Underwater Projectile Launching Ramp with Propellant Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing launching devices for underwater projectiles from watercraft are complex, require significant space and energy, and can cause unwanted gas bubbles and control issues due to the need for compressed air or piston mechanisms, and may not function reliably in underwater environments.
Innovation Solution
A launching device with a ramp and propellant deflection unit that activates the propulsion unit of an underwater running body while it is enclosed, allowing it to be launched vertically or obliquely without compressed air, and includes a propellant deflection unit to direct emissions away from the platform, reducing the risk of gas bubbles and improving control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed air or piston mechanisms are used to launch underwater projectiles, then the projectiles can be launched from watercraft, but the device becomes complex and generates unwanted gas bubbles that cause control issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the compressed air system and piston mechanisms from the launching device, extracting the harmful elements that cause complexity and gas bubble generation. The propulsion unit is activated directly in the water without requiring these mechanical launching components, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining reliable launching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressed air and piston launching system with a direct water-based propulsion activation. Instead of using mechanical forces from compressed air to launch the projectile, the system activates the propulsion unit directly in the water environment, substituting a complex mechanical system with a simpler water-based activation method.
2Productivity
If compressed air mechanisms are used for launching, then projectiles can be launched, but significant space and energy are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bulky compressed air storage tanks and piston mechanisms from the device, significantly reducing the volume required for the launching system. By removing these large mechanical components and using direct water-based propulsion activation, the device achieves launching capability with minimal space requirements.
3Device complexity
If propellant emissions are not directed away from the platform, then the launching device is simpler, but gas bubbles cause control issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a propellant deflection unit as an intermediary component that redirects exhaust gases and propellant emissions away from the watercraft platform. This simple deflection mechanism prevents gas bubbles from interfering with platform control systems while adding minimal complexity to the overall device.
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 provides a simpler, more reliable, and space-efficient method for launching underwater running bodies, reducing the risk of gas bubbles and improving control by directing propellant emissions away from the platform, allowing for faster acceleration and more precise targeting.
Implementation Method 1
The underwater running body to be launched comprises a propulsion unit which can be activated and, after activation, converts a fuel into propellant, emits the propellant produced and is moved through the water by the emission of the propellant
Data Source
AI summary
A launching device and associated methods can be utilized to launch an underwater running body from a platform such as a watercraft. The launching device may include a ramp, which extends along a longitudinal ramp axis, and a propellant deflection unit. The ramp may enclose an underwater running body with a propulsion unit underwater. The launching device may activate the propulsion unit, which then emits a propellant. The propellant deflection unit deflects the emitted propellant into an outlet direction. This outlet direction of the propellant may be directed perpendicularly or obliquely away from the platform.