Submarine Sensor Guide Polygonal Cross-Section Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide structures for submarine sensors are heavy, prone to delamination under compression, and costly to produce, while seeking a lighter, stronger, and more compact solution that is easy to install and assemble.
Innovation Solution
A guide apparatus with a polygonal cross-section and prismatic elements at its vertices, forming sliding surfaces that distribute stress and prevent compression, allowing for the use of composite materials while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional guide structures with flat walls are used, then the guide can support sensor loads, but the structure becomes very heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is segmented into a triangular prism framework with discrete structural elements (sides and diagonals) rather than solid flat walls. This segmentation maintains load-bearing capacity while reducing material usage and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials in the construction of the guide structure, combining different materials to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the structure to be lighter while maintaining the ability to support sensor loads.
2Weight of stationary object
If composite materials are used to reduce weight, then the guide becomes lighter, but the structure is prone to delamination under compression
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure uses prismatic forms with triangular cross-sections and curved reinforcement elements. The prismatic geometry distributes compressive forces along the edges and vertices rather than concentrating them on flat surfaces, preventing delamination of composite layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure implements local quality enhancement by adding diagonal reinforcements and specific structural details at critical locations (vertices and edges) where compression forces are highest, while maintaining lighter composite material usage in less stressed areas.
3Strength
If conventional heavy guide structures are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but production cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide is designed as an assembly of discrete prismatic elements (sides and diagonals) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation simplifies production by allowing modular manufacturing and reduces overall complexity compared to forming large monolithic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat wall structures to three-dimensional prismatic forms with triangular cross-sections. This dimensional change creates inherent structural stability through the geometry itself, reducing the need for additional bracing and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
4Weight of stationary object
If the guide structure is made lighter, then inertial loads are reduced, but the structure may compromise stress resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The prismatic geometry with triangular cross-sections and the strategic placement of diagonal elements create a structure that efficiently channels stress along its edges and vertices. This geometric configuration maintains high stress resistance while using minimal material, achieving light weight without compromising structural performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A guide apparatus for supports (20) for sensors (30) able to move by translation in fixed guides (10) integral with the sail (Ia) of submarines (1) and the like upon activation of an actuator (40), where the fixed guide (10) has a polygonal cross-section, at each vertex (10b) of the guide (10) there being at least one structure with the shape of a prism (11) extending in the vertical direction (Z-Z) along the entire body of the guide, the prismatic elements (11) extending towards the inside of the guide (10) in such a way as to form at least two sliding surfaces (12) for corresponding sliding blocks (22) belonging to the tube (20) to be moved by translation.