Submarine Propulsion Chain Centering Against Hull Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Underwater vehicles experience deformation of their waterproof hulls during immersion, leading to misalignment of propulsion chains, increased noise, seawater leakage, and rapid aging of components due to overloads, which compromises their operational efficiency and acoustic discretion.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a resilient junction between the drive shaft and motor, a sealed front bearing that transmits both longitudinal and transverse forces, and a cooling sealing device to maintain the propulsion chain's centering and reduce mechanical stress, along with a simplified assembly and disassembly method for improved maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the propulsion chain elements are fixed to hull spars in the watertight hull, then the propulsion chain can be assembled and disassembled, but the hull deformation during immersion causes misalignment and overloads on the propulsion chain elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassembly capabilityVSAvoidpropulsion chain alignment and component durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion chain is divided into separate modular components (motor, carrier bearing, main thrust bearing, propeller) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows for easy maintenance while each component can be independently positioned to maintain proper alignment despite hull deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion chain elements are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing them to move relative to the hull spars while maintaining proper alignment. The carrier bearing and main thrust bearing can adjust their positions to compensate for hull deformation during immersion, preventing overloads and misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the propulsion chain elements are fixed to hull spars, then structural support is provided, but hull compression causes vertical movement and decentering of the propulsion chain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidpropulsion chain centering

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier bearing acts as an intermediary element between the motor and the main thrust bearing, providing a flexible connection that can accommodate hull deformation. This intermediary component absorbs the vertical movements caused by hull compression while maintaining the propulsive forces transmission and keeping the propulsion chain centered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fixation is used for the propulsion chain, then structural stability is maintained, but acoustic noise increases due to decentering during hull deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidacoustic noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing components are designed with adjustable parameters that allow them to adapt to changing hull deformation conditions. The carrier bearing and main thrust bearing can change their positional parameters to maintain optimal alignment, reducing mechanical stress and acoustic noise emissions while preserving structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If the propulsion chain remains rigid during hull deformation, then structural integrity is maintained, but seawater leakage occurs into the watertight hull

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidseawater leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3713840B1Submarine vehicle comprising a propulsion chain, and associated method

Publication Date: 2023.05.31 NAVAL GRP

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AI summary

The invention relates to a submarine vehicle (10) comprising an outer hull (20) and a sealed hull (22) surrounded by the outer hull (20), the sealed hull (22) delimiting a sealed space (29), the sealed hull (22) comprising a supporting structure (32) delimiting an opening (36), the submarine vehicle (10) additionally comprising a propulsion chain (26) comprising: - a drive motor (54), - a drive shaft (52) driven by the drive motor (54), the drive shaft (52) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and passing through the opening (36), - and at least one front bearing (59) in rolling contact with the drive shaft (52), the front bearing (59) being rigidly fastened to the supporting structure (32), the front bearing (59) being configured to transmit longitudinal forces between the drive shaft (52) and the supporting structure (32).