Damping Module for Underwater Launch Force Smoothing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater launch systems with acceleration cylinders cause damage to non-reinforced underwater running bodies due to sudden force peaks during acceleration, requiring complex and costly conversions to prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
A damping module with a cylinder/piston system and fluid connections that gradually increase internal pressure to smooth the force impulse, preventing sudden force peaks and allowing the use of underwater launch systems without reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If pressure is suddenly increased in the acceleration cylinder to accelerate the underwater running body, then acceleration performance is improved, but force peaks damage the underwater running body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping module with a spring element positioned between the acceleration cylinder and the underwater running body. This spring element acts as a cushion that absorbs and distributes the sudden force peaks generated during pressure increase, preventing damage to the underwater running body while still enabling effective acceleration. The spring constant is specifically designed to balance acceleration performance with structural protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping module serves as an intermediary element between the acceleration cylinder and the underwater running body. It mediates the force transmission by filtering out harmful force peaks while maintaining the necessary acceleration force. The spring-based damping module transforms the direct rigid connection into a buffered connection that protects the underwater running body structure.
2Power
If the acceleration cylinder is firmly connected to the underwater running body, then force transmission efficiency is improved, but damage risk increases due to hard impact
Solution Approach 1:
The damping module is pre-installed in the force transmission path between the acceleration cylinder and the underwater running body. The spring element is pre-compressed or pre-positioned to provide immediate cushioning when the acceleration cylinder engages, preventing hard impact while maintaining force transmission efficiency throughout the acceleration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping module with its spring element acts as a mediator that replaces the direct rigid connection. It allows force transmission while filtering out harmful impact peaks, thus maintaining power transmission efficiency without the damaging effects of hard impact.
3Strength
If reinforced design is applied to the underwater running body, then damage resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reinforcing the underwater running body structure, the patent introduces a damping module as an intermediary that protects the standard-designed underwater running body from damage. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving damage resistance through the protective damping mechanism rather than structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping module with its spring element serves as a protective component that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than requiring expensive and complex reinforcement of the underwater running body structure. This approach is more cost-effective and maintains ease of manufacture.
4Strength
If conversion of existing launch systems is performed to prevent force peaks, then protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is segmented into a separate, modular damping module that can be independently installed between the acceleration cylinder and the underwater running body. This segmentation allows the damping function to be added without converting the existing acceleration cylinder or control systems, maintaining simplicity while providing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping module serves as a standalone intermediary component that provides protection without requiring conversion of the existing launch system. It interfaces with the existing acceleration cylinder and underwater running body, adding protection functionality without increasing overall system complexity.
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
Enables the safe acceleration of underwater running bodies without reinforcement by smoothing the force impulse, preventing damage and allowing use with existing launch systems without complex conversions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, in particular a torsion spring, for dampening the force impulse in that a rest position of the spring element corresponds to a gap between the spring element and the acceleration cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a spring element, in particular a torsion spring, for dampening the force impulse
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a damping module (10) and to a method for transferring an impulse exerted by a starting device (46) on a self-propelled underwater body (50) by means of a damping module (10). For this purpose the damping module (10) has a cylinder (12), a piston (14) and at least one fluid communication means (22). A chamber (20), which is in fluid communication with the surroundings (24) of the damping module (10) by means of the fluid communication means (22), is surrounded by the cylinder (12) and by the piston (14). The fluid communication means (22) is also formed such that in the event of increased internal chamber pressure, which is generated in the chamber (20) by moving the piston (14) into the cylinder (12), the volumetric flow through the fluid communication means (22) is kept below a predetermined limit value.