Linear Electric Actuator for Underwater Vehicle Launch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater vehicle launch systems face challenges with pneumatic and hydraulic constraints, requiring numerous manual operations and lacking control over ejection force, especially in varying immersion depths.
Innovation Solution
A linear electric actuator with at least two telescopic stages is integrated into the water distribution system, allowing for controlled ejection of underwater vehicles by modulating the piston's movement and power supply to manage ejection characteristics, deceleration, and acoustic signature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pneumatic or hydraulic rammers are used for vehicle ejection, then the launch force can be generated, but the system becomes complex and requires numerous manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex pneumatic and hydraulic rammers with a linear electric actuator that uses electromagnetic fields to drive the piston. This substitution eliminates the need for compressed air tanks, hydraulic pumps, and associated control systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the capability to generate sufficient ejection force through direct electromagnetic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex pneumatic and hydraulic subsystems from the launch system. By removing these intermediate mechanical systems and directly coupling the electric actuator to the piston, the design simplifies the overall architecture while preserving the essential ejection function.
2Force
If pneumatic or hydraulic rammers are used for vehicle ejection, then the launch force can be generated, but manual operations are required and control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electric control. The linear electric actuator can be precisely controlled through electrical signals, allowing programmatic control of the ejection sequence, timing, and force application. This eliminates manual intervention and enables sophisticated control strategies for optimizing the launch process.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric actuator system can incorporate feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the ejection process in real-time. Sensors can detect piston position, water pressure, and vehicle response, allowing the control system to dynamically adjust actuator output to achieve precise control over ejection characteristics without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If traditional launch systems are used, then the vehicle can be ejected, but control over ejection force is difficult especially in varying immersion depths
Solution Approach 1:
The linear electric actuator provides dynamically adjustable force output that can be modified in real-time based on immersion depth and other environmental conditions. Unlike fixed-ratio mechanical systems, the electric actuator can vary its force application continuously through electrical control, enabling adaptation to different operational scenarios and maintaining optimal ejection performance across varying depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can change operational parameters such as actuator power output, piston movement speed, and water pressure differential through electrical control. This allows the launch system to be optimized for different immersion depths and vehicle types by simply adjusting electrical parameters rather than undergoing mechanical reconfiguration.
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
This solution simplifies the launch process, reduces manual operations, and provides precise control over ejection force, overcoming the limitations of pneumatic and hydraulic systems while enhancing operational ease and discretion.
Implementation Method 1
the piston is associated with means forming a linear electric actuator for moving the latter
Implementation Method 2
a water distribution tank, itself connected to a water tube in which a piston is placed for discharging water into the rear part of the tube
Implementation Method 3
push and eject the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
This underwater craft comprising means for launching an underwater vehicle by means of water pressure, comprising a vehicle launch tube (22, 23) having a front part and a rear part and the rear part of which is connected to a water distribution tank (21), itself connected to a water tube (20) in which there is positioned a piston (13) for delivering the water into the rear part of the tube (22, 23) in order to push and eject the vehicle (26, 27), is characterised in that the piston (13) is associated with means (10) forming a linear electrical actuator for moving same.