Torpedo Umbilical Cord Cutting Device Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torpedo umbilical cord cutting devices generate noise due to swirl in the laminar flow around the torpedo as it moves through the water, compromising stealth capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A cutting device with a movable flap that transitions from a raised work position to a withdrawn rest position, minimizing its profile and reducing swirl, is integrated with a flat rotary member and hinge mechanism to cut the umbilical cord efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flap is positioned crosswise to the rotary member in the work position, then the umbilical cord can be effectively guided and cut, but the device generates noise due to swirl in the laminar flow around the torpedo
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is designed to be movable between two positions: a raised work position crosswise to the rotary member for effective umbilical cord guidance and cutting, and a withdrawn rest position substantially coplanar with the rotary member to minimize profile and reduce noise-generating swirl in the water flow. This dynamic repositioning allows the device to optimize performance during operation and minimize harmful effects during transit.
2Reliability
If the flap remains in the raised work position, then the cutting function is maintained, but the torpedo's stealth capability is compromised due to detectable noise
Solution Approach 1:
The flap's ability to dynamically transition between raised and withdrawn positions enables the device to maintain cutting function reliability when needed while preserving the torpedo's stealth capability during transit by minimizing hydrodynamic noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap operates periodically, being in the raised position only during the brief moment when umbilical cord cutting is required, and withdrawn during the majority of the torpedo's transit time, thus minimizing overall noise generation while ensuring cutting function availability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for cutting the umbilical cord (3) of a torpedo (4), and having: a substantially flat rotary member (10) defining a peripheral cutting portion (13) and having a hinge hole (14) by which to hinge it to an outer surface of the torpedo (4); and a flap (16) connected to the substantially flat rotary member (10) and defining an eye (17) through which to thread the umbilical cord (3). The flap (16) is movable between a raised work position, in which the flap (16) is crosswise to the substantially flat rotary member, and a withdrawn rest position, in which the flap (16) is substantially coplanar with the substantially flat rotary member (10).