Mechanical Locking Trigger for Submarine Rescue Buoyancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing triggering devices for inflatable floating bodies in submarine rescue systems are prone to unintentional and premature activation due to inaccurate ambient pressure sensing, especially in unfavorable weather conditions and pressure fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking device in the operating head is used, which is held in a locked position by a pressure transmission device when ambient pressure is higher than a predetermined limit pressure, ensuring activation only when the pressure drops below this limit, thus preventing premature inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is used to detect ambient pressure for activation, then activation conditions can be monitored, but the device is prone to failure and inaccurate readings especially in adverse weather conditions and pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic sensor-based pressure detection system with a purely mechanical pressure-responsive locking mechanism. The locking device includes a piston that moves in response to ambient pressure changes, mechanically triggering or preventing activation without electronic components. This substitution eliminates sensor failure risks and inaccuracies in adverse weather conditions while maintaining reliable pressure-based activation control.
2Reliability
If a two-stage locking device is used to prevent accidental activation, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two-stage locking functionality into a single integrated mechanical pressure-responsive locking device. Instead of separate locking mechanisms for depth control and activation prevention, the design combines both functions into one piston-based system that responds to ambient pressure changes. This integration maintains the safety benefits of multi-stage locking while reducing overall device complexity and improving reliability through fewer independent components.
3Productivity
If the container is detached from the submarine for rescue operation, then the buoyancy body can be inflated, but the inflation device may activate at great depths causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by designing the mechanical locking device to preemptively prevent activation at depth before the harmful condition (premature inflation) can occur. The locking mechanism is configured to remain engaged under high pressure conditions, automatically blocking activation pathways and preventing the inflation device from operating at great depths. This preliminary protective action ensures that even if the container detaches from the submarine, activation can only occur when pressure conditions are appropriate, eliminating the risk of harmful premature inflation.
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
Ensures precise and instantaneous activation of the inflation device when the container reaches the water surface, preventing inflation in deep water and ensuring safety by maintaining the inflation device in a locked state until the correct conditions are met.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure transmission device (40, 20) is coupled to the operating head (10), wherein current ambient pressure (p) is present inside the operating head (10) at all times by means of the pressure transmission device (40, 20)
Implementation Method 2
which—under certain predetermined rescue conditions—activates the inflation device and initiates the inflation of the buoyancy aid
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a triggering device for an inflation device (60) for inflating inflatable floating bodies (90), which are accommodated together with the inflation device (60) in a container (70) having a container wall (71), wherein the triggering device comprises an operating head (10) coupled to and activating the inflation device (60), and the triggering device has a blocking device which blocks the activation of the inflation device (60) if the ambient pressure acting on the container (70) from the outside is higher than a predetermined limit pressure, wherein a container passage (30) is arranged in the container wall (71), which is connected to the operating head (10) via a line (20), wherein a pressure transmission device (26, 2) is provided in the container passage (30),which transmits the current ambient pressure via the line (20) to the operating head (10) and brings or holds a mechanical locking device in its locking position when the ambient pressure is higher than the limit pressure.,