Gravity-Assisted Shackle Release Mechanism for Tether Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for deploying objects from ships, such as winch-driven mechanisms and manual dropping, are imprecise and unsuitable for smaller unmanned vehicles that require autonomous operation without human intervention, necessitating a simple and robust release system for tether lines.
Innovation Solution
A release system with a housing and a shackle mechanism that can be remotely activated via a wireless signal, allowing the tether line to be securely retained and released, featuring a hinge for gravity-assisted rotation from a tether-retention to a tether-release mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional winch-driven mechanisms are used for deploying objects from ships, then deployment can be controlled, but the system becomes too complex for smaller unmanned vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential deployment function from complex winch-driven systems, retaining only the critical components (tether line, release mechanism, shackle) needed for autonomous operation on smaller unmanned vehicles, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining deployment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is designed to automatically release the tether line based on pre-programmed conditions or remote signals, enabling the unmanned vehicle to deploy objects autonomously without requiring complex control systems or human intervention
2Measurement precision
If manual dropping methods are used to deploy objects, then the system remains simple, but deployment precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tether line is pre-positioned and secured to the object before deployment, allowing the vehicle to travel to the precise deployment location and then release the object with accuracy, combining the simplicity of manual handling with the precision of programmed navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The tether line acts as an intermediary that connects the vehicle to the object during transit, enabling precise positioning of the object at the deployment location while maintaining a simple release mechanism that doesn't require complex control systems
3Reliability
If a secure tether retention mechanism is used, then object deployment reliability is improved, but the release mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shackle design uses the gravitational force that could potentially cause premature release as a beneficial mechanism for controlled release - when released, gravity causes the shackle to rotate and open, providing a simple, reliable, and unambiguous release indication without requiring complex sensors or actuators
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 precise and reliable deployment of objects from unmanned vehicles by allowing remote operation of the tether line release, ensuring proper object deployment without human oversight, suitable for smaller unmanned vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the shackle is free to rotate about the hinge under gravity wherein the open end of the shackle rotates to face the side of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A release system for a tether line includes a housing having a side that is at least partially open. A tether lead within the housing is adjacent to the side of the housing. A release mechanism in the housing includes a shackle having a closed end and an open end. The shackle is disposed in the housing at a portion therein that is lower than that of the tether lead. The release mechanism also includes a hinge for mounting the shackle within the housing. In a tether-retention mode, the open end of the shackle faces the top of the housing and the shackle is prevented from rotation about the hinge. In a tether-release mode, the shackle is free to rotate about the hinge under gravity wherein the open end of the shackle rotates to face the side of the housing.