Asymmetric Submarine Decoy Launch Tube Closure Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure members for underwater projectile launch tubes cause significant braking of projectiles due to their non-streamlined shape, leading to reduced distance and potential security risks for both the vehicle and the decoy, as they can collide with the vehicle or be sucked into thrusters.
Innovation Solution
A closure member with an asymmetrical shape that tilts away from the projectile's trajectory under uneven hydrodynamic forces, preventing braking and maintaining continuity with the vehicle's hull, utilizing a cylindrical shape with sealing means, a holding ring, and fusible fastening for secure and efficient launch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional closure member is used to seal the launch tube outlet, then the projectile can be contained securely, but the closure member causes significant braking of the projectile due to its non-streamlined shape
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member features an asymmetrical shape with a first part having a streamlined profile aligned with the launch tube axis and a second part extending radially outward with an asymmetric cross-section. This asymmetry causes the closure member to tilt under hydrodynamic forces, removing it from the projectile's trajectory and eliminating braking while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the streamlined first part.
2Length of moving object
If the closure member is made streamlined to reduce braking, then the projectile distance is improved, but the complexity of the closure member shape increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is divided into two distinct parts: a first part with a streamlined cylindrical shape that reduces hydrodynamic braking, and a second part with an asymmetric cross-section that provides tilt capability. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function independently, achieving both streamlined performance and operational complexity management.
3Length of moving object
If the closure member tilts away from the trajectory to avoid braking, then the projectile distance is improved, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member transitions from a static sealed position to a dynamic tilted position during projectile launch. The asymmetrical second part enables automatic tilting under hydrodynamic forces, while the streamlined first part maintains sealing contact with the launch tube outlet during the transition, ensuring both distance improvement and sealing reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures the projectile is not slowed down by the closure member, maintaining distance and reducing security risks while maintaining low costs and hull continuity, with the closure member effectively detaching from the projectile's trajectory.
Implementation Method 1
the hydrodynamic friction forces applied to the obturating member during the launching of the projectile are not distributed homogeneously over this obturating member
Implementation Method 2
The obturating member is then able to tilt relative to the projectile, under the effect of a torque due to the non-uniform distribution of forces
Implementation Method 3
When the projectile is launched, the latter exerts a thrust force on the closing member, thus causing the fusible fixing means to break
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a launching device (14) comprising a body (22) for blocking an outlet mouth (18) of a tube (14) for launching said device. The blocking body (22) comprises a first part (24) having a general form of revolution about a longitudinal axis (X), for cooperating with a distal end (14B) of the launching tube (14) in order to close the mouth (18) thereof, and a second part (36)which is fixed to the first part (24) and has a general form with an orthogonal projection which, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), is asymmetric in relation to said longitudinal axis (X).