Submarine External Cargo Container with Toggle Lever Retainer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smaller submarines face challenges in transporting additional cargo due to limited usable space, making it difficult to load and unload extra equipment without disrupting operations.

Innovation Solution

A detachable transport container is attached to the submarine's hull externally, allowing for increased cargo capacity without reducing internal space, and can be loaded/unloaded on land or at sea, with a secure fastening system that includes a toggle lever mechanism and hydraulic cylinder for emergency detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If additional cargo is stowed within the submarine hull, then cargo transport capacity is increased, but available internal space is reduced and boat operation is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo transport capacityVSAvoidavailable internal space
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cargo storage function from the submarine hull interior and relocates it to an external transport container. This allows the submarine to carry additional cargo without sacrificing internal operational space, as the cargo is transported outside the pressure hull while still being securely attached to the submarine structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions cargo storage from a two-dimensional internal arrangement to a three-dimensional external configuration. By attaching transport containers to the exterior of the submarine hull, the system utilizes external volume that would otherwise be unavailable, effectively increasing cargo capacity without compromising internal space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If additional cargo is distributed throughout the submarine, then cargo transport capacity is increased, but loading and unloading becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo transport capacityVSAvoidloading and unloading time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cargo transport system into modular transport containers that can be independently attached and detached from the submarine. Each container serves as a separate loading unit, allowing cargo to be consolidated in one location rather than distributed throughout the vessel, which significantly reduces loading and unloading time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transport containers are designed with pre-configured attachment mechanisms and positioning systems that enable rapid securing to the submarine hull. This preliminary preparation of the mounting system allows for quick cargo deployment without requiring time-consuming manual installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed cargo storage system is integrated into the submarine hull, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability for different cargo needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcargo configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic cargo storage system where transport containers can be selectively attached and detached from the submarine hull based on mission requirements. The mounting system includes movable and adjustable components that maintain structural stability when containers are attached while allowing flexible reconfiguration or removal of cargo modules as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1783046B1Submarine
Publication Date: 2009.07.15 HOWALDTSWERKE DEUT WERFT AG
  • EP1783046B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1783046B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5

AI summary

The boat has a transportation container (6), which is detachably fastened at a hull using a retainer (4) and accessible from outside. The retainer forms two supports (36,38) with the hull, where the retainer is locked in a retaining position and in a non active position. A latching hook (26) is hinged at the retainer. A knee lever has levers (32,34) hinged at the hook and the retainer, respectively.