Submarine Payload Ejection via Cable Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torpedo launch systems face issues with compressed air leakage through the slot in the piston tube, reducing the fluid pressure and force used for launching, and existing solutions struggle to provide a perfect seal while allowing piston movement.

Innovation Solution

A payload deployment system using a piston tube with a cable connected to an ejection element via a sealing mechanism, where the cable passes through a hole of similar diameter to prevent gas or fluid leakage, and compressed air is supplied to the piston chamber to move the piston and eject the payload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a slot is provided in the piston tube to allow piston projection to extend through, then the piston can move along the piston tube to eject the torpedo, but compressed air leaks through the slot reducing fluid pressure and launch force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepiston movementVSAvoidcompressed air leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A cable acts as an intermediary element, transmitting force from the piston to the torpedo ejection mechanism externally, eliminating the need for a slot in the piston tube. The cable passes through a sealed aperture, preventing compressed air leakage while maintaining force transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The direct mechanical connection through a slot (piston projection extending through slot) is replaced with a cable-based mechanical transmission system. The cable transmits the ejection force from the piston to the torpedo mechanism without requiring direct mechanical contact through the piston tube wall, thereby preventing gas leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a tongue seal is provided along the slot to prevent compressed air leakage, then fluid pressure is maintained, but it is virtually impossible to provide a perfect seal while permitting piston projection to travel along the slot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidpiston movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing problem is completely eliminated by extracting the slot from the piston tube design. Instead of attempting to seal around a moving piston projection, the system uses a cable that passes through a sealed aperture, removing the conflicting requirements of sealing and movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable serves as an intermediary that transmits force without requiring a slot in the piston tube. The aperture through which the cable passes can be properly sealed, maintaining both sealing effectiveness and force transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the cable hole diameter is similar to the cable diameter to prevent gas leakage, then sealing is improved, but the cable may be difficult to pass through and install

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidcable installation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is pre-installed through the piston tube aperture during the assembly process before the system is sealed and pressurized. This preliminary installation action allows for proper sealing to be achieved without compromising the ease of cable installation, as the cable is in place before final sealing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system effectively transmits force to the ejection element, ensuring efficient ejection of payloads by preventing gas leakage and maintaining pressure, while allowing for compact design and adjustable speed and force ratios.

Implementation Method 1

a cable connected between the piston and the ejection element, the cable passing through an aperture of the piston tube into the piston chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

means for supplying compressed gas or fluid to the piston chamber, thereby to move the piston in the piston tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

the cable passing through an aperture of the piston tube into the piston chamber; A sealing mechanism, where the cable passes through a hole of similar diameter to prevent gas or fluid leakage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS7997224B2Payload deployment system for a submarine

Publication Date: 2011.08.16 BABCOCK IP MANAGEMENT NUMBER ONE LTD

AI summary

A payload deployment system for a vessel, such as a submarine, which includes a cable extending between a piston in a piston tube and an ejection element in an ejection tube, wherein the ejection tube is suitable for holding the payload, such as a torpedo. The system is arranged such that movement of the piston in the piston tube causes movement of the cable which, in turn, exerts a force on the ejection element to move it in the ejection tube to eject the payload from the ejection tube.