DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to maintenance, repair, and testing of mast in submarines. More particularly, the present invention relates to a testing jig for maintenance, repair, and testing of Search Optronic Mast (SOM) in submarines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Search Optronic Mast (SOM) is most widely used in submarines for viewing outside water when a submarine is submerged or surfaced in sea. SOMs are usually fitted with cameras for viewing submarine activity. They are located on the bridge fin of a submarine.

[003] While most widely used application of SOMs are on submarines, SOMs are also used in underground bunkers, military water towers, Naval Light Houses for Coast Guard application and similar. The SOMs are fitted with three cameras inside, comprising of Infra- Red camera, Thermal camera, and Night-vision camera.

[004] In view of the harsh surroundings in which SOMs operate, SOMs requires frequent maintenance. Maintenance of SOMs involves nitrogen scavenging, glass cleaning, glass checking, cable check-up, motor rotation checking, and other cleaning operations. However, these activities need to be performed when the submarine is at sea. Thus, regular maintenance of said SOM is a tedious process as they are located on the submarine bridge fin which is aero-foil shaped. Further, the said SOM unit is mounted adjacent to various other plurality of masts which makes the maintenance activity tedious. Thus, due to space congestion, it is very difficult to carry out maintenance activity or defect identification and rectification processes with precision on the site of SOM.

[005] Conventional technology for carrying out maintenance activity of SOM in submarine requires bridge fin scaffolding and hanging ropes.

[006] Thus, there is a need of a support member which will enable to easily carry out the maintenance, repair, and testing of SOM.

[007] The present invention thus discloses a search optronic mast testing jig for maintenance, repair, and testing of SOM’s.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[008] The present invention relates to a test jig for Search Optronic Mast for easily carrying out maintenance, repair, and testing of the SOM.

[009] It is an object of the present invention to avoid onboard maintenance, repair and testing of the SOM fixed on a submarine bridge fin.

[010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a smooth and safe method to carry out maintenance, repair, and testing of the SOM in a workshop.

[011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a strong and reliable testing jig which eliminates vibration and imbalance.

[012] It is another object of the present invention to eliminate the use of hanging rope and bridge fin scaffolding of submarine.

[013] The present invention discloses a test jig for repair, maintenance, and testing of search optronic mast in submarines, mainly comprising an SOM support tube; a nitrogen scavenging hole provided on said SOM support table; a fitting base provided on one end of said SOM support tube; a support member provided on the other end of said SOM support tube to withstand vibration; and, a platform to affix said SOM support tube along with said support member.

[014] Further, said strengthening support according to the present invention comprises, a hand-hole for cable connector fitment and a cable.

[015] Further, said testing jigs according to the present invention, provide convenience, better performance and accuracy in operations including maintenance repair and testing.

BRIEF DESCIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[016] The figures below shown an exemplary embodiment:

Figure 1 illustrates a test jig for maintenance, repair, and testing of SOM in submarines
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of said test jig comprising the fitting base
Figure 3 illustrates a side view of said test jig

List of reference numerals
Part ref Description
1 Fitting base
2 Nitrogen scavenging hole
3 SOM support tube
4 Strengthening support member
5 Hand hole for cable connector fitment
6 Cable
7 Platform
10 Test jig

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[017] The invention is described herein in detail with the help of figures appended at the end of the specification. The figures illustrate the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments that define the scope of the present invention. However, it may be understood that the figures presented herein are intended to exemplify the scope of the invention only. The person skilled in art may note that by no means the figures limit the scope of the invention. Any variation in the drawings by any other person will be falling in the scope of the present invention.

[018] As illustrated in Figure 1, said jig (10) comprises a SOM fitting base (1); a nitrogen scavenging hole (2) on a SOM support tube (3) affixed on a platform (7) within a strengthening support (4) is disclosed. The said jig (10) further comprises a cable (6), and a hand-hole (5) for said cable (6) as shown in the figure 1.

[019] Further, figure 2 illustrates the top view of said test jig (10) comprising the fitting base (1); and, figure 3 illustrates a side view of said test jig (10).

[020] The present invention provides a system and method to easily carrying out maintenance, repair, and testing of search optronic mast fixed on a submarine bridge fin. The present invention further provides a strong and reliable testing jig which eliminates vibration and imbalance.

[021] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a test jig (10) for search optronic mast in submarines, comprising, an SOM support tube (3); at least one nitrogen scavenging hole (2) provided on said SOM support table (3); a fitting base (1) provided on one end of said SOM support tube (3); a support member (4) provided on the other end of said SOM support tube (3); and, a platform (7) to hold said SOM support tube (3) along with support member (4).

[022] In a same preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said SOM support tube (3) is held on to said platform (7) using a strengthening support (4) to withstand vibration.

[023] In a same preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a said strengthening support (4) comprises at least one hand-hole for cable connector fitment (5) and at least one cable (6).

[024] In a same preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said jig (10) is made up of material selected from mild steel.

[025] In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said test jig can withstand weight up to 600 kgs.

[026] In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said jig comprises a provision for cable connector and nitrogen scavenging hole (2) to prevent and withstand vibrations during maintenance and testing.

[027] In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the dimensions of said test jig is 1330 mm in height, 290 to 360 mm in diameter, 5 to 8 mm in thickness.

[028] The search optronic mast test jig of Figure 1 as in the present invention has many advantages. There is no need to build a scaffolding as the bridge fin for repair and maintenance of the search optronic mast in submarines. The present operation using said test jig further prevents and eliminates vibration. Further, any imbalance of the bridge fin and resultant restrict problems and damages are avoided using said test jig of the present invention. Furthermore, said test jig provides smoother and safer operation compared to use of a hanging rope. The said search optronic mast test jig can be also used for underground bunkers, military watch towers, naval light house for cost guard application, etc.
,CLAIMS:1. A test jig (10) for search optronic mast in submarines, comprising,
an SOM support tube (3);
at least one nitrogen scavenging hole (2) provided on said SOM support table (3);
a fitting base (1) provided on one end of said SOM support tube (3);
a support member (4) provided on the other end of said SOM support tube (3); and,
a platform (7) to hold said SOM support tube (3) along with support member (4).

2. The test jig (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said SOM support tube (3) is held on to said platform (7) using a strengthening support member (4).

3. The test jig (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said strengthening support member (4) comprises at least one hand-hole for cable connector fitment (5) and at least one cable (6).

4. The test jig (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said jig (10) is made up of material selected from mild steel.