Air-Launched Countermeasure Float with Inertial Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing countermeasures for air-launched sea devices have prolonged flight times, are affected by wind, and require costly and unreliable electromechanical systems, posing safety and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A float system for air-launched countermeasures that uses a mechanical, spring-activated inflatable bag to rapidly position electronic devices at a predetermined depth in the sea, eliminating the need for parachutes and electromechanical components, relying on compressed air for launch and inertial mass for inflation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a parachute is used to slow down descent of the countermeasure, then the countermeasure can be deployed at a predetermined depth, but the flight time is prolonged and the countermeasure may enter the sea at some distance from the target point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the parachute from the countermeasure system entirely. Instead of using a parachute to control descent, the countermeasure is designed to sink directly to the predetermined depth using its own buoyancy and weight characteristics, eliminating the time-consuming parachute deployment phase while maintaining accurate depth control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromechanical parachute control system with a purely mechanical buoyancy-based depth control mechanism. The countermeasure uses an internal buoyancy chamber that can be selectively inflated or deflated to control its sinking rate and final depth, eliminating the need for complex electromechanical timing and control systems.
2Reliability
If an electromechanical system is used to control parachute opening, then the deployment can be timed, but the system is costly and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromechanical control system with a simple mechanical depth-sensing mechanism. The countermeasure uses a depth-sensing weight or buoyancy chamber that automatically triggers deployment at the predetermined depth through pure mechanical means, eliminating motors, sensors, batteries, and complex control electronics while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The countermeasure is designed to be self-activating at the predetermined depth without requiring external control signals. The mechanical depth-sensing mechanism automatically triggers the deployment sequence when the countermeasure reaches the target depth, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for complex external control systems.
3Speed
If a rocket with explosive material is used to propel the countermeasure, then the countermeasure can be launched, but safety precautions are required and maintenance is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive and hazardous reusable rocket with a simple, disposable compressed air launch system. The countermeasure is launched using a bank of compressed air cartridges that provide sufficient initial velocity, and the entire launch system can be quickly replaced after use, eliminating safety concerns associated with storing and maintaining explosive propellants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses compressed air as the propellant instead of explosive material. The launch system uses high-pressure air tanks or cartridges to propel the countermeasure, providing a safe, controllable, and maintenance-free launch mechanism that eliminates all hazards associated with explosive propellants while still achieving the required launch speed.
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 float system ensures rapid and precise deployment of countermeasures, reducing maintenance and safety concerns while providing a cost-effective, reliable solution for decoy simulation, with no electric or explosive components.
Implementation Method 1
countermeasure 1 is launched by a compressed-air system from a launch tube
Implementation Method 2
an inflatable bag 24, two pressurised-gas cylinders 25... once inflated, bag 24 tends to float
Implementation Method 3
an activating or control unit 26 comprising an inertial mass 27. Mass 27 is movable, in response to deceleration of casing 6 caused by immersion of countermeasure 1 into the sea
Implementation Method 4
rods 32 are wound with respective coil springs 33. Springs 33 act at one end on mass 27, and at the other end on respective shoulders 34
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A float (4), for a device (1) air-launched into the sea, in particular for a countermeasure, has a casing (6) and a bag (24), which is inflatable by two pressurized-gas cylinders (25) and is located, when inflated, at least partly outside the casing (6); inflation by the cylinders (25) is activated by an inertial mass (27) movable in response to deceleration of the casing (6) caused by immersion of the device (1) into the sea. The float (4) further comprises flight stabilizing members (15) movable between a launch position, in which they are closed against a lateral wall (8) of said casing (6), and a flight position in which they extend outwards from said lateral wall (8). The float (4) further comprises retaining means (21,22) for retaining a cover (7) closing an opening (10) defined by said lateral wall (8). The retaining means (21,22) are movable from a retaining configuration to a release configuration in response to movement of said flight stabilizing means (15).