Underwater Friction Welding Buoyancy Module for Diver Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable friction welding systems are cumbersome for divers due to their high apparent underwater weight, which hinders efficient underwater repair and installation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A buoyancy module is integrated with the friction welding tool to reduce the apparent underwater weight, comprising a compressible air bladder, hard-shell buoyancy module, or syntactic foam, connected through an engagement system that aligns the center of buoyancy with the combined center of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable friction welding tool is used for underwater operations, then welding capability is provided, but the apparent underwater weight is high making it cumbersome for divers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by integrating a buoyancy module with the friction welding tool. The buoyancy module generates an upward buoyant force that counteracts the downward gravitational force (apparent weight) of the tool assembly. This allows the tool to be easier for divers to handle underwater by reducing the net force the diver must exert to control the tool's position and movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the tool assembly by adding a buoyancy module that alters the overall density and apparent weight characteristics. The buoyancy module is designed to provide a specific buoyant force that compensates for the tool's weight, effectively changing the weight parameter from a high apparent weight to a reduced apparent weight state that is more manageable for divers.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the center of buoyancy is aligned with the center of gravity, then handling stability is improved, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry in the engagement system design to achieve stable alignment between the center of buoyancy and center of gravity. The engagement system includes asymmetric features such as a biased engagement mechanism that naturally guides the buoyancy module into the correct position relative to the tool assembly, ensuring proper alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement system is designed to self-align the buoyancy module with the tool assembly during attachment. The biased engagement mechanism automatically positions the center of buoyancy in alignment with the center of gravity when the module is attached, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or complex alignment procedures by the diver.
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 system significantly reduces the apparent underwater weight, enhancing diver handling and operational efficiency during underwater friction welding operations, allowing for more effective and efficient repair and installation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
providing a buoyancy module and connecting the buoyancy module to the friction welding tool through an engagement. Combined, the friction welding tool and engaged buoyancy module form a portable friction welding tool system having less apparent underwater weight than the friction welding tool alone
Data Source
AI summary
A method and buoyancy system are disclosed for facilitating diver directed underwater friction welding (also known as friction welding) operations. Various illustrative embodiments of the method, buoyancy system and combined portable friction welding system and buoyancy provisions are disclosed for improving ease of diver use in making underwater joints.