Towing Device Tilting Structure Torque Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handling and towing devices for submersible objects are excessively heavy due to the need to withstand exceptional lateral forces from high waves and underwater obstacles, leading to increased mass and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A handling and towing device with a tilting structure that pivots about two axes, featuring a stabilizing mechanism to allow rotation when torque exceeds a threshold, reducing mechanical forces and enabling a lighter structure by articulating about a second axis when lateral loads become excessive, thus minimizing the mass of the support and its fixing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the structure is reinforced to withstand exceptional lateral forces from high waves and underwater obstacles, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the mass of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the rigid, fixed structure into a dynamic system with two degrees of freedom (pitch and yaw rotation). The handlebar assembly can rotate about a first axis (pitch) and the rotary part can rotate about a second axis (yaw), allowing the structure to adaptively respond to lateral forces rather than resisting them statically. This dynamic capability enables the use of lighter materials while maintaining strength, as the structure can reorient itself to accommodate exceptional forces from high waves or underwater obstacles without requiring excessive reinforcement.
2Reliability
If the structure is made rigid to withstand exceptional forces, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between reliability and complexity by implementing a dynamic system with controlled degrees of freedom. Rather than creating a complex rigid structure with multiple reinforcement elements, the invention uses a streamlined cable and a handlebar assembly with rotational joints that provide the necessary adaptability. The stabilizing device adds minimal complexity while ensuring the system returns to its operational position after experiencing exceptional forces, thus maintaining reliability without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the structural configuration to change in response to external forces. The handlebar assembly can change its orientation parameters (pitch angle and yaw angle) when subjected to lateral forces, transforming from a fixed rigid structure to an adaptable system. This parameter change capability enables the structure to maintain reliability under exceptional conditions while avoiding the need for complex reinforcement, as the system naturally adjusts its configuration to accommodate the forces rather than resisting them.
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 device reduces mechanical forces and mass, allowing for a more lightweight handling and towing system that can withstand exceptional lateral forces while maintaining stability and safety during submersible operations.
Implementation Method 1
a tilting structure (6) supported by said support and able to pivot with respect to the support about a first axis (x1) parallel to said plane
Implementation Method 2
a stabilizing device able to be in an operational configuration in which it is configured to keep the rotary part (61) of the tilting structure (6) in a deployed position with respect to the support as long as a torque of the relative pivoting between the rotary part (61) and the support about the second axis is below or equal to a predetermined threshold
Implementation Method 3
allow the rotary part, equipped with the first guide device, to rotate with respect to the support about the second axis once a torque of relative pivoting between the rotary part and the support about the second exceeds said threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A device for handling and towing a submersible object includes a tilting structure with a support, to pivot about a first axis parallel to a horizontal plane, and equipped with a guide device, a pivot connection about a second axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first axis, to allow a rotary part of the tilting structure to rotate relative to the support, the rotary part having the guide device, a stabilizing device to keep the rotary part in a deployed position relative to the support provided a torque of the relative pivoting between the rotary part and support about the second axis does not exceed a predetermined threshold, to allow the rotary part, equipped with the guide device, to rotate relative to the support about the second axis once a torque of relative pivoting between the rotary part and support about the second exceeds the threshold.