Mine Sweeping Apparatus Dynamic Depth Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for sweeping influence mines, particularly pressure mines, are ineffective and impractical due to their large size, high cost, and difficulty in simulating the pressure signature of a ship, especially at deeper sea beds and changing operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A compact, inexpensive apparatus with a propulsion system comprising a central body and extendable arms equipped with propulsive propellers and solenoids to generate a negative pressure signature and magnetic fields, allowing for variable depth operation and reduced power consumption, effectively simulating the signature of larger ships.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large-sized apparatuses are used to simulate ship pressure signature, then the pressure signature can be generated, but the apparatus becomes difficult to implement and operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure signature simulation effectivenessVSAvoiddifficulty of implementation and use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into multiple operating units, each independently generating pressure signature. This segmentation allows smaller, more manageable units to collectively achieve the required pressure signature effect that would otherwise require a single large apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple operating units are combined to work together as a coordinated system. The collective pressure signature generation of multiple smaller units achieves the same effect as a single large apparatus while improving ease of operation and deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If surface-constrained apparatuses are used, then the pressure field can be altered, but the apparatus cannot effectively reach deeper sea beds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure field alteration capabilityVSAvoideffectiveness at different depths

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The operating units are designed with dynamic depth control capabilities, allowing them to move freely between surface and deep water positions. This dynamic positioning enables the apparatus to adapt to different operational depths and conditions, effectively reaching deeper sea beds while maintaining pressure signature generation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If fixed immersion level apparatuses are used, then the apparatus is simple to control, but it cannot quickly adapt to changing operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidspeed of immersion level variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus implements dynamic depth adjustment mechanisms that allow operating units to quickly change immersion levels in response to varying operational requirements. This dynamic capability enables rapid adaptation to changing conditions while maintaining relatively simple control through centralized coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If compact apparatuses with reduced power are used, then the apparatus is more practical and inexpensive, but the pressure signature generation capability may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost and practicalityVSAvoidpressure signature generation power

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple compact operating units are combined to work together, with each unit generating a portion of the required pressure signature. The cumulative effect of multiple smaller units achieves the necessary overall power and signature generation capability while keeping individual units compact, practical, and inexpensive to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 apparatus efficiently activates pressure mines with reduced power and size, allowing for precise control and adaptation to various ship sizes, while being immune to changing sea conditions, thus overcoming the limitations of prior art solutions.

Implementation Method 1

The propulsion device (8) is configured to generate, by the rotation of the propulsive propeller (11), a negative pressure in a direction towards the sea bed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure generation: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

The apparatus (1) comprises means for generating a magnetic field to activate magnetic influence mines positioned in the proximity of the apparatus (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3250454B1Mine sweeping apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.01.01 CALZONI

Figure 1~5
Figure 2~4

AI summary

Described is an apparatus for sweeping influence mines, comprising an operating unit (2) having a plurality of propulsion devices (8) designed to be immersed in water and at least one floating body connected to the propulsion devices (8), the latter being designed to overcome the hydrostatic thrust acting on the floating body to keep the operating unit (2) immersed at a predetermined depth.