Submarine Ammunition Loading Cradle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for loading and unloading ammunition from submarines through torpedo tubes are delicate, risky, and time-consuming, requiring significant immobilization of the submarine, especially when performed in dry dock conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a frame with an ammunition receiving cradle and pushing/pulling means, allowing precise alignment and transfer of ammunition between the cradle and torpedo tubes, facilitated by a crane for operation while the submarine is afloat, enabling efficient loading and unloading without the need for dry docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional dry dock methods are used for loading and unloading ammunition, then operators can manually handle ammunition through torpedo tubes, but the submarine requires significant immobilization time and the operations are delicate and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cradle as an intermediary device that holds the ammunition and facilitates its transfer between the submarine's torpedo tube and the external environment. The cradle acts as a mediator that enables automated or assisted loading/unloading operations, reducing the need for manual handling and minimizing the time the submarine remains immobilized during these operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical handling systems with an automated or assisted system involving a cradle and potentially robotic or mechanical transfer mechanisms. This substitution reduces the complexity of manual operations and accelerates the loading/unloading process, thereby reducing the time loss associated with submarine immobilization.
2Reliability
If traditional manual operations are used, then operators can handle ammunition directly, but the operations are risky and require precise alignment that is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle serves as a precision intermediary device that ensures accurate alignment between the ammunition and the torpedo tube. By holding the ammunition in a controlled manner and facilitating its transfer through a predetermined path, the cradle maintains the necessary alignment precision, thereby reducing the risk of misalignment and enhancing the safety of the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary alignment actions where the cradle is positioned and configured in advance to ensure proper alignment before the ammunition transfer begins. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the ammunition is loaded or unloaded, the alignment precision is already established, reducing the risk of misalignment during the actual transfer operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the submarine is placed in dry dock for ammunition operations, then torpedo tubes are accessible and operations can be performed, but the submarine cannot conduct missions during this time
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle acts as an intermediary device that enables ammunition loading and unloading operations to be performed while the submarine remains afloat and operational. This eliminates the need to place the submarine in dry dock, thereby maintaining the submarine's mission readiness and productivity while still providing accessible and safe conditions for ammunition operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic ammunition operations where the submarine can remain in a operational state (afloat) rather than being static in dry dock. The cradle facilitates these dynamic operations, allowing the submarine to maintain its mobility and mission readiness while still performing ammunition loading and unloading tasks without requiring prolonged immobilization.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The device (10) has torpedo launching tubes (4a-4c) opening exteriorly on a structure (6), and an ammunition receiving unit cooperated with a chassis frame (12). The receiving unit has a cradle (14) for supporting ammunition (8), where the cradle is cooperated with the frame in such a manner that the cradle is in a transshipment position of the tubes. The cradle is movable with respect to the frame between a service position and the transshipment position. A driving device displaces the cradle with respect to the frame.