A glider rapid recovery device

CN224631890UActive Publication Date: 2026-08-14FIRST INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY MNR
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-06-24
Publication Date
2026-08-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

但在海况恶劣得情况下,由于滑翔机体积较小,吊绳钩挂困难,且无法下放小艇,回收难度和风险性大大增加

Benefits of technology

[0021]1、本实用新型采用上宽下窄的收纳结构进行滑翔机回收的主要装置,相比传统吊钩装置回收更加快捷高效。

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Abstract

This utility model discloses a rapid underwater glider recovery device, comprising: a storage structure, which is a conical structure wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with the wide end open and the narrow end closed; an upper lifting structure, disposed at the edge of the open wide end of the storage structure; one or more lifting structures, each pair of lifting structures correspondingly disposed on the surface of the upper lifting structure; and a counterweight structure, disposed on the lower surface of the closed narrow end of the storage structure. This utility model relates to the field of marine operation equipment technology. This solution uses a large-area salvage net as the main device for glider recovery, which is faster and more efficient than traditional hook devices. During the lifting process, the salvage net can effectively protect the glider from collision damage caused by wind, waves, and ship swaying.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of marine operation devices, specifically a glider rapid recovery device. Background Technology

[0002] Underwater gliders are a new type of unmanned underwater observation platform powered by buoyancy and capable of carrying various marine monitoring sensors. Due to their low manufacturing cost, high operational efficiency, long endurance, and autonomous controllability, underwater gliders have received considerable attention both domestically and internationally in recent years. Networked application of underwater gliders is the best method to achieve the high-resolution requirements of marine surveys and is also an effective means of target detection in a specific area; glider networks are currently involved in many missions. With the increasing application of underwater gliders and their networks, the safe deployment and recovery of gliders has also attracted attention.

[0003] To avoid collisions and damage when deploying underwater gliders at sea, they are typically deployed upwind using a sled or cable. During glider recovery, in good sea conditions, they are usually retrieved by hooking them with a cable or lowering a small boat. However, in rough sea conditions, the small size of the glider makes hooking it with a cable difficult, and lowering a small boat is impossible, significantly increasing the difficulty and risk of recovery. This is especially true on research platforms with high operating surfaces. For example, on the Xue Long (a research vessel), the operating surface is about 8 meters high, and at 10 meters, the retrieval hook is difficult to operate and prone to slippage.

[0004] Based on this, a highly practical underwater glider rapid recovery device is designed for high working surfaces and harsh sea conditions in practical applications. It can effectively achieve rapid, efficient and safe recovery of gliders, providing a guarantee for the large-scale and widespread application of gliders. Utility Model Content

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a rapid recovery device for underwater gliders, comprising:

[0006] The storage structure is a cone shape, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with the wide end open and the narrow end closed.

[0007] The overhead suspension structure is located at the edge of the open, wide end of the storage structure;

[0008] One or more lifting structures, with any pair of lifting structures correspondingly disposed on the surface of the upper lifting structure;

[0009] The counterweight structure is located on the lower surface of the closed, narrow end of the storage structure.

[0010] In one embodiment, the upper suspension structure is an integrally formed rectangular side frame.

[0011] In one embodiment, the storage structure is a rectangular conical sleeve structure, with the wide end of the rectangular conical sleeve structure being open and the narrow end of the rectangular conical sleeve structure being a platform structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the upper suspension structure is a solid stainless steel frame structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, the hoisting structure is a stainless steel pulley.

[0014] In one embodiment, the storage structure is a high-strength nylon rope woven hollow structure.

[0015] In one embodiment, the upper lifting structure has dimensions of 2.5m*2.5m to 3.5m*3.5m.

[0016] In one embodiment, the counterweight structure is a detachable rectangular frame structure, which includes four counterweights connected end-to-end to form a closed frame.

[0017] In one embodiment, the counterweight structure includes a counterweight hook.

[0018] In one embodiment, the weight of the counterweight is not less than 3 kg, and the length of the counterweight is 0.5m*0.5m to 1.5m*1.5m.

[0019] Beneficial effects.

[0020] This invention provides a rapid recovery device for gliders. It has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. This utility model is a main device for glider recovery that uses a storage structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. Compared with traditional hook devices, it is faster and more efficient in recovery.

[0022] 2. Using a high-strength woven nylon rope salvage net can effectively protect the glider from collision damage caused by wind, waves, ship swaying, and other factors during the lifting process;

[0023] 3. With the cooperation of the upper hoisting device and the counterweight structure, the upper and lower parts of the storage structure are evenly stressed, and the storage structure is relatively vertically suspended in the water;

[0024] 4. Use four stainless steel pulleys and connecting ropes to maintain the balance of the crane during lifting. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the glider rapid recovery device described in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the glider rapid recovery device described in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection relationship of the counterweight structure described in this utility model;

[0028] In the diagram: 1. First stainless steel pulley; 2. Second stainless steel pulley; 3. Third stainless steel pulley; 4. Fourth stainless steel pulley; 5. Rectangular side frame; 6. Storage structure; 7. Counterweight structure; 8. Counterweight hook. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0030] Example 1: Please refer to Figure 1-2 This utility model provides a technical solution: a rapid recovery device for underwater gliders. The rapid recovery device includes: a storage structure 6, which is a conical structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with the wide end open and the narrow end closed; an upper lifting structure 5, which is located at the edge of the open wide end of the storage structure 6; four lifting structures, with each pair of lifting structures forming a pair, and any pair of lifting structures correspondingly located on the surface of the upper lifting structure; and a counterweight structure 7, which is located on the lower surface of the closed narrow end of the storage structure 6. It should be further noted that, based on the shape characteristics of the glider... The opening end of the storage structure 6 is fixed with an upper suspension structure, which is a rectangular or square frame structure, so that gliders of different sizes can be included in the frame of the upper suspension structure. The length and width of the frame structure are slightly larger than the corresponding length and width of the glider fuselage. The storage structure is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, which wraps the glider in the upper middle part of the storage structure. Due to the size, the belly of the glider will be suspended in the space of the storage structure. The parts of the belly of the glider will be hooked into the hollow mesh and damaged by the water flow.

[0031] Example 2: As Figure 1 As shown, the upper lifting structure is a one-piece molded solid stainless steel rectangular frame structure 5. The rectangular frame structure 5 is preferably a square side frame, with a length and width of 3m*3m being optimal. It should be further noted that the bends of the rectangular frame are all designed with rounded corners to prevent the glider from colliding with the bends of the rectangular side frame 5 during the process of following the water flow into the storage structure, thereby reducing the risk of damage from collisions.

[0032] Example 3: As Figure 1As shown, specifically, the storage structure 6 is a rectangular conical sleeve structure. The wide end of the rectangular conical sleeve structure is open, and the narrow end of the rectangular conical sleeve structure is a platform structure. It should be further pointed out that the platform structure can more stably connect the counterweight structure and maintain relative stability.

[0033] Furthermore, the counterweight structure is a detachable rectangular frame structure, which includes four counterweights 7. The four counterweights 7 are connected end to end to form a closed frame. It should be further noted that the counterweights are rectangular rod-shaped structures with smooth arc transitions at their ends. The weight of the counterweights is not less than 3kg, and the optimal length of the counterweights is 1m*1m. The counterweight structure allows the storage structure to unfold downwards in the water.

[0034] A square frame structure is positioned at the wide end opening of the storage structure, while a 1m*1m frame structure is positioned at the narrow end platform of the storage structure. When the 3m*3m square frame structure of the upper hoisting structure and the 1m*1m frame structure of the counterweight structure are set parallel to each other, the storage structure, due to its balanced upper and lower counterweights and its high-strength nylon rope woven hollow structure, allows water to flow through it with minimal resistance. In the water, the storage structure remains vertical, providing a good salvage environment for the glider.

[0035] Example 4: Figure 1 As shown, the hoisting structure consists of a first stainless steel pulley 1, a second stainless steel pulley 2, a third stainless steel pulley 3, and a fourth stainless steel pulley 4 set at the bend of the square frame. Load-bearing cables can be connected to the first stainless steel pulley 1, the second stainless steel pulley 2, the third stainless steel pulley 3, and the fourth stainless steel pulley 4, so that the ship's operators or cranes can raise and lower the salvage net.

[0036] Specifically, both the lifting structure and the counterweight structure are made of 316 stainless steel, ensuring high strength while effectively preventing seawater corrosion. The storage structure is woven from high-strength nylon rope, possessing high strength to withstand the weight of the glider, while its flexible structure prevents damage to the glider's wings and antenna during retrieval.

[0037] Furthermore, the upper lifting structure is connected to hoisting structures at all four corners, and load-bearing cables can be attached to these hoisting structures, allowing shipboard personnel or cranes to deploy and retrieve the salvage net. A storage structure connects the upper lifting structure and the counterweight structure, allowing the storage structure to unfold downwards in the water. The support frame dimensions can be flexibly adjusted according to the size of the salvage target and the operational method. A typical glider is about 2 meters long; the design specifies a typical support frame size of 3m x 3m for the upper lifting structure and 1m for the load-bearing net.

[0038] Example 5, as follows Figure 3As shown, the counterweight structure includes a counterweight hook 8, on which a counterweight can be added to the hook 8 to adjust the weight of the counterweight for the buoyancy of storage structures 6 of different sizes.

[0039] The application method of the recycling device described in this utility model includes:

[0040] Step 1: Assemble the salvage net, connect the ropes to the hoisting structure, and then connect the ropes to the crane.

[0041] Step 2: The mother ship searches for the underwater glider based on its GPS location. Once the underwater glider is located, it informs the monitoring personnel to level the glider's attitude for easy recovery.

[0042] Step 3: The mother ship stays downstream of the underwater glider and places the salvage net at a depth of 1 meter underwater. The angle can be adjusted according to the glider's path, and the ship waits for the glider to move toward the salvage net.

[0043] Step 4: Once the glider is in the net, lift it quickly to remove it from the water as soon as possible, avoiding the impact of waves on the lifting process. During the lifting process, the crane boom should be swung outwards to maintain the distance between the glider and the ship. Only after the glider is lifted above the ship's side should the boom be swung inwards. During the lifting process, 2-3 crew members should hold bamboo poles to prevent the glider from colliding with the mother ship. In case of emergency, 4 people can pull the glider onto the deck along the ship's side.

[0044] Step 5: After the lifting is completed, the glider is slowly placed on the deck. The underwater glider is then rinsed with fresh water, disassembled, and packed into containers.

[0045] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A rapid recovery device for gliders, characterized in that, The glider rapid recovery device includes: The storage structure (6) is a cone-shaped structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with the wide end open and the narrow end closed. The upper suspension structure is located at the edge of the open wide end of the storage structure (6); One or more lifting structures, with any pair of lifting structures correspondingly disposed on the surface of the upper lifting structure; The counterweight structure (7) is located on the lower surface of the closed narrow end of the storage structure (6).

2. The glider rapid recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper lifting structure is a one-piece molded rectangular side frame (5).

3. The glider rapid recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage structure (6) is a rectangular cone-shaped structure, with the wide end of the rectangular cone-shaped structure being open and the narrow end of the rectangular cone-shaped structure being a platform-shaped structure.

4. A glider rapid recovery device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The upper lifting structure is a solid stainless steel frame structure.

5. A glider rapid recovery device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The hoisting structure is a stainless steel pulley.

6. A glider rapid recovery device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The storage structure is a high-strength nylon rope woven hollow structure.

7. A glider rapid recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper lifting structure has dimensions of 2.5m*2.5m to 3.5m*3.5m.

8. A glider rapid recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counterweight structure is a detachable rectangular frame structure, which includes four counterweight components. The four counterweight components are connected end to end to form a closed frame.

9. A glider rapid recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counterweight structure includes a counterweight hook.

10. A glider rapid recovery device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The weight of the counterweight is not less than 3kg, and the length of the counterweight is 0.5m*0.5m to 1.5m*1.5m.