Marine Payload Deployment via Vacuum Release and Buoyancy Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vehicles face challenges in maintaining precise navigation and buoyancy during payload deployment, as existing methods like air bladders and gas release are unsuitable for clandestine missions and result in significant errors due to the emission of gas bubbles, and deployed payloads often require reorientation for optimal operation.
Innovation Solution
A system using a vacuum force to hold and release payloads, with a buoyancy compensation mechanism that allows fluid to flood the internal cavity to balance weight changes, and a self-orienting mechanism to stabilize the payload after deployment, eliminating the need for mechanical restraints and minimizing environmental disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air bladders or gas release methods are used to compensate for buoyancy changes during payload deployment, then buoyancy compensation is achieved, but gas bubbles are emitted which compromises stealth and creates navigation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful gas generation function from the buoyancy compensation system by using a vacuum-held payload that is released by introducing water instead of gas. The payload is held in a vacuum chamber and released by flooding the chamber with water, which breaks the vacuum seal and provides buoyancy compensation without emitting gas bubbles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by introducing water into the vacuum chamber to break the vacuum seal and release the payload. The water flooding mechanism provides both payload release and buoyancy compensation through hydraulic pressure and displacement, eliminating the need for gas-based systems.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical restraints are used to hold payloads, then secure holding is achieved, but complex mechanical mechanisms increase deployment complexity and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical restraint systems with a vacuum holding system. The payload is held securely by atmospheric pressure differential created in a vacuum chamber, eliminating the need for mechanical latches, clamps, or fasteners. Release is achieved by introducing water to break the vacuum seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of pressure by creating a vacuum environment to hold the payload. The holding force is generated by the pressure differential between the vacuum chamber and ambient water pressure, providing secure retention without mechanical components.
3Ease of operation
If payloads are deployed without self-orienting capability, then deployment simplicity is maintained, but payloads require additional interaction and adjustment with the vehicle for optimal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a self-orienting mechanism within the payload that enables the payload to automatically position itself in the correct orientation after deployment. This self-service capability eliminates the need for vehicle-based positioning adjustments or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-orienting mechanism is pre-configured within the payload structure before deployment. This preliminary arrangement of orienting components ensures that the payload automatically achieves optimal positioning upon release, without requiring post-deployment adjustment.
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 enables precise and stealthy deployment of payloads with minimal disruption to the vehicle's course, conserving energy and allowing for quiet operation, while the self-orienting mechanism ensures optimal positioning of deployed devices.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum force to secure the deployable payload
Implementation Method 2
passively compensating for at least a partial portion of the changes in weight of the deployed payload
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention involves a system for the release of low relief, self-orienting deployable payloads from a platform such as an underwater vehicle and a mechanism of passive buoyancy compensation of the vehicle. The system secures one or more payloads by a vacuum force without an additional mechanical restraining mechanism and deployment of a payload is accomplished by disengaging the vacuum hold to release the payload for its intended function. Once deployed, the payload may reorient itself to a functional orientation without additional assistance.