Adjustable Clamping Device for Underwater Acoustic Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic antennas for underwater waves face issues with effective clamping due to manufacturing tolerances and curvature mismatches between submarine hulls and rigid metal flanges, leading to inadequate tightening or premature wear of acoustic panels.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with adjustable tension links between flanges allows for secure mounting of acoustic panels on curved surfaces with varying radii of curvature, using flexible bands or cables to distribute pressure and prevent wear, while accommodating irregularities and curvature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid metal flanges with fixed curvature are used to clamp acoustic panels, then effective clamping is achieved on hulls with predetermined curvature, but clamping effectiveness deteriorates when hull curvature deviates from the predetermined value due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The flanges are made adjustable in curvature through a system of links and tensioning means, allowing the clamping device to adapt dynamically to different hull curvatures. The links can be tensioned or relaxed to modify the flange curvature, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptable one that maintains effective clamping across varying curvature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The curvature parameter of the flanges is made variable through the link tensioning mechanism. By changing the tension in the links, the curvature of the flanges can be adjusted to match different hull curvatures, allowing the same clamping device to effectively clamp panels on hulls with different radii of curvature
2Ease of manufacture
If flanges with fixed curvature are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but different flanges are required for submarines with different radii of curvature increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A single flange design with adjustable curvature via links and tensioning means serves multiple functions: it can adapt to different hull curvatures, accommodate manufacturing tolerances, and prevent panel wear. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized flange variants for different submarine models
Solution Approach 2:
The flange structure incorporates movable links and tensioning mechanisms that allow a single flange design to dynamically adapt to different curvature requirements, replacing the need for multiple static flange variants with different fixed curvatures
3Reliability
If rigid flanges are used to clamp acoustic panels, then secure mounting is achieved, but premature wear of panels occurs due to excessive tightening when hull curvature is greater than expected
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping force is made adjustable through the link tensioning mechanism, allowing operators to optimize the tightening force for each specific installation. This prevents excessive clamping force that would cause premature wear while maintaining secure mounting, extending panel service life without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable tensioning system allows for optimization of clamping force based on actual installation conditions. Operators can adjust the link tension to achieve appropriate clamping force, preventing both insufficient mounting security and excessive tightening that would cause panel wear
4Adaptability or versatility
If acoustic panels are allowed to deform due to hydrodynamic disturbances, then flexibility is maintained, but panels may escape from their mounting flanges
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are mounted with controlled flexibility that allows hydrodynamic deformation while the adjustable clamping system maintains sufficient retention force. The dynamic nature of both the panel mounting and the adjustable flange system works together to maintain reliability during deformation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an acoustic antenna element for receiving and/or emitting low-frequency waves under water, the antenna element comprising an acoustic panel (4) formed by at least one acoustic sensor enclosed in a flexible shell, said acoustic panel (4) being generally rectangular and being fitted against a supporting member (3) curved by means of a clamping device comprising at least two flanges (7) the ends of which are mounted on said supporting member (3), the respective flanges (7) comprising at least one tie (7) between the two ends thereof, and in that the clamping device comprises means for adjusting the tension in the ties (7) between the two respective ends thereof, the flanges (7) being arranged so that the supporting member (3) is bent between the two respective ends of said ties and so that the panel is clamped against the supporting member (3) by way of said ties (7) when they are under tension.