Amphibious vehicle side floatation bag structure

Abstract

The application discloses an amphibious vehicle side floating bag structure, characterized in that the structure comprises floating bag units installed on both sides of a vehicle body, wherein the floating bag unit comprises a metal framework and an air bag; the air bag is a split-cavity structure and is composed of at least three independent cavities, and the cavities are communicated through air pipes; the floating bag unit further comprises a folding assembly used for folding the air bag and the metal framework. The amphibious vehicle side floating bag structure solves the problems of uneven buoyancy, heavy structure and large resistance of a traditional scheme through split-cavity air bags, corrugated metal frameworks and water resistance optimization design. The core innovation includes that the split-cavity air bag improves buoyancy stability, the stainless steel corrugated framework realizes lightweight and high strength, and the wave design reduces water resistance by 40%. The application is suitable for underwater operation of special vehicles and has high environmental adaptability and convenient maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of underwater vehicle auxiliary equipment. Specifically, this invention relates to a floating bladder structure for the side of an amphibious vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As the core component for amphibious vehicles to float on water and move underwater, the performance of the underwater float system directly affects the vehicle's safety, stability, and movement efficiency in aquatic environments. Therefore, the optimization design of this system has always been a key research direction in related technical fields.

[0003] Existing amphibious vehicle underwater floatation systems still have many shortcomings that need to be addressed in practical applications. Specifically, in terms of buoyancy performance, most existing floatation systems adopt a single-chamber airbag design, which easily leads to uneven buoyancy distribution. When the vehicle is in different underwater postures or encounters complex water currents, the single-chamber airbag is prone to rupture due to excessive pressure, seriously affecting the service life and safety of the floatation system. At the same time, the single-chamber structure also makes buoyancy adjustment difficult, making it difficult to flexibly adjust the vehicle's floating state according to actual working conditions, thus limiting the vehicle's adaptability in complex aquatic environments.

[0004] At the structural design level, most existing buoyancy tank systems use solid sheet metal for their metal frames. While this structure ensures the strength of the frame to a certain extent, it also brings obvious drawbacks. Solid sheet metal results in a large overall weight of the metal frame, which not only increases the overall load of the amphibious vehicle, affecting its power performance and range, but also significantly increases material costs, hindering the large-scale application and promotion of this type of vehicle.

[0005] Furthermore, regarding water resistance control, the existing metal frame design does not optimize the wave pattern. This unreasonable structural form significantly increases frictional and pressure drag when the vehicle moves underwater, reducing both vehicle efficiency and power system energy consumption. In terms of installation and maintenance, the connection between the airbag and frame in the existing float system is cumbersome, making disassembly difficult. Failures not only extend repair cycles but also increase maintenance costs.

[0006] In summary, the existing underwater floatation systems for amphibious vehicles have not effectively resolved the contradiction between lightweighting of the metal frame and optimization of water resistance. They also have significant shortcomings in buoyancy performance and ease of installation and maintenance, and cannot fully meet the practical application needs of amphibious vehicles.

[0007] This invention provides a floating bladder structure for the side of an amphibious vehicle, particularly concerning how to provide stable buoyancy, structural strength, and underwater mobility to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides a side float structure for an amphibious vehicle, the purpose of which is to ensure stable buoyancy.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a floating bladder structure for an amphibious vehicle, including floating bladder units installed on both sides of the vehicle body, wherein the floating bladder unit includes a metal frame and an airbag; the airbag has a compartmentalized structure, consisting of at least three independent chambers, and each chamber is connected by a venting pipe.

[0010] The float unit also includes a folding assembly for folding the airbag and metal frame together.

[0011] The airbag has three independent chambers: a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber.

[0012] Each independent chamber of the airbag is equipped with a safety valve, an inflation port, and a pressure gauge.

[0013] The metal frame is made of corrugated stainless steel plate with a corrugation height of 40 mm and a moment of inertia of ≥6.405×10⁻⁶. -7 m 4 .

[0014] The thickness of the stainless steel corrugated plate is 2mm.

[0015] The metal frame is fixed to the airbag by a connecting structure, which includes a pin-type interface or a rope buckle interface, and the pin-type interface or rope buckle interface cooperates with the fastening strap on the airbag.

[0016] The metal frame includes a body panel and a rotating plate, which are connected by a hinge. Fixed points are provided on the body panel to connect with the airbag.

[0017] The body panel is configured to be attached to the vehicle body, and the airbag and body panel are located below the rotating plate.

[0018] The airbag is fixed to the rotating plate by a pin, and the airbag is fixed to the vehicle body plate by a rope buckle.

[0019] The amphibious vehicle side float structure of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. Highly efficient and stable buoyancy: The compartmentalized design ensures stable buoyancy. Even if a compartment leaks or breaks, it can still provide partial buoyancy. The buoyancy on one side is ≥3.5 tons, which meets the underwater requirements of special vehicles.

[0021] 2. Lightweight and high strength: Stainless steel corrugated steel plates are 30% lighter than aluminum alloys and have 3.48 times higher bending stiffness.

[0022] 3. Significantly reduced water resistance: The waveform design reduces frictional resistance by 15.41N, with a total resistance of only 45.33N, a 40% reduction compared to traditional solutions.

[0023] 4. Quick installation and maintenance: The pin and cord buckle interface simplifies the connection process, and the accompanying protective tools (repair fabric, glue, etc.) improve maintenance efficiency.

[0024] 5. Environmental adaptability: The material is resistant to salt spray corrosion and is suitable for coastal and extreme temperature environments. Attached Figure Description

[0025] This manual includes the following figures, which illustrate the following:

[0026] Figure 1 This is an overall layout diagram of the side float structure of the amphibious vehicle of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the side float structure of the amphibious vehicle of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the airbag installation structure;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the components on the metal frame;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the stress and deformation simulation results;

[0031] The diagram is marked as follows:

[0032] 1. Right side float system; 2. Vehicle / boat hull system; 3. Left side float system; 4. Rotating plate; 5. Vehicle body plate; 6. Mounting bracket; 7. Float fixing strap; 8. Float reinforcing strap; 9. Airbag; 10. Safety valve; 11. Inflation interface; 12. Pressure gauge; 13. Bottom restraint strap; 14. Main fixing component; 15. Secondary fixing component; 16. Angle steel; 17. Connecting component; 18. Hinge; 19. Cavity partition; 20. First chamber; 21. Second chamber; 22. Third chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate and in-depth understanding of the concept and technical solutions of the present invention, and to facilitate its implementation.

[0034] It should be noted that in the following embodiments, the terms "first," "second," and "third" do not represent an absolute distinction in structure and / or function, nor do they represent the order of execution; they are merely for the convenience of description.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a side float structure for an amphibious vehicle, including float units installed on both sides of the vehicle body to provide auxiliary buoyancy for the amphibious vehicle. The float unit includes a metal frame and an airbag 9; the airbag 9 has a compartmentalized structure, consisting of at least three independent chambers, each connected by a ventilator; the float unit also includes a retraction assembly for retracting the airbag 9 and the metal frame.

[0036] Specifically, this invention relates to the field of underwater vehicle auxiliary equipment technology, and more specifically to a floatation system for underwater vehicle operation, including an airbag structure, metal frame design, material selection optimization, and water resistance calculation methods. It is particularly suitable for buoyancy assistance devices for special vehicles such as military and rescue vehicles. This invention provides an underwater vehicle floatation system that achieves high buoyancy, low resistance, lightweight design, and ease of maintenance through a compartmentalized airbag design, corrugated metal frame structure, optimized material selection, and water resistance calculation methods.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the independent chambers of the airbag 9 include a first chamber 20, a second chamber 21, and a third chamber 22. The second chamber 21 is located between the first chamber 20 and the third chamber 22. A cavity partition 19 is provided between the first chamber 20 and the second chamber 21, and between the second chamber 21 and the third chamber 22. Each independent chamber of the airbag 9 is equipped with a safety valve 10, an inflation port 11, and a pressure gauge 12. That is, the first chamber 20, the second chamber 21, and the third chamber 22 are all equipped with a safety valve 10, an inflation port 11, and a pressure gauge 12. Inflation is carried out into the first chamber 20, the second chamber 21, and the third chamber 22 through each inflation port 11. The pressure gauge 12 is used to detect the pressure inside the chamber, and the safety valve 10 ensures that the pressure inside the chamber is within a set value range.

[0038] In this embodiment of the invention, the metal frame is made of stainless steel corrugated steel plate, the corrugation height of the stainless steel corrugated steel plate is 40mm, and the moment of inertia of the section is ≥6.405×10. -7 m 4 .

[0039] In this embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the stainless steel corrugated sheet is 2 mm.

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, multiple float fixing straps 7 are evenly distributed on the surface of the airbag 9. The float fixing straps 7 are arranged around the circumference of the airbag 9 and are connected to the metal frame. Fixing points are arranged at the contact positions with the steel plate, which are the main fixing points between the airbag 9 and the steel plate, and are fixed by a pin-type fastening. The metal frame and the airbag 9 are fixed by a connecting structure, which includes a pin-type interface or a rope buckle interface, and the pin-type interface or rope buckle interface cooperates with the fastening straps on the airbag 9.

[0041] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the metal frame includes a body panel and a rotating plate 4, which are connected by multiple hinges. The body panel has fixing points for connection to the airbag 9. The body panel is designed to be attached to the vehicle body, with the airbag 9 and body panel located below the rotating plate 4. The airbag 9 is fixed to the rotating plate 4 using pins, and the airbag 9 is also fixed to the body panel using rope buckles, thus reinforcing and securing the airbag 9 to the body panel.

[0042] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, fixing points are set along the edges of the vehicle body plate and the rotating plate 4. Fastening straps bind the airbag 9 to the two metal frames to share the force, ensuring the stability of the object in water. In addition to the fixed positions, the other fixing points can be added or removed as needed. The interfaces are evenly distributed along the length of the steel plate, and the cross-sectional view of the evenly distributed positions is shown in the figure. Figure 3 As shown, the multi-point, multi-directional fixing method makes the airbag 9 and the steel plate form a reliable whole.

[0043] In this embodiment of the invention, to enhance the overall rigidity and stability of the vehicle-side float system underwater, a 2mm thick stainless steel plate is selected for the metal frame. The wave direction is parallel to the water flow direction. To match the multiple fixed connection points of the airbag 9, the steel plate is bent into a 40mm undulating wave plate. Its strength is significantly improved due to the change in geometry, and its bending stiffness is 3.48 times higher than that of traditional solid aluminum alloy plates. The airbag 9 is fixed to the rotating plate 4 of the metal frame using a pin method, and the airbag 9 is fixed to the vehicle body plate of the metal frame using a rope buckle method. This connection method supports quick assembly and disassembly. The structure and position are as follows. Figure 4 As shown.

[0044] In this embodiment of the invention, the water resistance optimization design process is as follows:

[0045] The water resistance experienced by objects moving in water generally includes: frictional resistance, pressure drag, and wave drag. The following calculations and analyses are performed on the motion of a metal skeleton in water.

[0046] Assumptions:

[0047] The body panels are placed against both sides of the vehicle and are used for calculation and analysis while being completely submerged in water;

[0048] When the rotating plate 4 moves in the water, the calculation and analysis are performed with it half submerged in the water.

[0049] The estimated weight of the metal frame is about 260 kg, but we use 300 kg as the calculated value here, that is, the weight of the body plate and the rotating plate 4 is 150 kg each, and then carry out the calculation and analysis.

[0050] Table 1 Input Parameter Data Table for Vehicle Body Panel

[0051] parameter Input data size Taking a product with a length of 6000mm and a width of b=800mm as an example speed V = 1m / s thickness T = 2mm wave height h = 40mm drag coefficient <![CDATA[Smooth surface, C D = 1.1]]> weight 150kg load 3.5t (unilateral floatation system)

[0052] The input parameters for the vehicle body panels are shown in Table 1. The frontal area, total drag, wetted surface area, frictional drag, and pressure drag of the vehicle body panels are calculated as follows:

[0053] (1) Frontal area: A = b·h = 0.032m 2 ;

[0054] (2) Total resistance calculation:

[0055] (3) Wet surface area: Assuming the unfolded area of ​​the corrugated steel plate is 1.2 times that of the flat plate, S 车板 =6·0.8·1.2·=5.76m 2 (4) Friction resistance coefficient: take C f =0.003;

[0056] (5) Frictional resistance:

[0057] (6) Pressure difference resistance: F p =F D -F f =17.6-8.64=8.96N.

[0058] Table 2 Input Parameter Data Table for Rotating Plate 4

[0059]

[0060] The input parameters of rotating plate 4 are shown in Table 2. The frontal area, total resistance, wetted surface area, frictional resistance, wave resistance, and total resistance of rotating plate 4 are calculated as follows:

[0061] (1) Frontal area:

[0062] (2) Wet surface area: S = 6·0.8·cos20° = 4.51m² 2 ;

[0063] (3) Frictional resistance:

[0064] (4) Pressure difference resistance:

[0065] (5) Wave resistance:

[0066] Projected area above water surface

[0067] Wave resistance coefficient C w =0.5;

[0068]

[0069] (6) Total resistance: F D =F f +F p +F w =27.73N.

[0070] Table 3 Comparison of Resistance Statistics

[0071] parameter Body panel (N) Rotating plate 4 (N) Subtotal (N) Frictional resistance 8.64 6.77 15.41 Pressure resistance 8.96 19.58 28.54 Wave resistance / 1.38 1.38 Total resistance 17.6 27.73 45.33 total 45.33

[0072] The deformation and stress of a single-sided metal frame system were simulated using software: the stress and strain distribution were verified through ANSYS simulation. Figure 5 The maximum deformation is less than 2mm and the maximum stress is less than 150MPa. This shows that the strength of the float system supported by the lightweight stainless steel frame still meets the actual working conditions.

[0073] The retraction assembly includes a bottom restraint strap 13, the two ends of which can be tightened and fixed to restrict the hanging fabric of the airbag 9 when retracted. In this embodiment of the invention, the inflation and retraction mechanism is as follows:

[0074] 1. Inflate to 13 kPa to form, with a single-sided airbag inflation time of ≤12 min.

[0075] 2. When folding up, the bottom constraint strap 13 restricts the hanging fabric to prevent the metal frame from clamping.

[0076] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution; or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A floating bladder structure on the side of an amphibious vehicle, characterized in that, It includes float units installed on both sides of the vehicle body. The float unit includes a metal frame and an airbag. The airbag has a compartmentalized structure, consisting of at least three independent chambers, which are connected by a venting tube. The float unit also includes a folding assembly for folding the airbag and metal frame together.

2. The amphibious vehicle side float structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag has three independent chambers: a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber.

3. The amphibious vehicle side float structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each independent chamber of the airbag is equipped with a safety valve, an inflation port, and a pressure gauge.

4. The amphibious vehicle side float structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The metal frame is made of corrugated stainless steel plate with a corrugation height of 40 mm and a moment of inertia of ≥6.405×10⁻⁶. -7 m 4 .

5. The amphibious vehicle side float structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The thickness of the stainless steel corrugated plate is 2mm.

6. The amphibious vehicle side float structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The metal frame is fixed to the airbag by a connecting structure, which includes a pin-type interface or a rope buckle interface, and the pin-type interface or rope buckle interface cooperates with the fastening strap on the airbag.

7. The amphibious vehicle side float structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The metal frame includes a body panel and a rotating plate, which are connected by a hinge. Fixed points are provided on the body panel to connect with the airbag.

8. The amphibious vehicle side float structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The body panel is configured to be attached to the vehicle body, and the airbag and body panel are located below the rotating plate.

9. The amphibious vehicle side float structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The airbag is fixed to the rotating plate by a pin, and the airbag is fixed to the vehicle body plate by a rope buckle.

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