Modular Watercraft Tower With Tilted Walls for Flexible Sensor Fit-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need for smaller, multi-functional military watercraft that can adapt to various tasks while minimizing cost and size, with existing radar and radio towers lacking flexibility and modularity.
Innovation Solution
A modular transmission and reception tower system for watercraft, featuring interconnected tower modules with tilted vertical walls, power and data lines, and interchangeable devices for electromagnetic radiation, designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, with auxiliary elements to reduce radar cross-section and enhance modularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a watercraft is equipped with all necessary radar and radio functionalities to fulfill multiple functions, then the versatility and adaptability of the platform is improved, but the platform size, cost, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting and receiving tower is divided into multiple interchangeable modules, each containing specific electronic devices for different functions (radar, radio, electro-optical sensors, etc.). This segmentation allows the watercraft to be equipped with only the modules needed for specific tasks, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular tower design creates a universal platform where different functional modules can be interchangeably mounted on a standard base structure. The same physical tower structure can support various combinations of radar, radio, and sensor modules, allowing one platform to fulfill multiple different functions without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed towers are used for radar and radio equipment, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability for different tasks are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is segmented into modular units that can be independently installed, removed, or replaced. Each module maintains its own structural integrity while connecting to the base structure through standardized interfaces, allowing flexible reconfiguration without compromising the overall structural stability of the platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design transforms the static, fixed tower into a dynamic system where modules can be added, removed, or repositioned based on mission requirements. The standardized connecting surfaces and mechanical fastening systems ensure that the structure remains stable during operation while allowing for dynamic reconfiguration between different functional configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic devices are integrated into the tower structure, then functionality is enhanced, but the number of control units and system complexity onboard the watercraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electronic devices (radar, radio, electro-optical sensors, power supplies, control units) are merged into integrated modular packages. Each tower module contains its own embedded control electronics and power management systems, consolidating what would otherwise be separate distributed systems into unified, self-contained units that reduce overall control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized module interface allows a universal control architecture to manage diverse electronic devices. The modular design enables different combinations of functional devices to be controlled through consistent communication protocols and interfaces, reducing the complexity that would arise from managing multiple separate control systems for different equipment types.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If tower modules are designed with tilted walls to reduce radar cross-section, then detection resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tilted wall structure for radar cross-section reduction is implemented as an integrated feature of each modular tower section rather than as a separate precision component. The segmentation allows the angled geometry to be manufactured and pre-aligned within each module, reducing the cumulative precision requirements compared to assembling multiple angled components to achieve the same radar-deflecting effect.
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
Enables flexible configuration and efficient use of resources by allowing interchangeable modules with integrated electronics, reducing the need for extensive onboard control units and optimizing range and functionality without increasing platform size or cost.
Implementation Method 1
Horizontally incident radar beams are thus reflected upward at an angle that corresponds to twice the value of the angle between the vertical and the tower wall, and are thus reflected away from the transmitter.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a watercraft (10) with a modular transmitting and receiving tower (20), the watercraft (10) having a first connection surface (90) in a first connection plane, the first connection plane being oriented horizontally. The modular transmitting and receiving tower (20) has at least one first tower module (30), the first tower module (30) having a first lower connection surface (100) and a first upper connection surface (102), the first lower connection surface (100) and the first upper connection surface (102) being arranged plane-parallel to one another and exactly one above the other, the first lower connection surface (100) being designed for connection to the first connection plane, and the first upper connection surface (102) being functionally identical to the first connection surface (90). The first tower module (30) has at least one first substantially vertical tower wall (50), the first tower wall (50) having an angle to the vertical, the angle between the first tower wall (50) and the vertical being between 4° and 45°, preferably between 8° and 30°, particularly preferably between 10° and 25°, the surface normal of the first tower wall (50) having an upwardly directed component. The first tower module (30) has at least one power supply line running from the lower connection surface (100) to the upper connection surface (102), the first tower module (30) having at least one data line passing from the lower connection surface (100) to the upper connection surface (102), the first tower module (30) having at least one first device for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic radiation (70).