Submarine Cover Linkage for Stable Upward Hatch Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submarine lid opening mechanisms are unstable under external forces, particularly when open, and face issues with dirt ingress and unintentional closure, especially for upward-facing openings, which can be destabilizing and damaging.
Innovation Solution
A lid opening mechanism featuring a rotary drive with a linkage mechanism, including a crank, rocker arm, and coupling with a thrust element and drive element, utilizing a spring-mounted stop and disc spring assembly to stabilize the cover and prevent unintended closure, while compensating for manufacturing tolerances and external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the opening is positioned higher in the conning tower, then the submarine's center of gravity is improved (lowered), but the stability of the submarine deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles through the linkage mechanism design, where the crank and rocker arm create mechanical leverage to balance the cover's weight and external forces. The offset crank mechanism generates counteracting moments that stabilize the cover in the open position, effectively creating a mechanical counterweight system that compensates for the high center of gravity issue.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is designed to open upwards against gravity, then the boarding function is improved, but the risk of unintentional closure due to wave impacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through the spring-mounted stop mechanism that pre-positions the cover in a stable dead center location before wave impacts occur. The spring stop is预先 configured to engage at specific angles, creating preliminary mechanical restraint that prevents unintentional closure. This proactive positioning ensures the cover is ready to resist external forces before they act upon it.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism with crank and rocker arm creates preliminary anti-action by generating counteracting forces that oppose potential wave-induced closure. The mechanical leverage system is designed to produce restraining moments that counterbalance external forces before they can cause unintended closure, effectively applying preliminary anti-action to prevent the harmful effect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the linkage bearings are exposed to seawater for rotational movement, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the risk of dirt ingress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses grease supply lines as intermediary elements that deliver lubrication to the linkage bearings exposed to seawater. The grease acts as a mediator between the bearing surfaces and the harsh marine environment, creating a protective film that prevents dirt and water from directly contacting the bearing surfaces while maintaining rotational flexibility. This intermediary protection allows the bearings to operate flexibly without direct exposure to harmful contaminants.
4Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent unintentional closure, then the cover position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the existing linkage mechanism by integrating the spring-mounted stop into the crank-rocker arm assembly. Rather than adding a separate locking device, the stop is combined with the linkage components themselves, allowing the same mechanical elements that provide motion control to also provide positioning stability. This merging approach achieves reliable dead center positioning without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 mechanism ensures stable operation of submarine lids under external forces, preventing unintentional closure and minimizing dirt ingress, noise, and damage from wave impacts, while maintaining a secure, open position.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a spring-mounted stop and disc spring assembly to stabilize the cover and prevent unintended closure
Implementation Method 2
A locking device for the cover is provided, which is designed in a simple manner and which reliably compensates for manufacturing tolerances and external forces
Implementation Method 3
The first rotary drive and the first cover are frictionally connected via a first linkage mechanism. The first rotary drive is frictionally connected to the first crank. The first cover is frictionally connected to the first rocker arm.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a submarine with at least one first opening 130 between the interior of the submarine and the surrounding water area, wherein the first opening 130 is connected to a first cover 120, wherein the first opening 130 can be closed with the first cover 120, wherein the first cover 120 is rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation 70, wherein the submarine has a first rotary drive 10, wherein the first rotary drive 10 is placed on a second axis of rotation 80 and its drive shaft is rotatably mounted thereon, wherein the first axis of rotation 70 and the second axis of rotation 80 are parallel and offset from each other, wherein the first rotary drive 10 and the first cover 120 are frictionally connected via a first linkage 20, wherein the first linkage 20 comprises a first crank 50, a first rocker arm 40 and a first coupling 60.wherein the first rotary drive 10 is frictionally connected to the first crank 50, wherein the first crank 50 is rotatably mounted about the second axis of rotation 80, wherein the first cover 120 is frictionally connected to the first rocker arm 40, wherein the first rocker arm 40 is rotatably mounted about the first axis of rotation 70, wherein the first crank 50 and the first rocker arm 40 are frictionally connected to each other via the first coupling 60, wherein the first rocker arm 40 is rotatably connected to the first coupling 60, wherein the first crank 50 is rotatably connected to the first coupling 60.