Modular Underwater Towing Test Device With Dynamic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional underwater towing test devices are complex, difficult to install, and lack the flexibility to control towing depth and speed effectively, limiting their ability to conduct comprehensive hydrodynamic tests efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The underwater towing test device comprises a driving mechanism, an observation platform, and a towing member with a towing tank, allowing for flexible control of towing depth and speed, and includes a crane for lifting and moving equipment, enabling tests at various depths and speeds, and incorporating a towing member with a cross-joint mechanism for precise positioning and measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional underwater towing test devices are used, then testing capability is provided, but device complexity increases and installation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The towing test device is divided into independent modular components: a towing vehicle with engine and transmission, a separate trailer with towing rod, and a towed body. Each module can be independently manufactured, tested, and assembled, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full testing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The towing vehicle is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple operations: it can tow different types of bodies (submarines, torpedoes, missiles), conduct various tests (hydrodynamic, acoustic, electromagnetic), and operate at different speeds and depths. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If conventional towing devices are used, then basic towing is achieved, but flexibility in controlling towing depth and speed is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidtesting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The towing vehicle incorporates dynamic control systems including variable speed propulsion engines and adjustable depth control mechanisms. The transmission system allows continuous speed variation, and the towing depth can be dynamically adjusted during operation, providing full flexibility for comprehensive hydrodynamic testing at various conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If complex conventional devices are used, then testing capability is maintained, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the towing system into standardizable modules (vehicle platform, towing mechanism, test equipment), each component can be manufactured using conventional processes and assembled through standardized interfaces. This modular approach reduces production costs while ensuring reliable testing capability through proven subsystem designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11260940B2Underwater towing test device
Publication Date: 2022.03.01 DALIAN UNIV OF TECH
  • US11260940B2 patent drawing
  • US11260940B2 patent drawing
  • US11260940B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An underwater towing test device including a driving mechanism, an observation platform disposed under the driving mechanism, a towing member, and a towed body. The driving mechanism includes an operation platform, an extended platform connected to the operation platform, a crane, a first railing, a lifebuoy, a control center, a power distribution room, and a plurality of bus ports. The operation platform includes two rail grooves disposed in parallel and a moon pool provided with two pool slots on both ends thereof. The crane includes a chassis provided with a plurality of first guide rollers. The first railing is positioned along the edge of the operation platform and the extended platform, with the lifebuoy hanging thereon. The control center, the power distribution room, the plurality of bus ports, and the moon pool are fixedly disposed on the operation platform.