Underwater Elevating Apparatus Latch Unit Cable Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater elevating apparatuses face issues with unexpected cable payout due to self-buoyancy, loose cables leading to apparatus malfunction, excessive cable tension, and corrosion, which affects data accuracy and apparatus safety, especially in stormy conditions.
Innovation Solution
An underwater elevating apparatus with a latch unit having hooks that seize a stopper to control cable payout, a sheave mechanism to detect cable tension and looseness, and a sacrificial electrode to prevent corrosion, along with a hydraulic gauge to detect water surface state and prevent surfacing during storms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the cable is made thin to reduce underwater resistance, then the cable is less affected by tidal action, but the cable becomes easily broken under excessive tension during stormy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a latch unit that proactively prevents cable payout before excessive tension can occur. The latch unit monitors cable position and automatically engages to prevent the cable from being paid out during stormy conditions, thereby protecting the thin cable from breaking while maintaining its low resistance advantage.
2Productivity
If the underwater elevating apparatus is surfaced to conduct observations, then important vertical direction observations can be carried out, but the apparatus is tossed about by heavy waves and the cable is excessively tensed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the apparatus to dynamically adjust its depth based on sea conditions. The winch can pay out or reel in the cable to maintain the apparatus at optimal observation depths, while the latch unit provides automatic protection during stormy conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the apparatus to conduct observations when conditions permit while avoiding damage during stormy periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the winch operates without electric current supply to improve transmission efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but the cable is not spooled or paid out and the apparatus cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing a latch unit that automatically engages when the winch stops operating. The latch unit monitors the cable position and automatically latches the cable to prevent unwanted payout or spooling, eliminating the need for continuous electric current supply while maintaining cable control. This allows the apparatus to be passively secured without ongoing power consumption.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the cable is paid out naturally by self-buoyancy when electric current is not supplied, then the apparatus can rise to the surface, but the cable is unexpectedly paid out and the apparatus surfaces unexpectedly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a latch unit that continuously monitors cable position and provides automatic feedback control. When the winch stops operating or the apparatus begins to rise due to self-buoyancy, the latch unit detects the change in cable tension or position and automatically engages to prevent unexpected payout. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable depth control while allowing passive operation without continuous power supply.
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
Prevents unexpected cable payout and surfacing, ensures accurate cable length measurement, reduces power consumption, and enhances corrosion resistance, allowing for stable and efficient long-term underwater operations.
Implementation Method 1
a winch provided to the frame for spooling and paying out of the cable; and a latch unit provided to the frame having a plurality of openable and closable hooks surrounding the cable for causing the winch to stop spooling of the cable while causing the plurality of hooks closed to seize the stopper
Implementation Method 2
a sacrificial electrode to prevent corrosion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an underwater elevating apparatus, wherein the cable is not paid out unexpectedly by self-buoyancy while waiting underwater, excessive paying out of the cable may be prevented by a latch unit having simple mechanisms, and electric power does not be used needlessly. An underwater elevating apparatus (1), which rises or descends together with a flame (10) having an underwater observation apparatus (80) and buoyancy bodies (12) connected through a cable (11) anchored to the bottom, comprises: a stopper (51) halfway attached to the cable (11) at a lower position than the frame (10); a winch provided to the frame (10) for spooling and paying out of the cable (11); and a latch unit (30) provided to the frame (10), having opening or closing a plurality of hooks surrounding the cable (11), for causing the winch to stop spooling of the cable (11) while causing the plurality of hooks closed to seize the stopper (51) on the basis of a trigger according to pressure and contact with the stopper (51) by spooling thereof, and for causing the winch to start paying out of the cable from the plurality of hooks opened on the basis of the trigger by release of the stopper (51).