Towed Array Position Controller with Retractable Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Towed linear hydrophone arrays tend to sink at low speeds due to their weight, causing uneven sensor performance and increased risk of collision with the sea floor or underwater obstructions, and existing methods to steer them out of a submarine's wake are not always feasible or effective.
Innovation Solution
A position controller apparatus with retractable wings that attach to a towed underwater cable, featuring independently adjustable wing actuators and airfoil surfaces to provide lift and steer the array, ensuring it remains afloat and positioned optimally relative to the submarine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the array is towed at low speeds, then energy consumption is reduced, but the array sinks due to weight of the tow cable and array itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by deploying wings that generate aerodynamic lift to counteract the weight of the tow cable and array. The wings produce an upward force that balances the downward gravitational force, preventing the array from sinking at low towing speeds without requiring additional ballast or increased towing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the position controller by transitioning the wings from a retracted configuration (when not needed) to an extended configuration (when lift is required). This parameter change allows the system to adapt to varying towing speeds and depth requirements, maintaining array position stability across different operating conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the array sinks, then the aft end rides deeper than the fore end, but this causes sensor performance to suffer
Solution Approach 1:
The wings generate lift force that counteracts the weight-induced sagging of the array. By providing upward support at the position controller, the wings maintain the array's horizontal orientation, ensuring that sensors remain at their designed depths and orientations for optimal performance.
3Reliability
If the array sinks, then collision risk with sea floor or underwater obstructions increases, but this cannot be prevented by submarine maneuvers alone
Solution Approach 1:
The wings provide continuous lift support that actively prevents the array from sinking toward the sea floor or obstructions. This passive safety mechanism operates automatically based on towing speed, eliminating the need for complex active control systems or frequent submarine maneuvers to maintain safe array depth.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wings are added to prevent sinking and steer the array, then array positioning capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wings serve multiple functions: they generate lift to prevent sinking, provide steering capability through differential deployment, and can be adjusted for different towing speeds and array positions. This multi-functionality is achieved within a relatively simple structure that integrates with the existing position controller housing and actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing system is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the sweep angle and deployment extent to be modified based on operating conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables the same wing structure to handle various towing speeds, array configurations, and steering requirements without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
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 prevents sinking and allows for effective steering of the array out of the submarine's wake, maintaining sensor performance and reducing the risk of damage by utilizing lift and buoyancy forces to counteract the weight of the array, even at low towing speeds.
Implementation Method 1
A first wing actuator, which is disposed within the body and coupled to the root of the first wing, rotates the first wing on a first axis of rotation. The wing rotates from a stowed position within the elongated body to operational positions wherein the wing tip is outside the elongated body.
Implementation Method 2
maintaining sensor performance and reducing the risk of damage by utilizing lift and buoyancy forces to counteract the weight of the array
Data Source
AI summary
A position controller capable of controlling the depth or lateral position of a towed array. The position controller comprises a tubular fuselage from which a pair of wings may be extended over a range of sweep angles between fully open and stowed positions. In fully or partly open positions, two wings present a positive angle of attack relative to the axis of the fuselage. In the stowed position, the wings are fully retracted into a wing receptacle within the fuselage for unfettered passage into and out of a submarine on the array deployment and retrieval handling system.