Submarine Quick-Loading System with Tilt Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to enable rapid and efficient loading of supplies onto submarines with reduced crew sizes, given the cramped conditions and need for minimal port time, while existing technologies are limited to manual loading due to geometric constraints.

Innovation Solution

A rapid loading system comprising a sliding element, rail element, and connecting element that allows for horizontal and vertical tilting, enabling the system to navigate through submarine aisles and bulkheads, with features like spherical base bodies and rotatable rollers for low-friction movement, and a method involving installation, connection, movement, and deployment of containers through hatches or weapon barrels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual loading is used due to cramped conditions, then loading can be performed with simple equipment, but loading time is excessive and productivity is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading system is divided into modular components: container units, sliding elements, connecting elements, and rail elements. Each component is independently designed and can be assembled/disassembled, enabling rapid deployment while maintaining simplicity. The segmentation allows the system to achieve automated loading capability without requiring a complex integrated mechanism throughout the entire loading process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding elements are designed to be movable along the rail elements, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to the cramped and irregular interior geometry of submarines. This dynamic capability enables automated container transport through narrow corridors and around obstacles without requiring a complex fixed infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the crew size is reduced to meet operational requirements, then operational efficiency improves, but the ability to perform manual loading deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading efficiency per crew memberVSAvoidoperational capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container loading system is designed to be self-servicing through automated mechanisms. Containers are automatically transported along rails by sliding elements, and connecting elements automatically engage and disengage containers from the system. This self-service capability allows a reduced crew to manage loading operations without requiring extensive manual intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite fewer personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding elements and connecting elements act as intermediaries between the containers and the submarine's interior structure. These intermediary components automate the complex coordination required for loading, translating simple crew actions into coordinated multi-component operations, thereby enabling a small crew to perform tasks that would otherwise require many more personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If fixed rail systems are installed to enable automated transport, then loading speed improves, but adaptability to irregular submarine geometry deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport speedVSAvoidgeometric adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding elements are designed to move freely along the rail elements, allowing the system to dynamically navigate the irregular and cramped interior geometry of submarines. The rails can be installed along existing corridors and pathways, and the sliding elements adapt to these fixed routes while maintaining automated transport capability. This dynamic design enables the system to achieve both speed and adaptability without requiring a completely flexible or movable rail structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This system allows a small crew to quickly load supplies by optimizing mobility and force distribution, ensuring efficient use of space and reducing loading time within submarines.

Implementation Method 1

The spherical basic shape allows for a compact design that provides the high mobility required inside the submarine. Furthermore, this design is optimally designed to absorb the forces that occur.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling motion: Roller

Implementation Method 2

In the sense of the invention, sliding includes all low-friction forms of movement against each other and also includes the rotatably mounted rollers which perform a rolling movement.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3526114B1Quick-loading system for a submarine
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 THYSSENKRUPP MARINE SYST GMBH
  • EP3526114B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3526114B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3526114B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a quick-loading system for a submarine (10) consisting of a first container (20) and a first rail element (30), where the quick-loading system comprises a first sliding element (100) and a first connection element (40), the first sliding element is designed to slide in the first rail element, the first connection element can be connected to the first sliding element and the first container, the first container can be arranged such that it is suspended beneath the rail element by means of the first connection element and the first sliding element, the first sliding element consists of a first base element and a second base element, the first and the second base elements respectively comprise a base body (110) and a first sliding body, the first sliding body is arranged on the base body, the base body of the first base element is connected to the base body of the second base element by means of a connecting shaft (120), and the connecting shaft allows the base body of the first base element to tip horizontally and vertically in relation to the base body of the second base element.