Torpedo Power Cable Guide System with Sliding Keeper
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for securing torpedo pre-set power cables often result in snagging during loading and unloading, causing damage and operational impediments due to excess slack and interaction with torpedo tube structures.
Innovation Solution
A guide system with a longitudinal keeper and channel configuration that secures the power cable by sliding along a mating track, controlling slack and preventing snagging, which includes a pivoting mechanism for alternate configurations without a Torpedo Mounted Dispenser (TMD).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hooks and retainers are used to secure the power cable, then the cable is secured during torpedo separation, but excess slack results in snagging during loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static hooks and retainers to a dynamic guide assembly with a movable keeper that slides along a channel. The keeper can move longitudinally within the channel to accommodate cable slack variations during different operational phases (loading, unloading, launch), preventing snagging while maintaining secure cable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide assembly acts as an intermediary device between the cable and the torpedo tube structure. The channel provides a guided path for the keeper, and the keeper itself serves as an intermediary that directly engages with the cable, distributing forces and controlling cable position more effectively than previous direct hook-and-retainer systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the guide assembly with sliding keeper is used, then cable slack is controlled and snagging is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the guide assembly housing, the channel, the keeper with protrusion, and the cable. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance. The channel and keeper can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding mechanism provides dynamic cable management without requiring complex active control systems. The keeper's ability to slide freely along the channel under cable tension and compression forces provides automatic slack management, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control electronics that would increase device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the keeper slides along the channel, then loading and unloading operations are facilitated, but precision of cable positioning must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is designed with specific geometric constraints and the keeper with corresponding protrusions that create natural positioning zones. The mating track geometry ensures that the keeper assumes correct positions during loading, unloading, and launch operations without requiring active control, maintaining cable positioning precision through passive geometric constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding keeper system is self-regulating through its mechanical design. The channel and keeper protrusion geometry automatically guide the cable to correct positions during operations, and the system self-adjusts to cable tension variations without external intervention, maintaining positioning precision through self-service mechanical constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A guide system for securing a torpedo pre-set power cable to move within a torpedo tube is provided. The guide system includes a longitudinal keeper and a guide assembly. The longitudinal keeper secures the power cable and includes a protrusion. A channel of the guide assembly connects to a Torpedo Mount Dispenser such that the channel receives the protrusion with the keeper sliding within and along a length of the channel. An alternate channel connects to a torpedo tube land and is configured to pivot to a stowed position and a deployed position where the channel is configured to receive the protrusion of the keeper such that the keeper slides within and along a length of the channel. When using each of the channels, the power cable can move within the torpedo tube when the protrusion of the keeper with the secured power cable slides within each channel.