U.S. patent application number 16/148018 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-02 for dampened capture mechanism.
The applicant listed for this patent is The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy. Invention is credited to Nathan T. Miller, Brandon J. Wiedemeier.
Application Number | 20200102060 16/148018 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69945640 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-02 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200102060 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wiedemeier; Brandon J. ; et
al. |
April 2, 2020 |
Dampened Capture Mechanism
Abstract
A device for capturing underwater vehicles. The device comprises
a cap member connected to a first rib member and a first plate
member connected to the first rib member. The device further
comprises a bell member with a first bell hole formed therethrough.
The first bell member also has a first bell slot formed
therethrough. A damper and a shim are slidably received in the
first bell slot. The first rib member is slidably received in the
first bell hole.
Inventors: |
Wiedemeier; Brandon J.; (San
Diego, CA) ; Miller; Nathan T.; (San Diego,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the
Navy |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69945640 |
Appl. No.: |
16/148018 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 27/36 20130101;
B63C 1/12 20130101; B63G 2008/008 20130101; B63G 9/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B63G 9/02 20060101
B63G009/02; B63C 1/12 20060101 B63C001/12 |
Goverment Interests
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
[0001] The Dampened Capture Mechanism is assigned to the United
States Government and is available for licensing and commercial
purposes. Licensing and technical inquiries may be directed to the
Office of Research and Technical Applications, Space and Naval
Warfare Systems Center Pacific (Code 72120), San Diego, Calif.,
92152 via telephone at (619) 553-2778 or email at ssc_pac
t2@navy.mil. Reference Navy Case 107382.
Claims
1. A device for capturing underwater vehicles comprising: a cap
member connected to a first rib member; a first plate member
connected to the first rib member; a first bell member with a first
bell hole formed therethrough; wherein the first bell member has a
first receiving hole formed therethrough; wherein the first bell
member has a first bell slot formed therethrough; wherein a damper
and a shim are slidably received in the first bell slot; and
wherein the first rib member is slidably received in the first bell
hole.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a second bell member
with a second bell hole formed therethrough; wherein the second
bell member has a second receiving hole formed therethrough;
wherein the second bell member has a second bell slot formed
thereon.
3. The device of claim 2 further comprising a third bell member
with a third bell hole formed therethrough; wherein the third bell
member has a third receiving hole formed therethrough; wherein the
third bell member has a third bell slot formed thereon.
4. The device of claim 3 further comprising a fourth bell member
with a fourth bell hole formed therethrough; wherein the fourth
bell member has a fourth receiving opening formed therethrough;
wherein the fourth bell member has a fourth bell slot formed
thereon.
5. The device of claim 4 further comprising a fifth bell member
with a fifth bell hole formed therethrough; wherein the fifth bell
member has a fifth receiving opening formed therethrough; wherein
the fifth bell member has a fifth bell slot formed thereon.
6. The device of claim 5 further comprising a sixth bell member
with a sixth bell hole formed therethrough; wherein the sixth bell
member has a sixth receiving opening formed therethrough; wherein
the sixth bell member has a six bell slot formed thereon.
7. The device of claim 6 further comprising a seventh bell member
with a seventh bell hole formed therethrough; wherein the seven
bell member has a seventh receiving opening formed
therethrough.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein a damper and a shim are slidably
received in each of the first bell slot, second bell slot, third
bell slot, fourth bell slot, fifth bell slot, sixth bell slot.
9. The device of claim 7 wherein the first rib member is slidably
received in the first bell hole and second bell hole; wherein the
second rib member is slidably received in the third bell hole, the
fourth bell hole, the fifth bell hole, the sixth bell hole; wherein
the third rib member is slidably received in the seventh bell
hole.
10. A device for capturing underwater vehicles comprising: a cap
member connected to a first rib member; a first plate member
connected to the first rib member; a second rib member connected to
the first plate member; a second plate member connected to the
second rib member; a third rib member connected to the second plate
member; a tail member connected to the third rib member; a first
bell member with a first bell hole formed therethrough; wherein the
first bell member has a first receiving hole formed therethrough;
wherein the first bell member has a first bell slot formed thereon;
a second bell member with a second bell hole formed therethrough;
wherein the second bell member has a second receiving hole formed
therethrough; wherein the second bell member has a second bell slot
formed thereon; a third bell member with a third bell hole formed
therethrough; wherein the third bell member has a third receiving
hole formed therethrough; wherein the third bell member has a third
bell slot formed thereon; a fourth bell member with a fourth bell
hole formed therethrough; wherein the fourth bell member has a
fourth receiving opening formed therethrough; wherein the fourth
bell member has a fourth bell slot formed thereon; a fifth bell
member with a fifth bell hole formed therethrough; wherein the
fifth bell member has a fifth receiving opening formed
therethrough; wherein the fifth bell member has a fifth bell slot
formed thereon; a sixth bell member with a sixth bell hole formed
therethrough; wherein the sixth bell member has a sixth receiving
opening formed therethrough; wherein the sixth bell member has a
six bell slot formed thereon; a seventh bell member with a seventh
bell hole formed therethrough; wherein the seven bell member has a
seventh receiving opening formed therethrough; wherein a damper and
a shim are slidably received in each of the first bell slot, second
bell slot, third bell slot, fourth bell slot, fifth bell slot,
sixth bell slot; and wherein the first rib member is slidably
received in the first bell hole and second bell hole; wherein the
second rib member is slidably received in the third bell hole, the
fourth bell hole, the fifth bell hole, the sixth bell hole; wherein
the third rib member is slidably received in the seventh bell
hole.
11. The device of claim 10 wherein the first rib member is parallel
with the second rib member.
12. The device of claim 10 wherein the second rib member is
parallel with the third rib member.
13. The device of claim 10 wherein the cap member is parallel with
the first plate member.
14. The device of claim 10 wherein the first plate member is
parallel with the second plate member.
15. The device of claim 10 wherein the second plate member is
parallel with the tail member.
16. A device for capturing underwater vehicles comprising: a cap
member connected to a plurality of first rib members; a first plate
member connected to each of the first rib members; a plurality of
second rib members connected to the first plate member; a second
plate member connected to each of the second rib members; a
plurality of third rib members connected to the second plate
member; a tail member connected to each of the third rib members; a
first bell member with a plurality of first bell holes formed
therethrough; wherein the first bell member has a first receiving
hole formed therethrough; wherein the first bell member has a
plurality of first bell slots formed thereon; a second bell member
with a plurality of second bell holes formed therethrough; wherein
the second bell member has a second receiving hole formed
therethrough; wherein the second bell member has a plurality of
second bell slots formed thereon; a third bell member with a
plurality of third bell holes formed therethrough; wherein the
third bell member has a third receiving hole formed therethrough;
wherein the third bell member has a plurality of third bell slots
formed thereon; a fourth bell member with a plurality of fourth
bell holes formed therethrough; wherein the fourth bell member has
a fourth receiving opening formed therethrough; wherein the fourth
bell member has a plurality of fourth bell slots formed thereon; a
fifth bell member with a plurality of fifth bell holes formed
therethrough; wherein the fifth bell member has a fifth receiving
opening formed therethrough; wherein the fifth bell member has a
plurality of fifth bell slot formed thereon; a sixth bell member
with a plurality of sixth bell holes formed therethrough; wherein
the sixth bell member has a sixth receiving opening formed
therethrough; wherein the sixth bell member has a plurality of six
bell slots formed thereon; a seventh bell member with a plurality
of seventh bell holes formed therethrough; wherein the seven bell
member has a seventh receiving opening formed therethrough; wherein
a damper and a shim are slidably received in each of the first bell
slots, second bell slots, third bell slots, fourth bell slots,
fifth bell slots, sixth bell slots; wherein the first rib member is
slidably received in the first bell hole and second bell hole;
wherein the second rib member is slidably received in the third
bell hole, the fourth bell hole, the fifth bell hole, the sixth
bell hole; wherein the third rib member is slidably received in the
seventh bell hole; and wherein each first rib member is parallel
with each second rib member; wherein each second rib member is
parallel with each third rib member; wherein the cap member is
parallel with the first plate member; wherein the first plate
member is parallel with the second plate member; wherein the second
plate member is parallel with the tail member.
17. The device of claim 17 comprising eight first rib members.
18. The device of claim 17 comprising six second rib members.
19. The device of claim 17 comprising four third rib members.
20. The device of claim 17 wherein the first receiving hole, second
receiving hole, third receiving hole, fourth receiving opening,
fifth receiving opening, sixth receiving opening, and seventh
receiving opening are concentrically formed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to devices for capturing
vehicles, and particularly to a conical device for capturing
unmanned underwater vehicles traveling at speed.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Prior art unmanned underwater vehicle capture mechanisms
have come in many forms. These include flexible arm arrays, ropes,
netting, sheets, and solid cones. These prior art devices have been
developed to capture vehicles of differing sizing, and have
achieved varying degrees of success. For larger or more delicate
vehicles, capture mechanisms should be compliant. Prior art
non-compliant rigid structures do not guarantee successful,
damage-free capture. When the vehicle hits the capture structure,
there should be some means of dissipating the vehicle's kinetic
energy so that the impact force is lessened. Capture mechanisms
also should be rigid enough in order to hold the vehicle securely
and precisely. Thus, prior art net or rope-based mechanisms are not
sufficient for many applications. The vehicle should also be able
to escape the capture mechanism under its own power. Prior art
designs may not allow the vehicle to escape without external help.
Thus, prior art designs with elements which could snag or bind the
vehicle in place once the vehicle has been captured are ruled
out.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is a device for capturing underwater
vehicles. The device comprises a cap member connected to a first
rib member and a first plate member connected to the first rib
member. The device further comprises a bell member with a first
bell hole formed therethrough. The first bell member also has a
first bell slot formed therethrough. A damper and a shim are
slidably received in the first bell slot. The first rib member is
slidably received in the first bell hole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Throughout the several views, like elements are referenced
using like elements. The elements in the figures are not drawn to
scale, and some dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0006] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of selected elements
of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of selected elements of
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 4A shows a rear perspective view of selected elements
of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 4B shows a rear perspective view of selected elements
of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 5A shows a rear perspective view of selected elements
of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5B shows a rear perspective view of selected elements
of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5C shows a rear perspective view of selected elements
of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5D shows a rear perspective view of selected elements
of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 shows a rear perspective view of selected elements of
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 shows a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of selected elements
of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 shows a side sectional view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an underwater vehicle
docking with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing an underwater vehicle
docking with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] While this invention may be embodied in different forms, the
drawings and this section describe in detail specific embodiments
of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure
is to be considered merely a preferred embodiment of the invention,
and is not intended to limit the invention in any way.
[0022] The present invention is a device for capturing underwater
vehicles 100. FIG. 1. shows a frontal perspective view of an
embodiment of the invention. The device 100 comprises an aluminum
cap member 201 at the front. Additionally, the device 100 comprises
a series of bell members with a gap between each of them. In this
embodiment, there are a total of seven bell members: a first bell
member 301, a second bell member 401, a third bell member 501, a
fourth bell member 601, a fifth bell member 701, a sixth bell
member 801, and a seventh bell member 901. There is an aluminum
first plate member 203 between the second bell member 401 and the
third bell member 501. There is an aluminum second plate member 205
between the sixth bell member 801 and the seventh bell member 901.
At the back of the device 100, there is an aluminum tail member
207.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows the components of the device 100 which serve as
an underlying structural frame which serves as a guide for the
movement of the bell members. In this embodiment, a total of eight
first rib members 202 are attached to the cap member 201 and first
plate member 203. Similarly, a total of six second rib members 204
connect the first plate member 203 with the second plate member
205. Four third rib members 206 connect the second plate member 205
with the tail member 207.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows the underlying structural frame of the device
100 from a rear perspective view.
[0025] FIG. 4A shows a rear perspective view of the first bell
member 301. The first bell member 301 has eight first bell holes
302 formed therethrough. The first bell member 301 also has a first
receiving hole 303 formed therethrough for receiving the underwater
vehicle as it docks. The first bell member 301 also has four first
bell slots 304 formed thereon for receiving dampers 208 and shims
209.
[0026] FIG. 4B shows a rear perspective view of the second bell
member 40. The second bell member 401 has sixteen second bell holes
402 formed therethrough. The second bell member 401 also has a
second receiving hole 403 formed therethrough for receiving the
underwater vehicle as it docks. The second bell member 401 also has
four second bell slots 404 formed thereon for receiving dampers 208
and shims 209.
[0027] FIG. 5A shows a rear perspective view of the third bell
member 501. The third bell member 501 has six third bell holes 502
formed therethrough. The third bell member 501 also has a third
receiving hole 503 formed therethrough for receiving the underwater
vehicle as it docks. The third bell member 501 also has four third
bell slots 504 formed thereon for receiving dampers 208 and shims
209.
[0028] FIG. 5B shows a rear perspective view of the fourth bell
member 601. The fourth bell member 601 has six fourth bell holes
602 formed therethrough. The fourth bell member 601 also has a
fourth receiving opening 603 formed therethrough for receiving the
underwater vehicle as it docks. The fourth bell member 601 also has
four fourth bell slots 604 formed thereon for receiving dampers 208
and shims 209.
[0029] FIG. 5C shows a rear perspective view of the fifth bell
member 701. The fifth bell member 701 has six fifth bell holes 702
formed therethrough. The fifth bell member 701 also has a fifth
receiving opening 703 formed therethrough for receiving the
underwater vehicle as it docks. The fifth bell member 701 also has
four fifth bell slots 702 formed thereon for receiving dampers 208
and shims 209.
[0030] FIG. 5D shows a rear perspective view of the sixth bell
member 801. The sixth bell member 801 has six sixth bell holes 802
formed therethrough. The sixth bell member 801 also has a sixth
receiving opening 803 formed therethrough for receiving the
underwater vehicle as it docks. The sixth bell member 801 also has
four sixth bell slots 802 formed thereon for receiving dampers 208
and shims 209.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows a rear perspective view of the seventh bell
member 901. The seventh bell member 901 has four seventh bell holes
902 formed therethrough. The seventh bell member also has a seventh
receiving opening 903 formed therethrough for receiving the
underwater vehicle as it docks.
[0032] FIG. 7 shows a rear perspective view of the first bell
member 301, second bell member 401, third bell member 501, fourth
bell member 601, fifth bell member 701, sixth bell member 801, and
seventh bell member 902 with four third rib members 206 slidably
received in the seventh bell holes 902.
[0033] FIG. 8 shows a plurality of dampers 208 and shims 209 as
well as the fifth bell member 701, sixth bell member 801, and
seventh bell member 901. The dampers 208 and shims 209 are slidably
received in each bell slot, and create a gap between each of the
bell members. In this embodiment, the dampers 208 are sections of
O-ring cord.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing how the bell members,
frame, and dampers 208 and shims 209 fit together. The first rib
members 202, second rib members 204, and third rib members 206 are
slidably received through the bell holes of each bell member. The
dampers 208 and shims 209 are slidably received in the first bell
slots 304, second bell slots 404, third bell slots 504, fourth bell
slots 604, fifth bell slots 704, and sixth bell slots 804. The
damper 208 sits between each bell member. Each bell member is able
to slide on the rib members. When the cap member 201, first bell
member 301, or second bell member 401 is struck by the underwater
vehicle, the dampers 208 compress, and the gap between each of bell
members is lessened, squeezing out the working fluid (in this
embodiment, seawater). The dampers 208, the masses of the bell
members, and the gap geometry between the bell members can be tuned
to increase the impulse length during the impact, therefore
reducing the deceleration experienced by the vehicle and the peak
forces experienced at both the underwater vehicle and device
100.
[0035] FIG. 10 shows a front perspective view of the device 100
with an underwater vehicle docked. FIG. 11 shows a sectional view
of the device 100 with an underwater vehicle docked. In this
embodiment, when docking, if the vehicle initially does not strike
the cap member 201, first bell member 301, or second bell member
401, then the vehicle initially interfaces with the third bell
member 501. The vehicle's kinetic energy is absorbed into the third
bell member 501, and the gaps between the third bell member 501 and
fourth bell member 601, fourth bell member 601 and fifth bell
member 701, fifth bell member 701 and sixth bell member 801
decreases, squeezing out the working fluid.
[0036] When tuning the dampers 208, the masses of the bell members,
and the gap geometry between the bell members, the largest expected
impact should just bottom the bell members together. The device 100
should be tuned such that the bell members move as much as they can
for lesser impacts.
[0037] Once docking is complete (once the vehicle has come to a
stop), the device 100 relaxes and the bell members return to their
original static and mostly rigid form. This rigidity of the system
allows for precise alignment and docking objectives. When docking
has been completed, or when it is desired to relaunch the vehicle,
the vehicle can be released, swimming through or reversing out. If
the vehicle has mating pins, the pins will need to be released.
Alternatively, various bell members can neck down to hold the
vehicle in place.
[0038] Elements of the device 100 can be made from many available
materials to meet the needs of the vehicle. While in this
embodiment, the bell members were machined from
ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene and the frame members from
aluminum, the various elements can be made from other suitable
materials. Similarly, where the dampers 208 in this embodiment were
segments of O-ring cord, these dampers 208 could be replaced by
springs or other dampers, as well as rubbers of different shapes or
other compliant materials. Alternatively, the bell members
themselves may be made from compliant materials and act as springs.
In this embodiment, a conically shaped first bell hole 302 and
second bell hole 402 facilitate guidance for the vehicle if it errs
in its angle of approach or if it has translational errors. This
shape can be varied and tuned to accommodate different guidance
accuracies of the target vehicle.
[0039] The present invention achieves at least several improvements
over the prior art. To prevent damage to sensitive vehicle
electronics, a compliant structure is used. This is beneficial in
dissipating the relatively large impact energy of larger vehicles.
Additionally, the simple solid materials deform under impact
stress. The rigidity of the structure also ensures that vehicles
will be correctly captured, oriented, and securely held for the
mating of sensitive sensors or communications devices. The lack of
external structures which could catch or bind the vehicle ensures
that the vehicle is able to reverse out under its own power once
the mission is complete.
[0040] From the above description of the present invention, it is
manifest that various techniques may be used for implementing its
concepts without departing from the scope of the claims. The
described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive. The device disclosed herein may
be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically
claimed and/or disclosed herein. It should also be understood that
the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments
described herein, but is capable of being practiced in many
embodiments without departure from the scope of the claims.
* * * * *