Submarine Compressed Air Ejection Layout Using a Shared Reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submarine ejection systems face issues with noise, risk of explosion from defective torpedoes, and inefficiency due to dedicated compressed air reservoirs for weapon discharge, which occupy space and weight.
Innovation Solution
Integrate a shared compressed air reservoir system for both ballast tank emergency inflation and weapon discharge, using a control valve to manage air flow, ensuring redundancy and safety by utilizing existing air reserves for emergency operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated compressed air reservoir is used for weapon discharge, then weapon ejection reliability is improved, but submarine weight and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the ballast tank compressed air reservoir to serve dual purposes: emergency ballast tank inflation and weapon barrel discharge. The control system automatically directs compressed air to either the ballast tanks or weapon barrels based on system needs, eliminating the requirement for a separate dedicated weapon air reservoir and reducing overall submarine weight and space.
2Reliability
If a dedicated compressed air reservoir is used for weapon discharge, then weapon ejection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ballast tank air supply system and weapon discharge air supply system into a single integrated compressed air reservoir. The control system includes automatic detection and directional control mechanisms that manage air flow to either ballast tanks or weapon barrels based on system requirements, simplifying the overall architecture compared to maintaining separate dedicated systems.
3Speed
If compressed air is used for weapon ejection, then ejection speed is improved, but noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes partial compressed air action by directing only the necessary amount of compressed air to the weapon barrel for ejection, rather than continuous or excessive air supply. The control system regulates air flow duration and pressure to achieve sufficient ejection velocity while minimizing noise generation from prolonged or excessive air discharge.
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
Reduces system weight and space by sharing air resources, enhances safety by preventing unintentional ejections, and maintains efficient weapon deployment even with limited air supply.
Implementation Method 1
a first compressed air reservoir (20) is provided in the submarine (10), wherein the first compressed air reservoir (20) is capable of providing sufficient pressure for discharging the at least one weapon (41, 42)
Implementation Method 2
a discharge control (50) is provided, which has a first control state for directing a flow of compressed air from the first compressed air reservoir (20) to the at least one ballast tank (30) and a second control state for directing a flow of compressed air from the first compressed air reservoir (20) to the at least one weapon barrel (41, 42)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a submarine 10, wherein the submarine 10 has a first compressed air reservoir 20, wherein the submarine 10 has a first compressed air consumer, wherein the first compressed air reservoir 20 is connected to the first compressed air consumer, wherein the submarine 10 has at least one first gun barrel 41, characterized in that the first compressed air reservoir 20 is connected to the first gun barrel 41 via a first discharge control 50, wherein the first discharge control 50 has at least one first main control valve 52, wherein the first main control valve 52 has at least one first position and one second position, wherein in the first position no compressed air can flow through the first discharge control 50, wherein in the second position the compressed air from the first compressed air reservoir 20 flows through the first discharge control 50 into the first gun barrel 41.