A flexible foldable large-deploy-ratio underwater truss

Abstract

This invention proposes a flexible, foldable underwater truss with a large unfolding ratio, belonging to the technical field of underwater exploration equipment. It includes a buoy; a water pump installed inside the buoy; multiple main support pipes evenly connected to the outside of the buoy, with the inner cavity of the main support pipes communicating with the inner cavity of the buoy; and connecting pipes connecting adjacent main support pipes, with their inner cavities communicating with the inner cavities of the main support pipes. The connecting pipes and main support pipes form a mesh structure. The main support pipes and connecting pipes adopt a rubber-coated hose structure, allowing for flexible folding when not filled with water, significantly reducing the storage volume. Unfolding is achieved by filling the inner cavities of the main support pipes and connecting pipes with water using the water pump, achieving a large unfolding ratio. The interconnected inner cavities of the main support pipes and connecting pipes ensure uniform pressure transmission during water filling. The three-layer structure design of the rubber-coated hose, with an inner sealing film ensuring good sealing performance, and the first and second reinforcing layers combined with a polymer matrix material, significantly improve structural strength.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of underwater detection equipment technology, and in particular to a flexible foldable underwater truss with a large unfolding ratio. Background Technology

[0002] Underwater support structures are key equipment in the field of marine engineering, playing a vital role in deep-sea exploration and underwater operations. Existing foldable underwater support structures generally suffer from problems such as small unfolding ratios and insufficient unfolding reliability, making it difficult to meet the demands for equipment portability and deployment efficiency in deep-sea operations. Furthermore, conventional support structures, after underwater deployment, often exhibit insufficient rigidity, resulting in weak resistance to current disturbances and an inability to adapt to complex underwater environments. Although some improvement solutions have been proposed, significant shortcomings remain in achieving a large unfolding ratio while simultaneously ensuring structural rigidity and stability. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention proposes a flexible foldable underwater truss with a large unfolding ratio to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, such as small unfolding ratio, slow unfolding speed, poor structural stability, and weak resistance to water flow interference.

[0004] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0005] A flexible, foldable underwater truss with a large unfolding ratio includes:

[0006] float;

[0007] The water pump is installed inside the float.

[0008] The main support pipe has multiple pipes that are evenly connected to the outside of the pontoon, and the inner cavity of the main support pipe is connected to the inner cavity of the pontoon.

[0009] A connecting pipe is used to connect two adjacent main support pipes, and its inner cavity is connected to the inner cavity of the main support pipe; the connecting pipe and the main support pipe form a mesh structure.

[0010] When the inner cavities of the main support pipe and the connecting pipe are filled with water, the main support pipe and the connecting pipe form an integral rigid support structure. When not filled with water, the main support pipe and the connecting pipe are flexible structures that are easy to fold and store.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solutions, the state transformation from flexible folding to rigid support is realized; the multi-channel synchronous water supply float, together with the water pump, ensures uniform and rapid water filling, and the mesh structure has higher support strength, which can adapt to more external pressure.

[0012] Preferably, the pontoon has a diversion port in the circumferential direction that communicates with the inner cavity of the main support pipe.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the combination of the float and the water pump can ensure that each channel is filled with water evenly, and the entire water filling and rigidification process can be completed quickly.

[0014] Preferably, the float has columns at both the upper and lower ends, and fiber ropes are installed on the columns, with the ends of the fiber ropes connected to the ends of the main support pipe.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the fiber rope can ensure the stability of the device during folding and unfolding.

[0016] Preferably, the radially distributed main support pipes and the concentrically arranged connecting pipes are connected by quick connectors, so that the main support pipes and connecting pipes form a circular mesh structure after being unfolded.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solutions, the number of main support pipes, the spacing between connecting pipes, or the overall structural scale can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs, easily adapting to different scenarios and expanding the applicable scope of the structure.

[0018] Preferably, both the main support pipe and the connecting pipe are made of adhesive tape.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solutions, the production process of the rubber-coated water pipe is relatively simple, the raw material cost is lower than that of metal pipes, and the overall weight is much lighter than that of traditional metal pipes or rigid plastic pipes, making it more suitable for underwater operation equipment.

[0020] Preferably, the adhesive-coated water tape tube has a three-layer structure, including an inner sealing film, a middle first reinforcing layer, and an outer second reinforcing layer, with a polymer matrix material filling the spaces between the reinforcing layers.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the coated water tape tube has a three-layer composite reinforcement structure and uses lightweight materials, which can improve portability; the polymer matrix material can make the two reinforcement layers form an integral stress structure when filled with water, and allows flexible folding when not filled with water.

[0022] Preferably, the sealing film is vulcanized natural latex, the first reinforcing layer is polyethylene fiber evenly distributed along the center of multiple coated water pipes, with gaps between adjacent polyethylene fibers, and the second reinforcing layer is polyethylene fiber material spirally wound around the outside of the first reinforcing layer.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solutions, the overall structure balances sealing and strength, is suitable for various complex scenarios, and is lightweight, making it easy to install and maintain.

[0024] Preferably, the unfolding ratio of the truss in its unfolded state to its folded state is greater than 100.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the state transformation from flexible folding to rigid support can be completed by filling with water, and an ultra-large unfolding ratio is achieved.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0027] The main support tube and connecting tube adopt a glue-coated tubing structure, which can be flexibly folded when not filled with water, significantly reducing the storage volume. It can be unfolded by filling the inner cavity of the main support tube and connecting tube with water by a water pump, achieving a large unfolding ratio. The inner cavities of the main support tube and connecting tube are interconnected, ensuring uniform pressure transmission during water filling and making the structure unfold more smoothly. The three-layer structure design of the glue-coated tubing has an inner sealing film to ensure good sealing performance and prevent water leakage. The middle first reinforcing layer and the outer second reinforcing layer, together with the polymer matrix material between the reinforcing layers, significantly improve the structural strength.

[0028] The flexible folding structure and large unfolding ratio of this invention enable a rapid and reliable transition from a flexible, stowed state to a rigid support structure, providing a novel support solution for deep-sea exploration and underwater operations. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the underwater truss in its fully deployed state.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the underwater truss in a semi-deployed state of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the underwater truss in its folded state according to this utility model;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the pontoon of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the underwater truss with adhesive-coated water pipe of this utility model.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0036] 1. Water pump; 2. Float; 201. Diversion port; 202. Column; 203. Fiber rope; 3. Main support pipe; 301. Sealing membrane; 302. First reinforcing layer; 303. Second reinforcing layer; 4. Connecting pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0038] See Figures 1-5 A flexible, foldable underwater truss with a large unfolding ratio, comprising:

[0039] Float 2;

[0040] Water pump 1 is installed inside float 2;

[0041] The main support pipe 3 is provided with multiple pipes that are evenly connected to the outside of the float 2, and the inner cavity of the main support pipe 3 is connected to the inner cavity of the float 2.

[0042] The connecting pipe 4 is connected between two adjacent main support pipes 3, and its inner cavity is connected to the inner cavity of the main support pipe 3; the connecting pipe 4 and the main support pipe 3 form a mesh structure; wherein, after the inner cavity of the main support pipe 3 and the connecting pipe 4 is filled with water, the main support pipe 3 and the connecting pipe 4 form an integral rigid support structure, and when not filled with water, the main support pipe 3 and the connecting pipe 4 are flexible structures that are easy to fold and store.

[0043] Specifically, a water pump 1 is located at the center of the float 2. Several radially arranged main support pipes 3 are uniformly connected to the circumference of the float 2. Connecting pipes 4 are connected between adjacent main support pipes 3 and along the circumference of the float 2. The connecting pipes 4 form a ring connection structure, so that the main support pipes 3 and the connecting pipes 4 together form a ring connection network. The inner cavities of the main support pipes 3 and the connecting pipes 4 are interconnected. When the inner cavities of the main support pipes 3 and the connecting pipes 4 are filled with water, the truss is in an unfolded state. When the inner cavities of the main support pipes 3 and the connecting pipes 4 are not filled with water, the truss is in a folded state. The unfolding ratio of the truss in the unfolded state to the folded state is greater than 100. The unfolding ratio is the ratio of the outer envelope volume of the truss in the unfolded state to the outer envelope volume in the folded state.

[0044] Specifically, the water pump 1 at the center of the truss is a brushless DC centrifugal pump. Brushless DC centrifugal pumps can maintain high efficiency under different flow rates, making them particularly suitable for underwater operations. Adjacent main support pipes 3 are connected to each other via quick connectors along the circumference of the float 2 via connecting pipes 4. It can be understood that the main support pipe 3 and connecting pipe 4 in the middle position are connected via a four-way quick connector, while the main support pipe 3 and connecting pipe 4 in the outermost position are connected via a three-way quick connector. The structure and principle of this quick connector are conventional settings in the prior art and will not be elaborated on here.

[0045] Specifically, water pump 1 and float 2 are used to provide the power for the truss shape transformation. Water pump 1 provides high-pressure water flow as the power for filling water. Float 2 is connected to all main support pipes 3 to achieve multi-channel synchronous and uniform water supply. In actual tests, the cooperation of water pump 1 and float 2 can complete the filling of the entire truss within 90-120 seconds.

[0046] Specifically, both the main support pipe 3 and the connecting pipe 4 are coated with adhesive tape. The coated adhesive tape is a foldable structure made of multi-layer composite material, including a three-layer composite structure consisting of a sealing membrane 301, a first reinforcing layer 302, and a second reinforcing layer 303 arranged from the inside out. The inner sealing membrane 301 is made of 0.1mm thick vulcanized natural latex with a tensile strength of 25MPa. It is not easily permanently deformed after repeated stretching and has a service life far exceeding that of unvulcanized latex or ordinary film. The middle first reinforcing layer 302 is made of 46 polyethylene fibers with a diameter of 0.23mm. Adjacent fibers are evenly arranged along the axial direction at a spacing of 1.5mm to provide axial tensile strength. The outer second reinforcing layer 303 is formed by spirally winding 0.23mm polyethylene fibers with a pitch of 2mm to provide radial compressive and torsional strength. Polyethylene fibers have good toughness and are much lighter than steel wire at the same strength. Moreover, the strength of polyethylene fibers hardly decreases when wet.

[0047] Specifically, each layer is filled with a polymer matrix material, specifically a polyurethane adhesive with a Shore hardness of 80A. It allows for flexible folding when not filled with water, and the truss forms an integral rigid structure after being filled with water.

[0048] Specifically, the float 2 has columns 202 at both the upper and lower ends, and the ends of the columns 202 are connected to the outermost main support pipe 3 by fiber ropes 203. During the water filling and deployment process, the fiber ropes 203 can guide and restrict the deployment direction and range of the outermost ring 3 to ensure that it is deployed according to the preset shape. When the truss is in the deployed state, the tension of the fiber ropes 203 can help maintain the radial arrangement of the main support pipe 3, and can effectively pull the main support pipe 3 in the deployed state, offsetting part of the radial displacement trend caused by water flow impact or its own force, improving the overall anti-sway capability of the truss underwater, and making the structure more stable.

[0049] Specifically, in this example, when the truss is not filled with water, it can be freely bent and folded, and stored in a curled state with a diameter of 50mm. After the folded truss is launched underwater, water pump 1 and float 2 are started. Water pump 1 pumps water into float 2, float 2 simultaneously fills each main support pipe 3 with water, and the main support pipe 3 delivers water to each connecting pipe 4. As the water volume increases, the truss is fully deployed within 90-120 seconds.

[0050] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made in accordance with the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A flexible, foldable underwater truss with a large unfolding ratio, characterized in that, include: Float (2); A water pump (1) is installed inside a float (2); The main support pipe (3) is provided with multiple pipes that are evenly distributed and connected to the outside of the float (2), and the inner cavity of the main support pipe (3) is connected to the inner cavity of the float (2); A connecting pipe (4) is connected between two adjacent main support pipes (3), and its inner cavity is connected to the inner cavity of the main support pipe (3); the connecting pipe (4) and the main support pipe (3) form a mesh structure; When the inner cavity of the main support pipe (3) and the connecting pipe (4) is filled with water, the main support pipe (3) and the connecting pipe (4) form an integral rigid support structure. When not filled with water, the main support pipe (3) and the connecting pipe (4) are flexible structures that are easy to fold and store.

2. The flexible foldable underwater truss with a large unfolding ratio according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buoy (2) has a diversion port (201) in the circumferential direction that communicates with the inner cavity of the main support pipe (3).

3. The flexible foldable underwater truss with a large unfolding ratio according to claim 1, characterized in that: The float (2) has columns (202) at both the upper and lower ends, and fiber ropes (203) are installed on the columns (202). The ends of the fiber ropes (203) are connected to the ends of the main support pipe (3).

4. The flexible foldable underwater truss with a large unfolding ratio according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main support pipe (3) and the connecting pipe (4) are connected by a quick connector, so that the main support pipe (3) and the connecting pipe (4) form a circular mesh structure after being unfolded.

5. The flexible foldable underwater truss with a large unfolding ratio according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the main support pipe (3) and the connecting pipe (4) are coated with adhesive tape.

6. The flexible foldable underwater truss with a large unfolding ratio according to claim 5, characterized in that: The adhesive-coated water tape tube has a three-layer structure, including an inner sealing membrane (301), a middle first reinforcing layer (302), and an outer second reinforcing layer (303), with a polymer matrix material filling between the reinforcing layers.

7. A flexible foldable underwater truss with a large unfolding ratio according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sealing film (301) is vulcanized natural latex, the first reinforcing layer (302) is a plurality of polyethylene fibers evenly distributed along the center of the rubber-coated water pipe, with gaps between adjacent polyethylene fibers, and the second reinforcing layer (303) is polyethylene fiber material, which is spirally wound around the outside of the first reinforcing layer (302).

8. The flexible foldable underwater truss with a large unfolding ratio according to claim 1, characterized in that: The unfolded ratio of the truss in its unfolded state to its folded state is greater than 100.

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