Modular Submarine Hull Segmentation for Rapid Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for reconfiguring and maintaining large watercraft, such as submarines, are time-consuming and limit the number of adaptations possible, as permanent hull joins and labor-intensive equipment replacement reduce the vessel's integrity and flexibility for testing or operational changes.
Innovation Solution
A modular watercraft system comprising interchangeable hull modules and equipment modules, with interface elements and a fixing means like threaded nuts and bolts, allowing for easy coupling and uncoupling to form sealed joints, enabling frequent reconfiguration and equipment changes without compromising the vessel's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional permanent welding methods are used to join hull sections, then the structural strength and integrity of the watercraft is maintained, but the ability to reconfigure and adapt the vessel is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hull is divided into multiple detachable modules (forward module, intermediate module, aft module) that can be separated and recombined. Each module has standardized interface elements with coupling mechanisms that allow repeated assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity, enabling reconfiguration without permanent welding.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanisms between modules are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the watercraft to transition between different configurations. The interface elements include movable coupling components that can be engaged or disengaged as needed, providing adaptability while maintaining strength during operation.
2Productivity
If conventional welding methods are used for hull modifications, then the watercraft can be adapted to new requirements, but the process takes a great deal of time and requires significant work
Solution Approach 1:
The hull is divided into multiple detachable modules (forward module, intermediate module, aft module) that can be separated and recombined. Each module has standardized interface elements with coupling mechanisms that allow rapid assembly and disassembly, enabling reconfiguration without time-consuming welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface elements and coupling mechanisms are pre-designed and pre-positioned on each module during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows modules to be quickly connected or disconnected during reconfiguration operations, eliminating the need for on-site welding or complex fabrication work.
3Ease of repair
If conventional methods are used for equipment replacement, then equipment can be removed and replaced, but the process is labor-intensive and requires dismantling through existing hatches or cutting holes in the hull
Solution Approach 1:
The hull is divided into multiple detachable modules, with equipment housed within specific modules. This segmentation allows entire equipment-containing modules to be removed as complete units through standardized interfaces, eliminating the need to dismantle equipment through hatches or cut holes in the hull.
Solution Approach 2:
Equipment modules can be completely extracted from the watercraft by uncoupling their module from the hull sequence. The standardized interface elements allow the entire module with its equipment to be removed as a single unit, simplifying replacement operations and avoiding complex dismantling procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If repeated conventional modifications are performed on the hull, then the watercraft can be adapted to different operational requirements, but the integrity of the watercraft is reduced after only a small number of modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The hull is divided into multiple detachable modules with standardized interface elements. These modules can be repeatedly coupled and uncoupled without compromising the structural integrity of the remaining hull, as each connection point is designed to maintain strength through multiple assembly cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanisms are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow for repeated engagement and disengagement while maintaining structural integrity. The interface elements include features such as reinforced coupling points and stress-distributing designs that preserve watercraft reliability through multiple reconfiguration cycles.
Data Source
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AI summary
A watercraft system (10), wherein the watercraft system (10) is a submarine or a submersible configured to be submerged in water. The watercraft system (10) may comprise: a hull (12) having a longitudinal axis (14) which extends between an aft end (16) and a forward end (18). The hull (12) may comprise at least a first hull module (100) and a second hull module (200). The first hull module (100) may define the aft end (16) and a first interface element (102) which defines a first hull module opening (106). The second hull module (200) may define the forward end (18) and a second interface element (202) which defines a second hull module opening (206). The first interface element (102) and second interface element (202) being configured to couple with each other to form a sealed joint. The first interface element (102) and second interface element (202) may be configured to be uncoupled from one another. The watercraft system (10) may be operable with the first interface element (102) of the first hull module (100) coupled to the second interface element (202) of the second hull module (200). The watercraft system (10) may be operable with the first hull module (100) and the second hull module (200) coupled together by a third hull module (300) provided between the first hull module (100) and the second hull module (200). The third hull module (300) is configured to be uncoupled from the first hull module (100) and second hull module (200).