Open Housing Mast Support Structure for Submarine Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hoistable mast support structures for underwater vehicles are bulky due to their transverse framing, which increases the overall size and complexity when multiple masts are installed, and lack efficient resistance to environmental stresses.
Innovation Solution
A support and guide structure with open housings perpendicular to the hoisting direction, utilizing a central upright and side uprights with guide rails and fixing arms, allowing for a common support for multiple masts and reducing bulkiness while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If four walls frame each mast transversely to form a housing, then the mast is securely held and guided, but the support structure becomes bulky and complex when multiple masts are installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual mast housings into a single integrated support structure. Instead of providing separate four-wall enclosures for each mast, the invention creates one common support structure with multiple open housing spaces that accommodate several masts simultaneously, reducing overall volume while maintaining guidance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple distinct housing spaces within a single integrated body. Each housing space is open in a second direction and contains guide means for a specific mast, allowing individual mast guidance while sharing the common support structure and reducing redundancy.
2Reliability
If separate supports are used for each mast, then each mast has dedicated support and guidance, but the assembly operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mast support functions into a single integrated support structure that can accommodate and assemble multiple masts simultaneously. This unified structure allows all masts to be installed in one assembly operation rather than requiring separate assembly operations for each mast support.
Solution Approach 2:
The common support structure serves multiple functions: it provides guidance, support, and positioning for multiple masts simultaneously. The structure is designed to universally accommodate different masts while maintaining dedicated housing spaces and guide means for each one.
3Volume of stationary object
If open housing spaces are used instead of enclosed walls, then the support structure becomes less bulky, but resistance to environmental stresses may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure applies different structural qualities to different regions: the housing spaces are open to reduce bulk, while the uprights and guide means maintain sufficient structural strength. The guide rails and complementary guide elements provide localized reinforcement where mast interaction occurs, ensuring environmental stress resistance without requiring full enclosure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a supporting and guiding structure, comprising a support (14) provided with means (24) for translatory guidance in a hoisting direction (Z) for at least two masts (12), said support defining a housing space (22) for each of said masts (12), and means (29) for fixing the support over a structural part (15) of the submarine vehicle. Each housing space (22) is open in all planes perpendicular to the hoisting direction (Z), in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to said hoisting direction (Z).