Mechanical Positioning Assembly for Precise Large Vehicle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assembling and disassembling large underwater vehicles and similar equipment face challenges in precise positioning, often leading to damage and misalignment due to the lack of fine adjustment and alignment features, particularly in constrained environments and remote locations where space and resources are limited.
Innovation Solution
A precision positioning and handling system utilizing threaded screws for precise adjustments in multiple directions to thousandths of an inch, designed to operate in harsh environments without electrical components, and compatible with corrosion-resistant materials, allowing for alignment and handling of large equipment in enclosed spaces without flooding or large infrastructure requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling or swinging jig methods are used to maneuver LDUUV segments, then the equipment can be moved and assembled, but the positioning precision deteriorates leading to collisions and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual handling and swinging jig methods with a precision positioning system that uses mechanical actuators (such as lead screws, ball screws, or rack and pinion mechanisms) to control the movement of LDUUV segments. This substitution provides precise, controlled positioning while eliminating the collisions and damage associated with manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning system between the manual handling equipment and the LDUUV segments. This intermediary system includes adjustable fixtures, alignment devices, and controlled movement mechanisms that mediate the positioning process, ensuring precise alignment without direct manual manipulation of the heavy segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flooding a large tank is used to assemble XLUUV sections, then the sections can be suspended and assembled, but the space requirements and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water environment requirement from the assembly process by designing a positioning system that can operate in air or on land-based platforms. This eliminates the need for flooding large tanks while maintaining the ability to assemble XLUUV sections, thereby reducing space requirements and infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the water-based suspension system with a mechanical positioning system using actuators, rails, and adjustable fixtures. This mechanical system provides the necessary support and positioning capabilities without requiring water, tanks, or associated infrastructure, enabling assembly in remote landlocked locations.
3Ease of operation
If large overhead cranes and shop floors are used to maneuver XLUUV components, then the components can be positioned, but the area consumption increases making spaces unavailable for other uses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function into multiple distributed actuators and fixtures rather than requiring a single large overhead crane. This segmentation allows components to be positioned using localized mechanical devices, reducing the need for large open shop floor spaces and enabling multi-purpose use of the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional shop floor maneuvering to three-dimensional positioning using vertical actuators, adjustable-height fixtures, and multi-axis positioning mechanisms. This dimensional change allows components to be positioned in space without requiring large horizontal floor areas, freeing up space for other uses.
4Device complexity
If conventional assembly methods are used without fine adjustment features, then the assembly process is simpler, but the alignment precision deteriorates requiring forceful joining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities to the assembly system through actuators with fine-resolution control (capable of sub-millimeter or micrometer adjustments). These dynamic elements allow precise alignment of LDUUV segments while maintaining relatively simple overall system architecture, eliminating the need for forceful joining operations.
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 alignment and handling of large equipment, reducing the risk of damage and misalignment, increasing reliability, and accommodating harsh environments, while being suitable for various applications beyond underwater vehicles, including remote and space-related use.
Implementation Method 1
threaded screws for precise adjustments in multiple directions to thousandths of an inch
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical assembly to precisely position large objects and align them to be joined with other objects with precision. The assembly does not require power to operate and can therefore be used in a variety of remote and harsh locations.