Adjustable Maritime Cradle for Shock-Isolated Vessel Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing maritime vehicles face challenges in safely transporting and launching smaller, stealthier vessels over rough waters without causing damage from significant shock and vibration levels, especially when using larger, more exposed vessels.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable cradle system with a platform, base, lift mechanism, and energy absorbers that isolates the smaller vessel from shocks and vibrations, allowing secure transport and quick launch from a larger maritime vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a smaller autonomous surface vessel is transported on a larger maritime vehicle, then the smaller vessel can be protected from shock and vibration, but the complexity of the transport system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cradle as an intermediary device between the larger maritime vehicle and the smaller autonomous surface vessel. The cradle serves as a mediator that absorbs and isolates shock and vibration, protecting the smaller vessel during transport while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle incorporates energy absorbers and vibration isolation mechanisms that are pre-configured to cushion and dampen shock and vibration before they can reach the smaller vessel. This beforehand cushioning protects the vessel during transport without requiring complex active protection systems
2Ease of operation
If a lift mechanism is used to raise the smaller vessel for launch, then the launch capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic lift mechanism to raise the smaller autonomous surface vessel for launch. The hydraulic system provides reliable and controlled lifting capability with relatively simple mechanical components, enabling easy operation while maintaining acceptable system complexity through standardized hydraulic elements
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cradle is designed with energy absorbers for shock isolation, then the protection of the smaller vessel is improved, but the weight of the cradle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle utilizes energy absorbers that change their physical state or properties in response to shock and vibration. These energy absorbers dynamically adjust their damping characteristics based on the magnitude of the shock, providing effective protection while minimizing weight by only engaging when needed rather than requiring excessive weight for continuous protection
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 cradle effectively absorbs shocks and vibrations, protecting the smaller vessel during transport and launch, ensuring operational integrity and stealth, while complying with military standards for shock and vibration resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a wire rope isolator secured to the base, wherein the wire rope isolator is configured to substantially isolate the ASV from shocks and vibrations associated with operation of the boat
Implementation Method 2
an actuator assembly coupled to the lift mechanism, wherein the actuator assembly comprises an inlet port adapted to receive pressurized fluid, and wherein the lift mechanism drives movement of the ASV platform to the launch position responsive to receipt of the pressurized fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable cradle for transporting and launching a first maritime vehicle via a second maritime vehicle. The adjustable cradle includes a platform configured to receive and support an underside of the first maritime vehicle, a base configured to be removably secured to the second maritime vehicle, and a lift mechanism connecting the platform and the base such that the platform is movable relative to the base between a launch position and a transport position. The adjustable cradle also includes an actuator assembly coupled to the lift mechanism and configured to cause the lift mechanism to move between a raised position corresponding to the launch position of the platform and a lowered position corresponding to the transport position of the platform. The adjustable cradle further includes an energy absorber secured to the base and configured to substantially absorb shocks and vibrations associated with operation of the second maritime vehicle.