Remote Inflation Towing System for Submerged Object Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recovering submerged objects, especially those posing explosion risks like aquatic mines or torpedoes, are hazardous for divers due to the need for direct inflation and handling, and face challenges with depth and accessibility limitations.
Innovation Solution
A remote inflation and towing system using an inflatable object lifting unit connected via a gas-conveying inflation line and a traction line, secured to both the object and a vehicle, allowing for safe and controlled recovery and towing of submerged objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If divers directly inflate inflatable structures connected to submerged objects, then the object can be recovered, but the divers face explosion risks and hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote inflation system where a boat-based inflation device acts as an intermediary to inflate the lifting structure from a distance, eliminating the need for divers to be physically present at the inflation site. The inflation line serves as a mediator to transmit gas from the boat to the submerged object's lifting structure, thereby removing divers from the hazardous explosion risk zone while maintaining operational capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional towing methods are used for heavy or deeply immersed objects, then the object can be recovered, but the method fails when depth exceeds certain limits or accessibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using gas-filled inflatable structures (balloon or parachute) that expand under pressure to generate buoyant force. This pneumatic lifting mechanism enables the recovery of objects at greater depths and in locations with poor accessibility, as the inflatable structure can be deployed from the boat and inflated remotely, overcoming the limitations of traditional mechanical towing methods that struggle with deep or hard-to-reach objects.
3Force
If inflatable structures are used to raise submerged objects, then Archimedes' thrust can lift the object, but the method is insufficient when objects are caught in mud or present explosion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two functional systems into a single integrated recovery apparatus: the inflatable lifting structure (providing Archimedes' thrust for vertical lifting) and the towing system (providing mechanical traction for horizontal movement and extraction from mud). This combination allows the system to first lift objects using pneumatic force and then tow them to safety, overcoming the limitation of inflatable structures alone which cannot provide sufficient traction for objects embedded in mud or require careful handling of explosive items.
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 system enables safe remote inflation and towing of submerged objects, reducing risks to divers and allowing recovery at depths up to 80 meters, with the ability to handle objects that are difficult to access or pose explosion hazards.
Implementation Method 1
an inflation line capable of conveying a gas from at least one gas source to at least one inflatable object lifting unit
Implementation Method 2
Once inflated, under the effect of Archimedes' thrust, the structure or structures filled with gas will drive the object towards the surface
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for recovering and pulling a submerged object (32), capable of being used on a vehicle, in particular a craft (30), and including: an inflation line (1) capable of conveying a gas from a gas source to at least one inflatable unit (31) for raising the object; downstream fastening means (2a, 7a, 7b) for the direct or indirect mechanical fastening of said inflation line (1) to the inflatable unit (31) for raising the object; and upstream fastening means (2b) for the direct or indirect mechanical fastening of the inflation line (1) to an anchoring point on the vehicle (30). The downstream fastening means (2a, 7a, 7b) and the upstream fastening means (2b) are provided on a cable (2") that is part of a pulling line (2) parallel to the inflation line and rigidly connected thereto. The invention also relates to a method for implementing same.