the height and horizontal directions. This design ensures that even if the guiding mechanisms shift during the winding process, the test unit segment between the two winches remains in a straight line, thus providing the necessary conditions for effective excitation by the vibrator.

[0026] Preferably, the vibration frequency and amplitude of the vertical exciter and the horizontal exciter can be adjusted independently.

[0027] Preferably, both the first and second winch guiding mechanisms consist of a lead screw, an optical shaft, and a guide disc. The guide wheels are arranged vertically and vertically for cable guiding and friction reduction. The guide wheels are arranged in a staggered manner, which, combined with the opposing arrangement of the two winches, ensures that even if the guiding mechanism shifts during the winding and unwinding of the cable array, the section to be tested between the two winches remains in a straight line, thus facilitating the exciter to vibrate the section to be tested.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0029] 1. The vibrator (mechanical vibration generator) and winch have flexible adjustment capabilities: the position of the two vibrators and the second winch can be adjusted through the sliding design to adapt to the different lengths of the drag array unit segments, and to ensure that the two vibrators can be adjusted to the optimal excitation position when dealing with unit segments of different lengths.

[0030] 2. Non-disassembly segmented testing: During the fault reproduction process, the towed array sonar system can be simulated segment by segment without disassembling it. This avoids the interference of disassembly and assembly on the system status, significantly improves testing efficiency, and saves a lot of disassembly and assembly time.

[0031] 3. "Tension + Vibration" Synergistic Simulation: By combining the tension control of the first winch and the second winch with the multi-directional vibration simulation of the two exciters, the system can highly restore the real towing conditions and effectively improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of fault reproduction.

[0032] IV. Multidimensional Adjustable Vibration Simulation: By using a vertically and horizontally bidirectional vibrator and flexible frequency and amplitude adjustment, multidimensional and dynamic simulation of drag vibration is achieved, which significantly enhances the realism of fault reproduction and detection effectiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall layout of the device of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the winch and rail layout of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the drag array and the first winch of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention after assembly;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the workflow of the present invention.

[0038] In the diagram: 1. First winch; 2. First winch guiding mechanism; 3. First winch fixed base; 4. Cable array; 5. Slide rail; 6. First sliding base; 7. Vertical sliding bracket; 8. Vertical vibrator; 9. Second sliding base; 10. Horizontal sliding bracket; 11. Horizontal vibrator; 12. Second winch; 13. Second winch guiding mechanism; 14. Second winch sliding base; 15. Debugging equipment; 16. Debugging cable. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0040] This invention relates to a device for reproducing faults in the towing operation of a cable array. Without disassembling the unit segments, it can reproduce the combined tension and vibration conditions experienced by each unit segment during cable array towing within a factory environment. By modifying the tension parameters in the winding workshop and the vibration parameters of the exciter, the dynamic response during towing can be accurately simulated to highly replicate real-world towing conditions. Simultaneously, in conjunction with debugging equipment, the cable array is monitored and data collected in real time, enabling stable reproduction, precise location, and root cause analysis of fault phenomena, effectively improving the maintenance efficiency of cable arrays. Furthermore, the device can simulate the towing operation again on the repaired cable array, achieving a closed-loop process from fault reproduction to repair verification. This confirms the effectiveness of the repair and ensures that the performance and reliability of the cable array have been fully restored before delivery.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the device mainly consists of a first winch 1, a first winch guiding mechanism 2, a second winch 12, a second winch guiding mechanism 13, a tow line array 4, a slide rail 5, a first sliding base 6, a second sliding base 9, a vertical sliding bracket 7, a vertical vibrator 8, a horizontal sliding bracket 10, a horizontal vibrator 11, and a second winch sliding base 14.

[0042] As part of the supporting equipment, a debugging device 15 and a debugging cable 16 are also included for real-time monitoring and data acquisition of the towed array 4. The debugging device 15 includes a power supply, a data acquisition and transmission module, a debugging computer, and dedicated software, which provide power to the towed array and perform fault monitoring; the debugging cable 16 connects the towed array head end on the first winch to the debugging device 15 and is used to transmit power and data.

[0043] Specifically,

[0044] The first winch 1 is installed on the first winch fixed base 3. Its winding reel has a waist-shaped hole on the side for leading out the first end of the drag line array, which is convenient for connecting the debugging cable.

[0045] The first winch guiding mechanism 2 and the second winch guiding mechanism 13 are both composed of a lead screw, an optical shaft and a guide plate, respectively located in the cable entry and exit directions of the first winch 1 and the second winch 12, and are equipped with vertically arranged rotatable guide wheels for cable guiding and friction reduction.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first winch fixing base 3 is made of high-strength steel plate and is fixed to the ground at the bottom to provide stable support. To ensure that the guide wheel heights of the first winch guiding mechanism 2 and the second winch guiding mechanism 13 are consistent, the thickness of the base is precisely designed and controlled to ensure that the guide wheel automatically reaches the predetermined height after installation.

[0047] The drag line array 4 is the system under test. Its first end is led out from the waist-shaped hole of the winding reel of the first winch 1 and fixed to the side of the winding reel. Before the test, the drag line array 4 is wound onto the winding reel of the first winch 1 as a whole. Then, the tail end is pulled out, fixed, and transferred to the second winch 12.

[0048] The slide rail 5 is mainly composed of two parallel high-strength steel rails, which are installed on the right side of the first winch guide mechanism 2 and maintain a specific distance from the mechanism. This distance ensures that the first winch guide mechanism 2 and the second winch guide mechanism 13 are consistent in the horizontal left and right directions, laying the foundation for the coordinated operation of the entire device.

[0049] Both the first sliding base 6 and the second sliding base 9 are metal components. In one embodiment, their bottoms are equipped with pulleys and locking devices, allowing them to move back and forth and be fixed along the slide rail 5. The upper surface is provided with two small slide rails, which are used to install the vertical sliding bracket 7 and the horizontal sliding bracket 10, respectively, and to allow them to move left and right. The locking device can adopt a locking structure of existing technology.

[0050] In this embodiment, the vertical sliding bracket 7 is an L-shaped metal bracket with pulleys and a locking device at the bottom, which can move left and right and be fixed along the small slide rail of the first sliding base 6; the upper part is provided with screw holes for inverting the vertical vibrator 8.

[0051] In this embodiment, the horizontal sliding bracket 10 is a metal bracket with pulleys and a locking device at the bottom, which can move left and right and be fixed along the small slide rail of the second sliding base 9; a screw hole is provided on the left side for installing the horizontal vibrator 11.

[0052] The second winch 12 works in conjunction with the first winch 1 to achieve reciprocating winding and tensioning of the drag array, providing conditions for the excitation of the vertical vibrator 8 and the horizontal vibrator 11.

[0053] The second winch sliding base 14 is a high-strength steel plate structure. The second winch 12 is installed on the upper part, and the bottom is equipped with pulleys and locking devices. It can move and be fixed along the slide rail 5.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the second winch 12 and the first winch 1 are respectively provided with a second winch guide mechanism 13 and a first winch guide mechanism 2. The guide wheels in the guide mechanism (the upper guide wheel and the lower guide wheel, respectively) are arranged in a staggered manner. Combined with the opposing arrangement of the two winches, even if the guide mechanism is displaced during the winding and unwinding of the drag array, the test unit segment between the two winches can still be kept in a straight line, which facilitates the exciter to excite the test unit segment.

[0055] The second winch 12 is mounted on the second winch sliding base 14. The sliding base cooperates with the slide rail and can drive the second winch 12 to move and be fixed in the front-back direction. By changing the distance between the two winches, it can adapt to the testing requirements of different length unit segments.

[0056] In one implementation, the vertical vibrator 8 and the horizontal vibrator 11 are respectively mounted on the vertical sliding bracket 7 and the horizontal sliding bracket 10. By cooperating with the first sliding base 6 and the second sliding base 9, the vertical vibrator 8 and the horizontal vibrator 11 can be adjusted in four directions: front-back, left-right, and right-right. The front-back adjustment is used to accommodate test unit segments of different lengths, ensuring that the vertical vibrator 8 and the horizontal vibrator 11 are always in the optimal excitation position; the left-right adjustment facilitates the alignment and installation of the vertical vibrator 8 and the horizontal vibrator 11 with the test unit segment.

[0057] The above-mentioned device is assembled as follows, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown:

[0058] Installation and winding of the towed wire array 4: Push the second winch 12 to move along the slide rail 5 so that the distance between the two winches is greater than the longest unit segment to be tested, and lock the sliding base 14 of the second winch; pull the head end of the towed wire array 4 out from the transport winding reel, pass through the first winch guide mechanism 2, lead out from the waist-shaped hole of the first winch 1 and fix it to the side of the winding reel, start the first winch 1 to retract, so that the towed wire array 4 is transferred one by one from the transport winding reel to the winding reel of the first winch 1, leaving a certain length for the installation of the tail end; pass the tail end of the towed wire array 4 through the second winch guide mechanism 13 and fix it to the winding reel of the second winch 12.

[0059] Vibrator Installation: The excitation point of the vibrator is designed to be at the same height as the cable array in the test area; only the horizontal position needs to be adjusted. Move the first sliding base 6 and the second sliding base 9 to adjust the vertical vibrator 8 and the horizontal vibrator 11 to the appropriate positions in the test area, and then lock them. Move the vertical sliding bracket 7 and the horizontal sliding bracket 10 to clamp the tested unit segment of the cable array 4 onto the vibrator clamping plate, completing the fixation.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, the working process of this device is as follows:

[0061] Set the first winch 1 and the second winch 12 to tension mode, set the pulling parameters, and simulate the axial pulling force of underwater towing.

[0062] The vertical exciter 8 and the horizontal exciter 11 are activated in sequence to simulate the vertical and horizontal vibrations during towing.

[0063] Connect the debugging cable 16 to the head of the drag array 4 and the debugging equipment 15;

[0064] Start the debugging equipment 15, power the linear array 4 and run the monitoring program to perform fault detection;

[0065] If the currently tested unit segment is fault-free, shut down the software, power off, and disconnect the test cable 16 in sequence;

[0066] Reconnect the test cable 16, power on, start the testing software, and repeat the test until the faulty section reappears.

[0067] Complete fault reproduction and localization, and disassemble the drag array:

[0068] Power off the linear array 4 and shut down the debugging equipment 15;

[0069] Disconnect the test cable 16 and turn off the vertical exciter 8 and the horizontal exciter 11.

[0070] Release the tension of the first winch 1 and the second winch 12, and disassemble the clamps of the vertical exciter 8 and the horizontal exciter 11.

[0071] Operate the second winch 12 to release the tail of the cable array 4, remove the faulty section, and carry out fault repair.

[0072] Operate the first winch 1 to release the head section and complete the disassembly.

[0073] After the fault is repaired, the performance and reliability of the towed array can be verified again through towing simulation to confirm whether they have been fully restored. The operation method is the same.

[0074] The above description only illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Any equivalent procedural modifications made using this specification are included within the patent protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A device for reproducing faults in the operation of a towed linear array, characterized in that: include: The first winch (1) and the second winch (12) are arranged opposite each other and are used to wind and tension the drag line array (4). A slide rail (5) is arranged between the first winch and the second winch; The second winch sliding base (14) is set on the slide rail (5) and is used to drive the second winch (12) to move along the slide rail (5) to adjust the distance between the two winches; The first winch guiding mechanism (2) and the second winch guiding mechanism (13) are respectively set in the cable entry and exit directions of the first winch (1) and the second winch (12). The first winch guiding mechanism (2) and the second winch guiding mechanism (13) both include rotatable guide wheels arranged in a staggered manner to keep the towed line array (4) in a straight line in the test area between the two winches. The first sliding base (6) and the second sliding base (9) are sequentially arranged on the slide rail (5); The vertical sliding bracket (7) and the horizontal sliding bracket (10) are respectively installed on the first sliding base (6) and the second sliding base (9); A vertical vibrator (8) and a horizontal vibrator (11) are respectively installed on the vertical sliding bracket (7) and the horizontal sliding bracket (10). The vertical vibrator (8) is used to simulate drag vibration in the vertical direction, and the horizontal vibrator (11) is used to simulate drag vibration in the horizontal direction.

2. The device for reproducing faults in the towed array operation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical vibrator (8) and the horizontal vibrator (11) can be adjusted in four directions (front, back, left, and right) through the first sliding base (6), the second sliding base (9), the vertical sliding bracket (7), and the horizontal sliding bracket (10).

3. The device for reproducing faults in the towed array operation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical sliding bracket (7) and the horizontal sliding bracket (10) are provided with pulleys and locking devices at the bottom, and can move left and right and be fixed along the small slide rails provided on the first sliding base (6) and the second sliding base (9), respectively; the first sliding base (6) and the second sliding base (9) are provided with pulleys and locking devices at the bottom, and can move back and forth and be fixed along the slide rail (5).

4. The device for reproducing faults in the towed array operation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first winch (1) has a waist-shaped hole on the side of the winding disc for leading out the head end of the drag line array (4); the first winch (1) has a first winch fixing base (3) at the bottom.

5. The device for reproducing faults in the towed array operation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first winch (1) and the second winch (12) are equipped with a tension control system to simulate the axial tension when the towing array (4) is towed.

6. The device for reproducing faults in the towed array operation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first winch guide mechanism (2) and the second winch guide mechanism (13) are arranged in a straight line in the height and horizontal directions.

7. The device for reproducing faults in the towed array operation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The vibration frequency and amplitude of the vertical exciter (8) and the horizontal exciter (11) can be adjusted independently.

8. The device for reproducing faults in the towed array operation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes debugging equipment (15) and debugging cable (16) for real-time monitoring and data acquisition of the drag array (4).

9. The device for reproducing faults in the towed array operation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The device can move different unit segments of the tow line array (4) to the test area for working condition simulation by controlling the synchronous operation of the first winch (1) and the second winch (12) without disassembling the tow line array (4).

10. The device for reproducing faults in the towing operation of a linear array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first winch guiding mechanism (2) and the second winch guiding mechanism (13) are both composed of a lead screw, an optical shaft and a guide disc. The guide wheel is arranged vertically up and down and is used for cable guiding and friction reduction.

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