Sonobuoy Carousel Retention Layout for Compact Aircraft Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonobuoy containment and release devices are limited in capacity, prone to misalignments due to vibrations, and inefficient in releasing sonobuoys of varying sizes, leading to safety and efficiency issues during aircraft deployment.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable carousel with overlapping lower and upper portions, each equipped with seats and switchable retaining elements that stabilize sonobuoys laterally and guide them for correct expulsion, using sensors and a processing unit to optimize the release process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a rotating drum with limited seats is used to contain sonobuoys, then the device dimensions can be kept compact for aircraft mounting, but the capacity to contain sonobuoys is extremely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer drum structure to a three-dimensional carousel structure with multiple levels (upper and lower decks). This vertical stacking arrangement allows the device to contain a larger number of sonobuoys without significantly increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby resolving the contradiction between containment capacity and device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel structure nests multiple seating arrangements within a compact cylindrical volume. The upper and lower decks are nested vertically within the same horizontal envelope, maximizing the use of available space while maintaining a compact overall dimensions suitable for aircraft mounting.
2Quantity of substance
If retaining members are made separable to double the loading capacity for small or medium-sized sonobuoys, then more sonobuoys can be contained, but safety and retention efficiency during transport are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members are segmented into multiple independent elements (first and second retaining members) that can independently engage with the sonobuoy. This segmentation allows each element to provide redundant retention, enhancing safety while maintaining the ability to contain more sonobuoys through the multi-level carousel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining members are designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing dynamic adjustment for loading and retention. During transport, the retaining members remain in the engaged position to provide secure retention, while during loading they can be moved to allow sonobuoy insertion, thus maintaining both safety and operational flexibility.
3Productivity
If the device rotates in a single fixed direction to align sonobuoys with the expulsion opening, then the rotation mechanism is simple, but the release time is considerably increased due to inefficient alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation system is made dynamic and adaptive, capable of changing rotation direction based on the position and orientation of the sonobuoy in the seat. The processing unit controls the rotation mechanism to rotate in the direction that most efficiently aligns the sonobuoy with the expulsion opening, thereby reducing release time while managing complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where the processing unit monitors the position of sonobuoys in the seats and adjusts the rotation direction accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize alignment efficiency by rotating in the appropriate direction (clockwise or anticlockwise) based on real-time conditions, improving release speed while managing complexity through automated control.
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 device efficiently retains and releases multiple sonobuoys of varying sizes, preventing misalignments and optimizing the release process by aligning them with the shortest path to the expulsion opening, ensuring safe and efficient deployment.
Implementation Method 1
sonobuoys, which have a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section, are released by the device and made to pass under gravity through an expulsion opening obtained on the aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
A device for containing and releasing sonobuoys, comprising a carousel rotatable about a respective axis X of longitudinal extension and having a lower portion and an upper portion, each of which endowed with a plurality of seats for housing respective sonobuoys; each seat comprising a support system for supporting the sonobuoy from below; characterised in that each seat further comprises a plurality of retaining elements, each of which switchable between a configuration of laterally retaining a respective sonobuoy, wherein it defines in the seat a housing volume for the sonobuoy, and a configuration of access to the seat in order to house the sonobuoy in the seat.