Submersible Retrieval Centering via Positioning Currents
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of safely retrieving an unmanned underwater vehicle from a mother submersible is complicated by water movements and relative movements between the two submersibles, often resulting in uncontrolled movements and potential damage during the hauling-in process.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tender garage and positioning nozzles generates centering flows to guide the unmanned underwater vehicle into the garage, using a funnel-shaped arrangement and a pickup head with suction flow to ensure safe and controlled retrieval, minimizing collisions and hydrodynamic drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional retrieval methods are used without positioning currents, then the retrieval process is simpler, but the unmanned vehicle cannot be reliably centered and may collide with the tender garage walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic positioning currents generated by nozzles to center the unmanned vehicle in the tender garage entrance. The currents create hydrodynamic forces that push the vehicle laterally toward the center position, enabling reliable retrieval without mechanical contact or complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces potential mechanical positioning or guiding mechanisms with a fluid dynamic system. Instead of using mechanical arms, guides, or physical contact points to center the vehicle, the system uses positioning currents that create a virtual guiding field, reducing mechanical complexity and improving safety.
2Productivity
If the unmanned vehicle approaches the tender garage at higher speed, then the retrieval process is faster, but the vehicle experiences greater hydrodynamic drag and更难 to control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic positioning currents to maintain vehicle control during approach. The currents are adjusted to counteract hydrodynamic forces at different approach speeds, allowing the vehicle to be centered reliably regardless of its forward speed, thus maintaining both productivity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning currents are dynamically adjusted in terms of flow rate and direction based on the vehicle's approach speed and position. By changing the parameters of the hydraulic system, the system adapts to different operational conditions, maintaining effective control across a range of speeds.
3Reliability
If positioning nozzles are placed close to the gate edge, then the centering effect is stronger, but the risk of water jet hazards and structural interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning nozzles are placed in the funnel casing area, which acts as an intermediary space between the gate edge and the vehicle. The funnel structure channels and distributes the positioning currents, providing a safe distance from the gate edge while maintaining effective centering through the shaped flow pattern created by the funnel geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system uses the three-dimensional space of the funnel casing to achieve centering. Instead of placing nozzles directly at the gate edge in two dimensions, the system utilizes the volumetric space within the funnel, directing currents from multiple angles and positions to create a comprehensive centering effect while maintaining safe distances from critical structures.
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 solution effectively centers and safely retrieves the unmanned underwater vehicle, reducing the risk of damage and improving the efficiency of the hauling-in process by using positioning flows and suction to guide the vehicle into the tender garage.
Implementation Method 1
flow conditions are specifically created in the entrance area of the tender garage by introducing positioning currents, which have a centering effect on the hull of the approaching unmanned vessel
Implementation Method 2
one or more positioning nozzles through which a positioning flow generated by pumping devices is discharged into the entrance area
Implementation Method 3
The positioning nozzles are each located in the casing area of a funnel that widens in the entrance area
Implementation Method 4
a pickup head for receiving the underwater vehicle, wherein the pickup head is positioned in the area of the gate during retrieval of the underwater vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for hauling in an unmanned submersible. In order to ensure that an unmanned secondary submersible 2 is hauled safely into a primary submersible 1, hauling into a tender garage 4 for receiving the submersible 2 is provided according to the invention, wherein the submersible 2 is centred in an entry region 7 in front of a door 5 of the tender garage 4 by means of at least one positioning flow 8 which is generated outside the peripheral region of the door 5 and is directed into the entry region 7. Subsequently, the submersible 2 is guided into the tender garage 4.