Launch Ramp Buoyancy and Flow Control for Alignment Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing launch and recovery systems for sub-ordinate seaborne and sub-surface vessels face challenges in maintaining alignment at higher speeds due to surface and sub-surface currents, waves, and wind, increasing the likelihood of mishaps during operations.
Innovation Solution
A ramp structure connected to a host vessel with adjustable buoyancy and flow control features, including thru-flow passages and a movable fin, to control the ramp's inclination and pitch in response to vessel speed, wave action, and distance from the host vessel, ensuring stable alignment during launch and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed ramp structure is used for launch and recovery operations, then the system is simple in structure, but alignment stability deteriorates at higher speeds due to currents, waves, and wind
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp structure transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable system. The distal end of the ramp is made movable relative to the proximal end, allowing real-time adjustment of ramp angle and position in response to environmental conditions such as waves, currents, and wind, thereby maintaining alignment stability during launch and recovery operations at higher speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensing mechanisms that detect environmental conditions (wave action, current strength, wind effects) and ramp position, feeding this information back to control systems that automatically adjust the ramp's angle and position. This closed-loop feedback control enables the ramp to adapt dynamically to changing conditions, maintaining reliable alignment without requiring complex manual intervention
2Reliability
If the ramp is made adjustable to maintain alignment at higher speeds, then alignment stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp structure is divided into segments - a proximal end attached to the host vessel and a distal end that can move independently. This segmentation allows the distal end to be adjusted for alignment stability while the proximal end remains anchored, distributing the complexity across modular components rather than requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to control the movement and positioning of the ramp's distal end. These fluid-powered mechanisms provide smooth, controlled adjustment with relatively simple control systems, achieving alignment stability without requiring complex mechanical linkages or manual adjustment mechanisms
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 system effectively maintains alignment and stability of the ramp relative to the sub-ordinate vessel at higher speeds, reducing the risk of mishaps and improving the reliability of launch and recovery operations.
Implementation Method 1
The ramp includes interior portions thereof that can be selectively flooded to control the buoyancy of the ramp at its distal or remote end thereof to thus effect some measure of control of the inclination of the ramp
Implementation Method 2
the flow structures can take the form of one or more thru-flow passages in the ramp so that water from the forward or leading side of the ramp can pass therethrough to the rearward or trailing side thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A launch and recovery system for use by host vessel in launching and recovering a sub-ordinate vessel includes a ramp structure that is connected to a host vessel and movable so that at least its remote or distal end can be placed in the water, preferably at the stern of the host vessel. The ramp includes interior portions thereof that can be selectively flooded to control the buoyancy of the ramp at least its distal or remote end thereof to thus effect some measure of control of the inclination of the ramp. Additionally, one or more types of flow structures can be provided that effect control of the ramp as a function of water flow through and/or across the ramp. In one form, the flow structures can take the form of one or more thru-flow passages in the ramp so that water from the forward or leading side of the ramp can pass therethrough to the rearward or trailing side thereof. Various flow-control devices, such as moveable plates, baffles, or other members are controlled to increase or decrease flow rate through the flow passages to control the relative pitch or inclination of the ramp. In another form, the flow structures can take of the form of a movable fin or plane connected to the ramp structure that can be adjusted, either manually and/or as part of a control system, to control the relative pitch or inclination of the ramp.