Composite Life Raft Container Underpressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment storage containers for submarines, such as life rafts, are heavy, expensive, and unreliable due to structural and installation constraints.
Innovation Solution
A storage container design featuring Belleville washers for elastic means, O-rings for sealing, a tubular sleeve with a removable shutter for pressure equalization, and a pull-out pin for easy opening, along with composite and metallic materials for reduced weight and cost, facilitates reliable and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional structural solutions are used for submarine equipment storage containers, then the container can withstand high immersion pressures, but the container becomes heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of an outer metallic shell providing structural strength and pressure resistance, combined with an inner composite material filling providing buoyancy and weight reduction. This composite structure allows the container to withstand high immersion pressures while significantly reducing overall weight compared to traditional solid metallic constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a thin metallic shell structure that is sufficiently flexible to accommodate pressure differentials while maintaining structural integrity. The shell thickness is optimized to provide adequate pressure resistance without excessive weight, leveraging the strength-to-weight ratio of the metallic material used.
2Strength
If traditional structural solutions are used for submarine equipment storage containers, then the container can withstand high immersion pressures, but the installation becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into distinct modular components including the outer metallic shell, inner composite filling, sealing mechanisms, and opening/closing systems. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together, significantly simplifying the overall installation process and reducing costs compared to monolithic traditional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design incorporates multi-functional elements such as the metallic shell that serves both as structural pressure containment and as an attachment mounting surface for equipment. The sealing mechanisms serve both pressure containment and equipment protection functions, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying installation.
3Reliability
If traditional sealing mechanisms are used, then the container maintains pressure integrity, but the opening process becomes complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism transitions from a static sealed state during storage to a dynamic opening state when required. The system includes a controlled opening mechanism that allows the container to be opened in a single operation, maintaining pressure integrity during storage while enabling easy access when needed, improving both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The container incorporates self-contained sealing and opening mechanisms that do not require external assistance for normal operation. The sealing system automatically maintains pressure integrity, and the opening mechanism can be activated by the user through a simple operation, making the system self-sufficient and reliable without requiring complex external support systems.
4Strength
If heavy structural materials are used, then the container withstands high immersion pressures, but the equipment access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs a dynamic opening mechanism that allows easy access to equipment stored inside. The controlled opening system enables the container to be opened in a single operation, maintaining pressure integrity during storage while enabling easy access when needed, thus improving equipment accessibility without compromising structural strength.
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
The container is lightweight, cost-effective, and reliable, capable of withstanding high immersion pressures while ensuring easy access to the equipment, such as a life raft, with improved structural integrity and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the half-shells comprises an end piece 9 for connecting the container to means for creating a vacuum inside the container during a preparation phase thereof
Implementation Method 2
These elastic means comprise, for example, a combination of Belleville washers and springs making it possible to push the shutter towards an opening position of the tubular sleeve
Implementation Method 3
The flanges can also be made of monolithic composite material. The additional support surfaces are provided with sealing means, such as for example O-rings, as will be described in more detail later, and are intended to be pressed against each other under the effect of a depression created in the container
Implementation Method 4
urged into the open position of this tubular sleeve by means of elastic means designated by the general reference 14. These elastic means comprise, for example, a combination of Belleville washers and springs
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The container (1) has complementary semi-shells (3, 4) whose opposite edges comprising complementary support bearings (7, 8) equipped with O-ring joints. The semi-shells are made of composite material. The support bearings are fixed with respect to each other under the effect of depression created in the container. A triggering unit (10) triggers the opening of the container by suppressing the depression inside the container.