AUV Launch Recovery Elastic Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current AUV launch and recovery technologies for extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles (XLUUVs) face limitations such as mechanical structure constraints that prevent the formation of airtight cages and require additional space for installation, leading to inefficiencies and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) launch and recovery device driven by an elastic linkage mechanism, utilizing a tubular structure with elastic rubber plates and inelastic hauling ropes, which allows for compact and reliable launch and recovery of small and medium rotary AUVs through a hydraulic system that controls the movement of push plates and linkage ropes to open and close the guide cover port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flared shaped structure is used for AUV launch and recovery, then the structure can accommodate AUVs, but it cannot form an airtight cage-shaped structure due to mechanical structure limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible rubber plates as the structural material for the cage-shaped launch and recovery device. These rubber plates can deform to form an airtight sealed structure when inflated, transforming from a rigid mechanical limitation to a flexible solution that achieves the desired cage shape and airtightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pressure changes to control the state of the rubber plates. By adjusting the internal pressure, the rubber plates transition between collapsed and inflated states, enabling the device to form an airtight cage structure when needed and collapse when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If additional space is allocated for driving device installation, then the device can function, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the driving device (hydraulic system) within the existing tubular structure of the launch and recovery device. The hydraulic cylinder and control mechanisms are nested inside the tubular framework, eliminating the need for additional external space while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework, houses the hydraulic driving devices, and forms part of the cage-shaped enclosure when inflated. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated spaces for each component.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the ability to carry multiple AUVs may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the launch and recovery device into multiple independent rubber plate segments arranged in a circular pattern. Each segment can independently support an AUV, allowing the device to carry multiple AUVs simultaneously. This segmentation achieves both simplicity in manufacturing (using identical repeated modules) and versatility (capacity for multiple payloads).
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) launch and recovery device driven by an elastic linkage mechanism for an extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle (XLUUV). The AUV launch and recovery device includes a hydraulic device, a push plate and a tubular device box, where the tubular device box adopts a frame-type tubular structure with a closed end; the push plate is fixed to a hydraulic rod, the hydraulic rod is controlled to stretch, and furthermore, the push plate is controlled to radially slide in a groove; and as the push plate is controlled to move radially, an inner diameter of a ring part of the inelastic linkage rope is narrowed or enlarged, so that inelastic hauling ropes are pulled to move axially, and the front end of the elastic rubber plates is further pulled to achieve an expanding or contracting state of an recovery/launch opening.