Shipboard Submergible Vehicle Launcher With Tilted Alignment Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for loading and launching submergible vehicles from ships are labor-intensive and dangerous due to human involvement with heavy and large vehicles, necessitating improved, automated, and safe solutions.

Innovation Solution

A launcher system mounted on a ship's hull that can retain and release submergible vehicles at varying angles, using a bottom member for loading, an alignment fixture for precise positioning, and a top member for secure retention, allowing for automated launch based on commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual loading and launching methods are used, then human participation allows for direct control and monitoring, but labor intensity and danger increase due to heavy vehicle weight and size

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The launcher system is designed to autonomously retain, position, and launch vehicles without human intervention. The system self-adjusts the launcher orientation, self-aligns the vehicle using alignment fixtures, and self-releases the vehicle upon receiving a launch command, eliminating the need for human workers to manually handle heavy vehicles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system. The launcher uses mechanical fixtures, alignment devices, and controlled release mechanisms to perform functions that previously required human workers to physically manipulate heavy vehicles, thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining operational control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the launcher is tilted to a raised orientation for launching, then the vehicle can be launched at an optimal angle, but the loading process becomes more complex requiring adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunch efficiencyVSAvoidlauncher adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The launcher is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing it to change orientation from a horizontal loading position to a raised launch position. The launcher includes adjustable support structures and positioning mechanisms that enable smooth transitions between different operational angles, optimizing both loading and launch phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The launching process is divided into distinct phases: a horizontal loading phase where the vehicle is easily loaded, and a raised launch phase where the launcher is tilted to the optimal launch angle. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while improving launch efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If alignment fixtures are used to precisely position the vehicle, then launch accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional alignment components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle alignment accuracyVSAvoidalignment fixture system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Alignment fixtures serve as intermediary components between the vehicle and the launcher. These fixtures provide reference points and mechanical guides that ensure precise vehicle positioning without requiring complex measurement and adjustment systems. The fixtures act as a simple yet effective mediation mechanism achieving high alignment accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250360993A1Apparatus, And Methods Of Use, For Launching Vehicles From Ships

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

Launching devices, kits, systems and methods. Embodiments may include devices for launching submergible vehicles from the top surface of the hull of ships. A launcher may retain vehicles at varying angles prior to launch. A bottom member may receive the vehicle and may have legs welded to the ship. The launcher may be tilted at varying angles, including a horizontal orientation for loading the vehicle and a raised orientation for launching the vehicle. The position of the loaded vehicle may be aligned by rotating the vehicle within the bottom member. An alignment fixture may engage alignment protrusions or slots on the exterior surface of the loaded vehicle. A top member may be attached to secure the aligned vehicle within the launcher. Upon command, the secured vehicle may be launched from the ship by releasing and enabling the vehicle to slide off of the bottom member into the water below.