Underwater tiled optical cable cutting system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an underwater tiled optical cable cutting system, which comprises a cutting device and a supporting seat, and is characterized in that the cutting device comprises a pressure-resistant shell, a working part arranged in the pressure-resistant shell, a fuze system and a power supply; the supporting base is provided with an arc-shaped straddle groove, the two ends and the bottom of the straddle groove are open, the straddle groove is used for supporting the cutting device and straddling the optical cable to be cut, and when the cutting device is fixed to the supporting base, the working part right faces the straddle groove. By the adoption of the scheme, the cutting device is used in cooperation with the supporting base, meanwhile, the structure of the internal working part is optimized, the stability of detonation cutting jet flow and the accuracy of the cutting position and direction are greatly improved, the better cutting effect is achieved with the small main explosive loading amount, and the cutting device has excellent adaptability for tiled cables.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of underwater operation equipment, specifically relating to an underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of marine resources, such as offshore wind power and offshore oil and gas extraction, submarine cables are often required for power supply and communication support. The complex deep-sea environment means these cables may fail due to external damage or seawater corrosion. If not promptly cut and repaired, the fault may expand, affecting the power supply or communication transmission of the entire marine engineering project, and potentially damaging the marine ecosystem and other marine facilities. Therefore, cutting equipment is typically used to remove the damaged portion before repair or replacement of the connection.

[0003] Traditional methods for cutting fiber optic cables mainly include mechanical cutting and pull-off methods. Mechanical cutting, primarily performed by divers or underwater robots using underwater cutting tools, is relatively complex, risky, and costly. Pull-off methods, on the other hand, can easily damage other parts of the fiber optic cable. With technological advancements, explosive cutting methods have emerged, using pyrotechnics to directionally cut fiber optic cables. For example, patent number "CN118857027A," titled "An Underwater Explosive High-Efficiency Shaped Energy Cutting Device Based on Combined Charges," states that the applicant found that current similar devices are not suitable for cutting fiber optic cables laid flat on the deep seabed in terms of applicability, reliability, and safety. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is: how to provide an underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system to solve the problem of poor applicability and reliability of existing products for cutting submarine optical cables.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A key feature of an underwater flat-lay fiber optic cable cutting system includes:

[0007] The cutting device includes a pressure-resistant housing, a working part disposed within the pressure-resistant housing, a fuze system, and a power supply;

[0008] The support base has an arc-shaped straddling groove with open ends and bottom for supporting the cutting device and straddling the optical cable to be cut. When the cutting device is fixed on the support base, the working part faces the straddling groove.

[0009] Using the above scheme, the support base is placed across the fiber optic cable laid flat on the seabed. This ensures the accuracy of the cutting device's position and prevents deviation when the working part ignites the jet. It also increases the contact time between the jet and the fiber optic cable, thus achieving a better cutting effect.

[0010] Preferably, the length direction of the working section is perpendicular to the length direction of the straddling groove. This design allows for better radial cutting of the cable, improving jet cutting efficiency.

[0011] Preferably, the support base has a frame structure, including two opposing fixing brackets and a connecting plate for connecting the two fixing brackets. The support base is open at both the top and bottom. This design helps to reduce the overall weight of the support base and avoids obstructing the jet, ensuring that it can directly act on the cable.

[0012] Preferably, the pressure-resistant housing includes a cylindrical body and an end cap, with the end cap sealed to the cylindrical body. This modular design facilitates the disassembly and inspection of the internal structure.

[0013] Preferably, the end of the cylinder furthest from the end cap and the end cap itself both have detachable hanging components. The two hanging components are symmetrically arranged and have hanging openings vertically along their length. The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system can be fixed relative to the release device via the hanging components. This design facilitates the mounting and rapid release of the cutting system, improving its operational convenience.

[0014] Preferably, the side wall of the hanging port has a release device fixing hole, and the fuse system includes a release device, a detonation controller and an inline detonator;

[0015] The safety release device includes a power-on control module and a water pressure control module, wherein the power-on control module includes a separation sensor for controlling the drive circuit, and a magnetic induction safety switch for triggering the separation sensor.

[0016] The magnetic induction safety switch is mounted on the end cover and includes a switch contact rod positioned opposite the release device fixing hole. The switch contact rod is movably supported on the end cover by a switch spring, and the separation sensor is located inside the end cover and opposite the inner end of the switch contact rod.

[0017] When the underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system is on the release device, the fixing steel ball of the release device is pressed into the fixing hole of the release device, and the switch contact rod is pressed inward. When the release device is released, the switch contact rod pops out under the action of the switch spring, triggering the separation sensor to send an power-on signal to the drive circuit. The drive circuit is closed, and the underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system is in the power-on state.

[0018] Preferably, the working part includes a working part shell with a hollow columnar structure. The side of the working part shell facing the support is a flat surface. One end of the working part shell is open as a loading port and is equipped with a cap. The main charge is loaded through the loading port.

[0019] The working part housing has a shaped charge shroud arranged along its length. The shaped charge shroud is conical with a cone angle of 60°-80°, and the cone angle faces the flat surface. This design allows for a more concentrated jet formation within the cone angle range, achieving better concentrated cutting. Simultaneously, the flat sidewall reduces interference with the jet direction, ensuring positional accuracy.

[0020] Preferably, the flat surface has an avoidance window at the position corresponding to the center of the shaped charge liner. This design avoids the influence of the casing on the jet, thus ensuring jet stability.

[0021] Preferably, the cover is equipped with a detonating charge, which is located on the upper side of the shaped charge liner. This design ensures that the main charge is fully detonated, guaranteeing a high-intensity jet the moment the shaped charge liner is destroyed.

[0022] Preferably, the pressure-resistant housing has at least two opposing inner ring bosses, which are used to position and install the working part.

[0023] The power supply and power-on control module are located at opposite ends of the inline detonator within the pressure-resistant housing. This design improves overall stability and further ensures the accuracy of the cutting position and direction.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0025] The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system provided by this utility model uses a cutting device in conjunction with a support base. At the same time, the internal working part structure is optimized, which greatly improves the stability of the detonation cutting jet and the accuracy of the cutting position and direction. It achieves better cutting effect with less main charge and has excellent adaptability for flat-lay cables. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view;

[0028] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the working section structure;

[0029] Figure 4 This is an axial sectional view of the working part;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a radial sectional view of the working part;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Axonometric drawing;

[0033] Figure 8 To detect a partial sectional view of the pre-set port;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the outer structure of the end cap;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the inner structure of the end cap;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the workflow of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the fuse system;

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the components of the safety release device;

[0039] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the detonation controller components;

[0040] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the composition and operation of an inline detonator.

[0041] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cutting process of a double-armored cable with a diameter of 130mm using this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] refer to Figures 1 to 16The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system shown mainly includes a support base 500 and a cutting device detachably supported and fixed on the support base 500. The cutting device mainly includes a pressure-resistant housing 100, a working part 200 disposed within the pressure-resistant housing 100, a fuse system 300, and a power supply 400. The power supply 400 is mainly used to supply power to the entire device. The fuse system 300 is mainly used to detonate the working part 200, and includes a safety release device 310, a detonation controller 320, and an inline detonator 330. The safety release device 310 is mainly used to prevent the fuse from activating under conditions other than receiving an underwater acoustic remote detonation command or the expiration of the delayed detonation time, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment. The detonation controller 320 is used to receive underwater acoustic remote control commands, delay detonation timing, detect and set parameters, manage power, and control the charging and detonation of the inline detonator 330. The inline detonator 330 is used to receive the control signal from the detonation controller 320, complete energy conversion, and ultimately trigger the charging action of the working part. The safety release device 310 mainly includes an power-on control module and a water pressure control module.

[0044] The support base 500 has an arc-shaped straddle groove 510, with open ends and bottom. It is mainly used to support the cutting device and straddle the optical cable to be cut. When the cutting device is fixed on the support base 500, the working part 200 faces the straddle groove 510.

[0045] In specific implementation, the length direction of the working part 200 is perpendicular to the length direction of the straddle groove 510. In this embodiment, the support base 500 has a frame structure, including two oppositely arranged fixing brackets 520 and a connecting plate 530 for connecting the two fixing brackets 520. The support base 500 is open at both the top and bottom. As shown in the figure, there are also two connecting plates 530, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the two fixing brackets 520. The straddle groove 510 is opened opposite to the two fixing brackets 520, and the bottom of the straddle groove 510 is relatively large with a flared opening, making it easier to straddle the cable.

[0046] In this application, the pressure-resistant housing 100 is cylindrical in shape and adopts a split structure, as shown in the figure. It includes a cylindrical body 110 with a generally columnar structure and an end cap 120. The end cap 120 is sealed to the cylindrical body 110. The two ends of the cylindrical body 110 have disc-shaped portions 111 with a diameter larger than the main body. The distance between the disc-shaped portions 111 at both ends is adapted to the straight distance on the outer side of the connecting plate 530. At the same time, the connecting plate 530 has an arc-shaped groove 540 adapted to the main body of the cylindrical body 110. The disc-shaped portions 111 and the connecting plate 530 have corresponding connecting holes. In use, the pressure-resistant housing 100 can be directly placed in the arc-shaped groove 540, and the disc-shaped portions 111 at both ends are used for initial positioning. Then, the two are fixedly connected by bolts through the connecting holes.

[0047] The end of the cylinder 110 away from the end cap 120 and the end cap 120 are both provided with detachable hanging components 130, as shown in the figure. The two hanging components 130 are symmetrically arranged and have hanging openings 131 arranged vertically along their length. The closed end of the cylinder 110 and the end cap 120 are both provided with mounting grooves, and the hanging components 130 have lugs 133 that are adapted to the mounting grooves. The lugs 133 can be inserted into the mounting grooves from above and fastened with screws. The structure is simple and reliable, and at the same time, it can ensure the positional accuracy of the hanging components 130 and ensure that they can be precisely docked with the release device.

[0048] The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system can be fixed relative to the release device through the hanging component 130. Specifically, the side wall of the hanging port 131 has a release device fixing hole 132. During use, the release device can be ejected into the release device fixing hole 132 by a fixed steel ball, thereby achieving a fixed connection with the underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system.

[0049] The fuse system 300 includes a safety release device 310, a detonation controller 320, and an inline detonator 330. The safety release device 310 mainly includes a power-on control module and a water pressure control module. The power-on control module includes a hanging separation sensor for controlling the drive circuit and a magnetic induction safety switch 600 for triggering the separation sensor. The end cover 120 is provided with a water pressure sensor 126 that is communicatively connected to the water pressure control module. The water pressure control module mainly includes the water pressure sensor 126 and a filter amplification circuit.

[0050] A magnetic induction safety switch 600 is disposed on the end cover 120. It includes a switch contact rod 610 disposed on the release device fixing hole 132 on the hanging member 130 facing the same side. The switch contact rod 610 is movably supported on the end cover 120 by a switch spring 620. The separation sensor is located inside the end cover 120 and facing the inner end of the switch contact rod 610. In this embodiment, the magnetic induction safety switch 600 is a magnetic induction safety switch, that is, the inner end of the switch contact rod 610 is provided with a magnet, and the working principle of the separation sensor is similar to that of a Hall sensor structure.

[0051] like Figure 13As shown, the safety release device internally incorporates two isolation mechanisms: INT1 and INT2, implemented using one P-MOSFET and one N-MOSFET. First, after the cutting device separates from the unmanned platform, the switch spring 620 releases its limit. Upon detecting this action, the mounting / dismounting sensor sends a power-on signal to the drive circuit. The drive circuit then closes SW1 and SW2, powering on the device. The first safety mechanism, INT1, is immediately released, and a 5-minute safety delay, Ts1, begins. Next, after the safety delay Ts1 completes, the water pressure control module continuously measures the water depth. When the water depth exceeds 50m, the second safety mechanism, INT2, is released. Finally, the detonation controller, powered by LDO2, is activated, and the detonation controller begins timing according to the set safety delay Ts2.

[0052] In other words, when the underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system is on the release device, the fixing steel ball of the release device is pressed into the fixing hole 132 of the release device, and the switch contact rod 610 is pressed inward. When the release device is released, the switch contact rod 610 pops out under the action of the switch spring 620, triggering the separation sensor to send an power-on signal to the drive circuit. The drive circuit is closed, and the underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system is in the power-on state. To improve reliability, a safety pin 611 is provided on the switch contact rod 610.

[0053] The working part 200 is fixed inside the pressure-resistant housing 100 and arranged along its axial direction. It includes a working part housing 210 with a hollow columnar structure. The side of the working part housing 210 facing the support base 500 is a flat surface 211, and the other circumferential side walls are arc-shaped. One end of the working part housing 210 is open as a loading port and is equipped with a cap 220. The main charge is loaded into it through the loading port. The working part housing 210 has a shaped charge hood 230 arranged along its length. The shaped charge hood 230 is conical with a cone angle α of 60°-80° and its cone angle is directly opposite the flat surface 211.

[0054] In this embodiment, the preferred material for the shaped charge 230 is copper, with a cone angle of 80° and a wall thickness of 3mm. In addition, the opening of the shaped charge 230 has a folded portion 231, the back side of which has an arc-shaped structure and is attached to the corner of the working part housing 210. This structure can ensure that air holes are generated during the charging process, improve the charging quality, and at the same time achieve a better shaped charge fixing effect.

[0055] In practice, the center line of the propellant shroud 230 coincides with the center line of the flat surface 211. At the same time, the flat surface 211 has an avoidance window 212 at the position corresponding to the center of the propellant shroud 230, which can effectively avoid obstruction of the jet.

[0056] The cap 220 is equipped with a detonating charge 240, such as Figure 4As shown, the detonating charge 240 is located on the upper side of the shaped charge liner 230, ensuring that the detonating charge is first detonated to the main charge 250, which is far away from the shaped charge liner 230.

[0057] The pressure-resistant housing 100 has at least two opposing inner ring bosses 140. The inner ring bosses 140 are used to position and install the working part 200. As shown in the figure, the inner diameter of the inner ring bosses 140 is adapted to the outer diameter of the working part housing 210. One end of the working part housing 210 has a flange-like connection structure. The outer diameter of this structure is larger than the inner diameter of the inner ring bosses 140. It is used to install the cap 220 and can be bolted to the corresponding inner ring bosses 140 to achieve overall positioning and fixation of the working part 200.

[0058] The power supply 400 and the power-on control module are located at opposite ends of the inline detonator 330 within the pressure-resistant housing 100, which helps to further improve the overall center of gravity stability. In this embodiment, the power supply 400 is a battery pack composed of CR2 lithium-manganese dioxide (Li-MnO2) single cells. In specific implementation, the battery pack uses three single cells connected in series to output V. O1 This output supplies power to the detonation device and detonation controller, using two individual batteries connected in series to output V. O2 This output supplies power to the inline detonator.

[0059] In addition, the end cap 120 is provided with an underwater acoustic communication interface 124 and a detection preset port 125. The detonation controller 320 mainly includes a detonation timing module, an inline detonator interface, a microcontroller, a power management module, an underwater acoustic communication signal module, and a detection preset module. The inline detonator 330 is connected to the detonation controller 320 through the inline detonator interface. The underwater acoustic communication signal module and the detection preset module are respectively connected to the underwater acoustic communication interface 124 and the detection preset port 125. The safety release device 310 is electrically connected to the detonation controller 320 and the inline detonator 330, and is also communicatively connected to the detonation controller 320.

[0060] like Figure 14 As shown, the detonation timing module uses an RTC as a timer, and a parameter memory provides delay duration data. The charging signal drive circuit and the detonation signal drive circuit drive the connected inline detonator. The underwater acoustic communication signal module, the detection preset module, and the inline detonator interface are used to connect to external underwater acoustic communication equipment, detection preset equipment, and the inline detonator, respectively. The power management system provides power distribution for the entire detonation controller, and the microcontroller controls the aforementioned components.

[0061] In this embodiment, the pre-set detection port 125 can be used not only for internal component detection, but also for internal airtightness testing, as shown in reference 7. Figure 11As shown, the end cap 120 is provided with a corresponding mounting hole 127. The test preset port 125 mainly includes a sealing nut 1250, a sealing pressure plate 1252 and a test plug 1251 installed sequentially from the outside to the inside. As shown in the figure, the outer end diameter of the mounting hole 127 is larger than the inner end diameter. The sealing nut 1250 and the test plug 1251 are respectively engaged with the outer and inner short threads of the mounting hole 127. A sealing ring 1253 is provided between the sealing pressure plate 1252 and the inner stepped surface of the mounting hole 127. The test plug 1251 is connected to the test preset module.

[0062] The mounting hole 127 has a slot 1270 extending along its length on the side wall. The end cap 120 has an annular pad 1271 on the inner side corresponding to the mounting hole 127. The annular pad 1271 has an air passage 1272 communicating with the slot 1270. The test plug 1251 has an abutment portion 1254 that abuts against the surface of the annular pad 1271. Thus, when an airtightness test is required, only the sealing nut 1250 and the sealing pressure plate 1252 need to be removed to perform internal side pressure, without being affected by the test plug 1251 or having to be removed. This multi-functional interface is beneficial for improving the overall structural compactness and convenience.

[0063] In this embodiment, the in-line detonator consists of a high-pressure module and an explosive foil detonator, such as Figure 16 As shown in the figure, the high-voltage module boosts the low-voltage DC to high-voltage DC under external excitation and power supply, and stores the ignition energy in capacitor C. After receiving the trigger excitation, it releases the energy to the explosive foil detonator to complete the detonation.

[0064] refer to Figures 1 to 16 The underwater flat-lay fiber optic cable cutting system shown below operates on the following principle:

[0065] (a) Testing and parameter setting. Before starting, the system is tested and the safety delay (Ts2) and the delayed detonation time (Ttrig) are set according to the mission requirements.

[0066] (b) Installation. Install the system on the platform.

[0067] (c) Target search in water. The system travels with the platform to the vicinity of the target and completes target identification and alignment (the remaining supporting equipment completes the identification).

[0068] (d) The system is separated from the mounting platform, the magnetic induction safety switch 600 is activated, and the system is in a powered-on state.

[0069] (e) Disarm the first safety device. After separation from the mounting platform, the first safety device INT1 (delay circuit) is disarmed, and the safety delay Ts1 (N minutes, which is the preset time) is run.

[0070] (f) Disarm the second safety device. Based on the water pressure measurement, when the depth is greater than D (in meters, which is the preset depth value), the second safety device INT2 is disarmed, and a safety delay Ts2 (M minutes, which is the preset time) is run.

[0071] (g) Waiting for detonation. If a "detonation" command is received via underwater acoustic remote control during the waiting period, the detonation controller will control the inline detonator to detonate the working part and cut the target;

[0072] If no remote "detonation" command is received, the inline detonator will be controlled to detonate the working section and cut the target after the delayed detonation time (Ttrig) ends. For example... Figure 16 As shown, this utility model can quickly cut double-layer armored cables with a diameter of 130mm, and after the jet cuts the double-layer armored cable, there is still a large residual jet with a high speed, which has a very good cutting effect.

[0073] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that any modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from this technical solution should also be considered to fall within the scope of protection claimed in this claim.

Claims

1. An underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system, characterized in that, include: The cutting device includes a pressure-resistant housing (100), a working part (200) disposed within the pressure-resistant housing (100), a fuse system (300), and a power supply (400); The support base (500) has an arc-shaped straddle groove (510) with open ends and bottom for supporting the cutting device and straddling the optical cable to be cut. When the cutting device is fixed on the support base (500), the working part (200) faces the straddle groove (510).

2. The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length direction of the working part (200) is perpendicular to the length direction of the straddle groove (510).

3. The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The support base (500) has a frame structure, including two opposing fixing brackets (520) and a connecting plate (530) for connecting the two fixing brackets (520). The support base (500) is open at both the top and bottom.

4. The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The pressure-resistant housing includes a cylinder (110) and an end cap (120), the end cap (120) being sealed to the cylinder (110).

5. The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end of the cylinder (110) away from the end cap (120) and the end cap (120) are provided with detachable hanging components (130). The two hanging components (130) are symmetrically arranged and have hanging openings (131) arranged vertically along their length. The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system can be fixed relative to the release device through the hanging components (130).

6. The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The side wall of the hanging port (131) has a release device fixing hole (132), and the fuse system (300) includes a release device (310), a detonation controller (320), and an in-line detonator (330). The safety release device (310) includes a power-on control module and a water pressure control module, wherein the power-on control module includes a separation sensor for controlling the drive circuit, and a magnetic induction safety switch (600) for triggering the separation sensor. The magnetic induction safety switch (600) is disposed on the end cover (120), and includes a switch contact rod (610) disposed opposite to the release device fixing hole (132). The switch contact rod (610) is movably supported on the end cover (120) by a switch spring (620). The separation sensor is located inside the end cover (120) and opposite to the inner end of the switch contact rod (610). When the underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system is on the release device, the fixing steel ball of the release device is pressed into the fixing hole (132) of the release device and the switch contact rod (610) is pressed inward. When the release device is released, the switch contact rod (610) pops out under the action of the switch spring (620), triggering the separation sensor to send an power-on signal to the drive circuit. The drive circuit is closed, and the underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system is in the power-on state.

7. The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The working part (200) includes a working part shell (210) with a hollow columnar structure. The side of the working part shell (210) facing the support base (500) is a flat surface (211). One end of the working part shell (210) is open as a loading port and is equipped with a cap (220). The main charge is loaded through the loading port. The working part housing (210) has a shaped charge shroud (230) arranged along its length. The shaped charge shroud (230) is conical with a cone angle of 60°-80° and its cone angle is directly opposite the flat surface (211).

8. The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The flat surface (211) has an avoidance window (212) at the position corresponding to the middle of the shaped charge cover (230).

9. The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The cover (220) is provided with a detonating charge (240), and the detonating charge (240) is located on the upper side of the shaped charge liner (230).

10. The underwater flat-lay optical cable cutting system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The pressure-resistant housing (100) has at least two opposing inner ring bosses (140), which are used to position and install the working part (200); The power supply (400) and power-on control module are located at opposite ends of the inline detonator (330) inside the pressure-resistant housing (100).

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