Underwater Vehicle Fin Socket With Canted Spring Quick Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fin replacement systems for underwater vehicles require tools and complex procedures, making them time-consuming and difficult, especially in field conditions, and can disrupt hydrodynamic control surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A replacement fin system utilizing a shaft and socket with a canted coil spring that allows toolless installation and removal, using a spacer to prevent over-insertion and a dual-groove design for easy extraction, ensuring minimal disruption to hydrodynamic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If existing fin replacement systems are used, then fins can be replaced, but the process requires tools and complex procedures making it time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fin replacement system enables operators to perform replacements without external tools or specialized assistance. The spring-loaded latch mechanism automatically engages and disengages when the fin is inserted or removed, eliminating the need for tool-assisted fastening or loosening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement system divides the fin assembly into separable components: the fin body, the shaft with circumferential grooves, and the spring-loaded latch mechanism in the socket. This segmentation allows the fin to be quickly detached and replaced without manipulating complex fastening systems.
2Ease of repair
If existing fin replacement systems are used, then fins can be replaced, but specialized training is required and procedures are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be intuitively operable without specialized training. The spring-loaded latch automatically engages when the fin is inserted and releases when pulled, providing immediate tactile feedback that guides the operator through the replacement process without requiring knowledge of complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fin shaft and the socket. It automatically transitions between engaged and disengaged states based on the physical action of insertion or removal, eliminating the need for operators to manipulate complex fastening systems or follow intricate procedures.
3Ease of repair
If existing fin replacement systems are used, then fins can be replaced, but hydrodynamic control surfaces are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential grooves are pre-formed on the shaft at specific locations to ensure proper alignment and seating of the fin during installation. This preliminary structuring guarantees that the fin achieves correct hydrodynamic alignment immediately upon installation, eliminating the need for post-installation adjustment that would disrupt control surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a spring-loaded elastic latch mechanism. This substitution provides more consistent and reliable positioning of the fin, ensuring stable hydrodynamic characteristics without the variability introduced by manual fastening procedures.
4Productivity
If rapid fin replacement is implemented, then replacement time is reduced, but reliable retention of the fin must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latch mechanism utilizes elastic deformation of the spring material to provide reliable retention. The circumferential grooves on the shaft engage with the spring latch, creating a mechanical interlock that maintains secure attachment during operation while allowing rapid release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch changes its physical state between compressed (engaged) and relaxed (disengaged) positions. This parameter change allows the system to transition from a high-retention state during operation to a low-retention state during replacement, enabling both reliable retention and rapid replacement.
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
Facilitates rapid and toolless fin replacement with reduced mean time to repair, no specialized training required, and maintains hydrodynamic stability, avoiding pressure-related issues in underwater environments.
Implementation Method 1
A canted coil spring is retained in the spring recess. The inner diameter of the spring can change from a smaller diameter to a larger diameter when the shaft is installed in the socket.
Data Source
AI summary
A replacement fin for an underwater vehicle includes a fin defining a socket that includes a bore of a first diameter and an internal spring recess of a larger diameter. A coil spring is retained in the spring recess and has coils of an elongated coil shape. The coil spring can occupy a first canted position in which the coils are canted in a direction generally into the bore and the coils can occupy a second canted position in which the coils are canted in a direction generally out of the bore. The UUV has a post that can include at least one circumferential recess configured to engage the coil spring, and which can function as a lock in some canted orientations of the spring. Alternately, the socket is defined in the UUV and the fin includes a post sized to be received in the socket.