Tuned Deck Simulating Fixture for Marine Shock Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing methods for medium weight Class II equipment in military vessels are costly and logistically challenging due to the need for underwater explosion testing using Floating Shock Platforms, as there is no existing fixture or method to adequately simulate the dynamic environment on a Medium Weight Shock Machine.
Innovation Solution
A Large Displacement, Tuned Deck Simulating Fixture (LTMS) system that integrates a Large Displacement Mechanism (LDM) and a Deck Simulating Fixture (DSF) with a Medium Weight Shock Machine (MWSM), replicating the shock response and movement of a Floating Shock Platform, allowing for cost-effective and safer testing of medium weight equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If underwater explosion testing using Floating Shock Platform is used for medium weight Class II equipment, then the dynamic environment is accurately simulated, but the testing cost and logistical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the Floating Shock Platform environment by mounting the fixture directly to the MWSM anvil, replicating the essential shock and vibration characteristics without requiring actual water or a floating platform. This copying approach maintains the dynamic environment simulation accuracy while eliminating the complexity of underwater testing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting fixture that serves as a mediator between the MWSM anvil and the equipment under test. This fixture includes shock isolators and mounting structures that replicate the interface between equipment and vessel structure, allowing accurate simulation without direct underwater explosion testing.
2Reliability
If Floating Shock Platform testing is used for medium weight Class II equipment, then accurate shock response is achieved, but testing cost increases by at least five times compared to MWSM
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture creates a cost-effective copy of the FSP testing environment by using the existing MWSM infrastructure combined with a specially designed mounting system. This copying approach achieves the same shock response accuracy as FSP testing but at a fraction of the cost by eliminating the need for actual floating platforms and underwater explosive charges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the testing parameters by transitioning from underwater explosion testing to land-based shock machine testing with a specialized fixture. This parameter change maintains the essential shock and vibration characteristics while dramatically reducing testing costs and logistical requirements.
3Loss of energy
If Medium Weight Shock Machine is used for Class II equipment testing, then cost and safety are improved, but the dynamic environment simulation is insufficient without proper fixture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting fixture that serves as a mediator between the MWSM anvil and the equipment under test. This fixture includes shock isolators and mounting structures that replicate the interface between equipment and vessel structure, enabling the MWSM to provide accurate dynamic environment simulation for Class II equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture incorporates dynamic elements including shock isolators and flexible mounting structures that allow the system to respond dynamically to shock inputs, replicating the behavior of equipment mounted on actual vessel structures. This dynamic design enables accurate simulation despite using land-based testing infrastructure.
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 LTMS system significantly reduces testing costs and increases safety by simulating the required shock response of underwater explosion testing on a MWSM, enabling medium weight Class II equipment to be tested in a manner equivalent to Heavyweight testing on a FSP, while maintaining the dynamic environment simulation.
Implementation Method 1
Each one of the vertical movement control structures allows the platform to translate vertically with respect to a second end portion thereof
Implementation Method 2
imparting a shock load vertically on an impingement structure of the anvil
Implementation Method 3
Each one of the hinge assemblies includes two hinge bodies each having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of each one of the hinge bodies are pivotably attached to each other
Implementation Method 4
Class II equipment is required to meet MIL-S-901 standards for shock resistance, but can do so with the use of resilient mounting parts when installed in its proper shipboard position
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus, system and associated method of operation that allows medium weight Class II equipment to be shock tested using a Medium Weight Shock Machine (MWSM) in a manner that adequately simulates the required shock response exhibited when subjected to underwater explosion (UNDEX), Heavyweight testing utilizing a FSP. Advantageously, such an apparatus, system and associated method allows for testing of Class II medium weight (e.g., about 500-4500 lbs.) equipment (e.g., submarine and surface vessel equipment) utilizing an MWSM instead of Heavyweight testing utilizing a Floating Shock Platform (FSP). Testing of Class II medium weight equipment in this manner significantly reduces cost of testing such equipment and increases safety associated with testing such equipment.