Automated Towed Sonar Coupling Mechanism for Safe Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Towed sonars pose challenges due to their heavy weight and small allowable radius of curvature, requiring large winches and limited space on small watercraft, which complicates safe and easy deployment and hauling, especially in rough seas where manual intervention is risky.
Innovation Solution
An automated deployment device with a connection unit for mechanical, electrical, and optical coupling/decoupling of the towed sonar to the towing cable, featuring a sliding guide and motor-driven rubber conveyor belt to manage the towing line, ensuring fully automatic operation and reduced operator risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection and detachment of the towed body to the towing cable is used, then the deployment device can be simpler, but operator safety is compromised and intervention is required at the stern edge in heavy seas
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automatic coupling and uncoupling mechanisms. The towed body automatically connects to and disconnects from the towing cable without operator intervention, using automated winch systems and coupling mechanisms that eliminate the need for manual handling at the stern edge during deployment and retrieval operations
Solution Approach 2:
An automated coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the towed body and towing cable. This intermediary system includes automated connectors, winch drums, and control systems that mediate the connection and disconnection processes, allowing safe automated operation without direct operator contact with the stern edge equipment
2Stability of the object's composition
If a large and heavy winch structure is used to securely mount the towed sonar, then the towed sonar can be stably mounted, but space constraints on small vessels are exacerbated and operator maneuvering room is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system is segmented into multiple functional components distributed along the vessel. Instead of one large centralized winch, the system uses distributed winch drums, cable routing mechanisms, and modular coupling stations that can be positioned along the deck and hull, reducing peak space requirements while maintaining towing stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional deck-mounted winch to a three-dimensional arrangement that utilizes vertical space and hull integration. Winch drums are positioned at multiple heights and locations, with cable routing through guides and fairleads that extend into the water and along the hull, effectively using volumetric space rather than just deck area
3Strength
If the towing line is guided through a sliding guide with conical widening, then excessive curvature is prevented, but the complexity of the sliding guide structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding guide incorporates a conical widening section that gradually increases the opening diameter along the towing line path. This curved, tapered geometry naturally guides the towing line through a controlled arc, preventing sharp bends and excessive curvature while the line passes through the guide structure during deployment and retrieval operations
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a reeling device for releasing and retrieving a towed array sonar (4) towed in water (6). The reeling device comprises a connection unit (15) arranged on at least one tow cable (12/14), said connection unit being designed to allow a towed body (8) to be automatically coupled to, or uncoupled from, the tow cable (12/14). In addition, the connection unit (15) according to the invention comprises two coupling units (72, 74) which are arranged at a distance from one another and which can be used to create a respective detachable coupling of the towed body (8) and the tow cable (12/14), in particular an electrical and/or optical connection and a mechanical coupling. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for releasing and retrieving a towed array sonar (4).