Underwater Vehicle Jettisonable Payload Capsule and Buoyancy Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater vehicle payload release systems face integration challenges, issues with payload exit speed, and buoyancy compensation, leading to inefficiencies and potential disturbances.
Innovation Solution
The system features a substantially vertical well with two parts for the payload, one for the payload and another for buoyancy compensation, connected by disengageable means, with retractable shutters and guiding mechanisms to facilitate smooth release and ascent, using a capsule with positive buoyancy and ballast for efficient launch and ascent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single integrated payload housing is used, then the structure is simple, but the payload cannot be separated from buoyancy compensation means and release control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The payload housing is divided into two separate parts: a first part for receiving the payload and a second part for buoyancy compensation. These parts are connected by disengageable means, allowing independent separation and controlled release of the payload from the buoyancy compensation mechanism.
2Speed
If the payload is released quickly, then the release speed is high, but hydrodynamic and acoustic disturbances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The well includes movable shutters that can be positioned dynamically during payload release. The guiding means provide controlled movement paths, allowing the payload to be released at optimized speeds that minimize hydrodynamic and acoustic disturbances while maintaining efficient release performance.
3Speed
If the well is opened completely for payload release, then the release is fast, but water enters the well causing buoyancy issues
Solution Approach 1:
The well is divided into two separate openings: a first opening at the upper part and a second opening at the lower part. This segmentation allows the payload to be released through the upper opening while the lower opening remains closed or opens separately, preventing water from entering the well and compromising buoyancy stability.
4Ease of manufacture
If integration on board is simplified, then the system is easier to install, but payload release and buoyancy compensation become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates a first receiving means and a second receiving means as separate but coordinated components. The disengageable connection means allow these integrated components to separate reliably when needed, maintaining both integration simplicity and release reliability.
5Volume of moving object
If the payload housing is compact, then the space utilization is high, but the payload ascent speed may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the payload housing from the buoyancy compensation means into distinct parts, the system achieves compact integration during storage while allowing full deployment of buoyancy compensation capabilities during ascent, optimizing both space utilization and ascent speed.
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
This solution ensures seamless integration, controlled release, and efficient buoyancy compensation, reducing hydrodynamic and acoustic disturbances, and freeing up other launch systems for diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
capsule with positive buoyancy adapted to be launched from the upper part of the well
Implementation Method 2
buoyancy compensation means comprise ballast adapted to be dropped from the lower part of the well
Implementation Method 3
the or each upper or lower part of the well is associated with a retractable shutter when releasing the payload-forming means, movable between an active position for closing the well and a retracted position for opening the latter, the shutter and the corresponding part of the well through which the payload is released, comprise means for guiding the latter during its release and its exit from this well
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The vehicle (1) has a jettisonable payload forming unit (3) with a positive buoyancy capsule (4) to receive a payload e.g. anti-air missile, and a disconnectable ballast (5) to form a compensation unit to compensate the buoyancy of the payload. The capsule and the ballast are connected by a maintaining unit that is formed of a flange, a capsule support surface and a tear-away pin. The maintaining unit maintains the forming unit in a vertical hole (2), and is disconnectable to allow separation and release of the capsule and the ballast by upper and lower parts of the hole, respectively.