Tow Cable Line Cutter for Sonar Array Debris Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Towed sonar arrays are susceptible to damage from debris and flotsam in maritime domains, leading to reliability issues and downtime for maintenance or replacement.

Innovation Solution

A line-cutter apparatus is mounted on the tow cable, featuring a clam-shell structure with blades that can cut through fishing lines and other debris, reducing the risk of damage to the vibration isolation module and towed array.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the towed array is deployed in debris-filled maritime domains, then the array can perform sonar detection operations, but the array is susceptible to punctures and damage from flotsam and debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of towed sonar arrayVSAvoiddamage from flotsam and debris

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A line-cutter apparatus is introduced as an intermediary device mounted on the tow cable between the ship and the towed array. This apparatus actively cuts fishing lines and debris before they can reach and damage the VIM or array, serving as a protective mediator that eliminates the harmful interaction between debris and the array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The line-cutter apparatus performs preliminary action by cutting potential harmful lines and debris ahead of time, before they can contact and damage the VIM or towed array. This proactive approach prevents damage rather than responding to it after occurrence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the VIM is placed closest to the ship for vibration isolation, then it can effectively isolate vibrations, but it becomes the first component exposed to damage from flotsam

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration isolation effectivenessVSAvoidexposure to flotsam and debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The line-cutter apparatus serves as a mediator positioned on the tow cable that actively eliminates threats before they reach the VIM. This allows the VIM to maintain its optimal position for vibration isolation while being protected from debris by the cutting apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The line-cutter performs preliminary cutting of debris and fishing lines before they can reach the VIM, allowing the VIM to remain in its vulnerable but necessary position closest to the ship for effective vibration isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the towed array is retrieved and repaired or replaced after damage, then the array can be restored to operational condition, but significant time is lost in the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational availabilityVSAvoidtime for retrieval, repair, and redeployment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The line-cutter apparatus performs preliminary action by preventing damage before it occurs, eliminating the need for subsequent retrieval, repair, or replacement operations. This proactive protection maintains continuous operational availability without time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The line-cutter converts the potential harm of debris contact into benefit by actively cutting lines and debris, transforming the threat into a protective function that prevents downtime and maintains operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If multiple line-cutter apparatuses are used in series, then the probability of successfully cutting debris increases, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuccess rate of cutting debrisVSAvoidnumber of line-cutter apparatuses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The line-cutter apparatus is designed as a modular unit that can be deployed in series. Each unit is a self-contained segment with its own cutting elements, allowing multiple identical modules to be attached at different positions on the tow cable to increase coverage and effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows parameter changes in the number of line-cutter units deployed. Operators can adjust the quantity of apparatuses in series based on the debris density and operational requirements, optimizing the balance between reliability and complexity for each specific situation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11338890B1Line cutter apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

AI summary

A line-cutter apparatus capable of being mounted on a tow cable is provided. A body is formed from two releasably coupled housings having a central bore when combined. A plurality of longitudinal grooves are formed in the body that divide the body into a respective plurality of longitudinal segments. Guard portions on the body correspond to the longitudinal segments. The body has fin portions that correspond to the longitudinal segments. Blades corresponding to the segments are received within the body and have a cutting edge that protrudes into one respective passageway of a longitudinal segment.