Cassette Module for Submarine Hull Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double-hulled submarines face limitations in operational capabilities due to the size and equipment constraints of traditional through tubes, which require careful attachment to maintain mechanical strength and sealing, and existing solutions for additional modules are non-through, reducing accessibility and operational capacity.
Innovation Solution
A functional module in the form of a cassette that can be engaged and removed from a tunnel between the inner and outer hulls, featuring a peripheral fixing tape for secure attachment to the thick hull, allowing access from inside and enhancing mechanical continuity and sealing, while enabling the use of various interchangeable modules such as weapon-launching tubes, personnel launchers, and storage modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional through tubes are used to pass through the thick hull, then access to the external environment is enabled, but mechanical strength and sealing are compromised at the breach points
Solution Approach 1:
The functional module is divided into a cassette portion and an end cap portion that can be separately assembled. The cassette is inserted through the hull breach and secured with a peripheral fixing strip, while the end cap seals the external opening. This segmentation allows the breach to be minimal in size while maintaining structural integrity and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
A peripheral fixing strip acts as an intermediary element between the cassette and the thick hull coaming. This fixing strip distributes the mechanical loads and ensures proper sealing without compromising the hull's structural strength at the breach point.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional functional modules are added to increase operational capabilities, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette design with standardized peripheral fixing strips allows different functional modules (weapon launch tubes, storage modules, drone bays, etc.) to be interchangeably installed in the same tunnel location. This universal interface enables the submarine to adapt to different mission requirements without increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional modules are designed to be removable and interchangeable, allowing the submarine configuration to dynamically adapt to different mission needs. The cassette can be easily replaced in the field, providing operational flexibility without permanent structural modifications.
3Ease of repair
If modules are made removable and interchangeable to facilitate maintenance and adaptation, then ease of repair and adaptability are improved, but reliability of connection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral fixing strip is pre-designed with attachment features that engage with corresponding elements on the thick hull coaming. This preliminary design ensures that when the cassette is installed, the connection is automatically secured with reliable mechanical engagement, maintaining connection integrity while allowing future removal for maintenance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
This underwater vehicle (1), comprising a thick inner hull (2) and a thin outer hull (3) and, at the front of the vehicle, between these two hulls, at least one functional module (5), accessible from inside (6) the thick hull (2) and allowing access to the environment of the underwater vehicle outside the thin hull (3), is characterised in that the functional module (5) is in the form of at least one cassette suitable for being engaged in/withdrawn from a corresponding tunnel (10) of the underwater vehicle (1), extending at the front thereof, between the inner hull (2) of same and the outer hull (3) of same, and in that this module in the form of a cassette (5) comprises, close to the end of same that is accessible from inside the thick hull (2), at least one peripheral attachment plug (11) suitable for being attached to a corresponding coaming (12) of an opening (13) in the thick hull in order to provide it with mechanical continuity and seal it, while allowing access to this functional module from inside the thick hull.