DESC:RELATED PATENT APPLICATION(S):

This application claims priority to and benefits from Indian provisional patent application No. 202241057933 filed on October 10, 2022; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention generally relates to recovery mechanism for light weight practice torpedo after mission sequence is completed. Particularly, the present invention relates to the dead weight dump mechanism for light weight torpedo. It creates positive buoyancy for a negative buoyant torpedo ensuring easy recovery of the torpedo by reducing the recovery time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

A torpedo is a cigar shaped projectile that is used to attack under submarine or boats. The torpedoes are used in a variety of military applications for example surveillance, reconnaissance, navigation, and defense. The torpedoes are sophisticated and expensive weapons, and when tested fired for practice, training, quality assurance or experimentation, it is required to recover the torpedo. After a torpedo has completed its task, it is difficult to locate in the underwater.

Highly accurate global positioning system (GPS), location system and radio frequency (RF) communication links are not available underwater. This makes the locating of an underwater torpedo inaccurate resulting in a slow recovery and an increased likelihood the underwater torpedo will be lost, damage or stolen.

Since torpedo is unmanned craft, it is necessary that any device which assists in location and recovery of the torpedo be entirely self-actuating. The existing mechanisms for conversion of a negative buoyant torpedo to a positive buoyant are balloon recovery mechanism, hot gas enclosed in a sleeve etc. Some existing prior arts related to the above mechanism are as follows:

US Patent No. US8448592B2 discloses external rescue and recovery devices and methods for underwater vehicles which includes a modular rescue device configured to attach to an underwater vehicle, such as with a tow line. The rescue device can include one or more emergency mechanisms that can be automatically and/or manually activated to aid in detecting the location of the underwater vehicle in the event of an emergency. One exemplary emergency mechanism includes a buoyancy mechanism, e.g., an expandable lift bag, configured to be inflated with a fluid to add buoyancy force to the system to pull the underwater vehicle toward a water surface. Another exemplary emergency mechanism includes a signaling mechanism configured to signal the underwater vehicle's location. The drawback in the expandable mechanism is complex which includes a very high-pressure air bottle used to inflate expandable lift bag, firing valve and associated assemblies, which creates positive buoyancy for smooth recovery of the torpedo. Manufacturing lead time and cost is more. The mechanism is not feasible for the existing light weight torpedo due to the unavailability of space wherein Air bottle and expandable lift bag recovery cannot be adjusted for creating the required buoyancy.

US Patent No. US4717092A discloses a torpedo recovery device, a torpedo recovery unit positionable within a torpedo casing having an opening for receiving the unit. The unit includes a body with an interior cavity having an open end mountable within the torpedo casing with the open end at the torpedo casing opening. A non-rigid, gas-inflatable airfoil is foldable within the body cavity for deployment therefrom upon inflation. A bottle containing pressurized helium is rigidly and removably attached to the body. A release valve on the bottle releases the pressurized gas on depression. An interior gas passage between the second end portion and the inflation needle has gas flow control by a solenoid-operating valve. A lid is positioned at the body open and is outwardly opening under the force applied thereto by the airfoil during inflation. The drawback in the gas sleeve mechanism is complex in nature involving hot gases required for inflating the sleeve. Manufacturing lead time and cost is more. Mechanism exists theoretically only not realized in any torpedo.

In order to overcome the above drawbacks, there is a need to design a simple and cost-effective light weight torpedo recovery mechanism which requires less manufacturing lead time. Therefore, the present invention creates positive buoyancy for a negative buoyant torpedo for smooth recovery of the torpedo thereby ensuring less recovery time to the user.

To attain these desired results, the present invention provides a unique dead weight dump mechanism for light weight torpedo for smooth recovery of the torpedo after mission sequence is completed.

Further, the practice version of light weight torpedo supplied to Indian Navy is a negative buoyant torpedo which has a lead ball release mechanism using torsion spring for recovery of the torpedo, which is facing reliability issues in release of the lead dump. In the present invention, an alternative dead weight release mechanism is being designed to make the torpedo positive buoyant thereby making it recoverable after firing the torpedo in open seas.

OBJECT(S) OF THE INVENTION:

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a dead weight dump mechanism for light weight torpedo.

Another object of the invention is to provide a recovery mechanism for torpedo by creating positive buoyancy for a negative buoyant torpedo for smooth recovery of the torpedo thereby ensuring less recovery time to the user.

Another object of the invention is to minimize reliability issues in release of the lead dump and provide a redundant load (dead weight) release mechanism in practice torpedo.

Another object of the invention is to provide a shell keeping maximum commonality with the existing shell design of the torpedo.

Yet, another object of the invention is to provide a novel, simple and cost-effective recovery mechanism for light weight torpedo.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

Accordingly, the present invention provides a dead weight dump mechanism for light weight torpedo. Particularly, the invention designs a unique arrangement of the practice torpedo for recovery mechanism to create positive buoyancy for a negative buoyant torpedo for smooth recovery of the torpedo thereby ensuring less recovery time to the user. It provides a redundant load (dead weight) release mechanism in practice torpedo.

In one aspect of the present invention, the invention provides a dead weight dump mechanism for a light weight torpedo (100), wherein the mechanism comprises:
(a) a dead weight (103) mounted at one end of the torpedo (100),
(b) an ejection cap (104),
(c) steel strips (105) mounted at bottom of a shell (101),
(d) a compression spring (102), and
(e) a bottom block (106);
wherein the mechanism creates positive buoyancy for a negative buoyant torpedo for smooth recovery of the torpedo (100) thereby ensuring less recovery time to the user; and
wherein the mechanism comprises the Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) mechanism (107) to float and assist the torpedo (100) in open seas after firing practice.

In said mechanism, a dead weight (103) to be incorporated in the torpedo (100) is selected from Tungsten load or Lead load.

The dead weight (103) is supported by the bottom block (106).

The ejection cap (104) is equipped with the compression spring (102).

The dead weight (103) is connected to Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) mechanism (107) through steel strips (105) and supported by the bottom block (106).

The Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) mechanism (107) comprises ejection of MASD piston (108) to shear wire by employing squibs (109) or hydrostatic pressure and upon reaching specific depth or operation of squibs (109), MASD piston (108) shears the wire, the steel strips (105) along with the bottom block (106) are released and the dead weight (103) is dumped.

The steel strips (105) are self-hinged at the bottom of the shell (101) of the torpedo (100) to ensure the release of the dead weight (103).

The dead weight (103), the steel strips (105) and the ejection cap (104) eject out of the shell (101) of the torpedo (100) on completion of the mission sequence to ensure positive buoyancy to the practice torpedo (100).

The compression spring (102) pushes the ejection cap (104) once the tensile load on the steel strips (105) is released to ensure proper release of the dead weight (103).

The dead weight (103) is dumped on completion of the mission sequence by maintaining Center of Gravity (CG), Roll and Vertical Center of Gravity (VCG) of the torpedo (100).

The above description merely is an outline of the technical solution of the present disclosure. The summary is descriptive and exemplary only and is not intended to be in any way restricting. In order to know the technical means of the present disclosure more clearly so that implementation may be carried out according to contents of the specification, and in order to make the above and other objectives, characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure clear and easy to understand, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

The drawings described herein are intended to provide a further understanding of the invention and are intended to be a part of the invention. However, the drawings as shown are representative and non-limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows horizontal sectional view of torpedo (100) of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows the vertical sectional view in a-a’ axis of torpedo (100) of the present invention before mission sequence is completed.

Figure 3 shows the schematic view of torpedo (100) of the present invention after the mission sequence is completed.

Figure 4 shows the connection of dead weight (103) with Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) mechanism (107) through steel strips (105) wherein the dead weight (103) is supported by the bottom block (106).

Figure 5 shows the schematic view of torpedo (100) with Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) Mechanism (107).

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention discloses a dead weight dump mechanism for light weight torpedo.

A torpedo is a cigar shaped projectile that is used to attack under submarine or boats. The torpedoes are used in a variety of military applications, for example surveillance, reconnaissance, navigation, and defense. The torpedoes are sophisticated and expensive weapons, and when tested fired for practice, training, quality assurance or experimentation, it is required to recover the torpedo. After a torpedo has completed its task, it is difficult to locate in the underwater. Highly accurate global positioning system (GPS), location system and radio frequency (RF) communication links are not available in underwater. This makes the locating of an underwater torpedo is inaccurate resulting in a slow recovery and an increased likelihood the underwater torpedo will be lost, damage or stolen.

Since torpedo is unmanned craft, it is necessary that any device which assists in location and recovery of the torpedo be entirely self-actuating. The existing mechanisms for conversion of a negative buoyant torpedo to a positive buoyant are balloon recovery mechanism, hot gas enclosed in a sleeve etc. which are not cost-effective and manufacturing lead time is more.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a unique dead weight dump mechanism for light weight torpedo to create positive buoyancy for a negative buoyant torpedo for smooth recovery of the torpedo after mission sequence is completed thereby ensuring less recovery time to the user. Particularly, the invention provides a novel recovery mechanism of practice light weight torpedo to float and assist the torpedo in open seas after practice firing. The present invention is developed by making less changes in the existing shell ensuring easy modification.

The practice version of light weight torpedo supplied to Indian Navy is a negative buoyant torpedo which has a lead ball release mechanism using torsion spring for recovery of the torpedo, which is facing reliability issues in release of the lead dump.

Type of loads to simulate the dead-weight:

Lead: Lead has a density of 11342 kg/m3 which is heavy compared to water and steel. If a composite block of lead and stainless steel (by enclosing lead with stainless steel) is used as load, then it is safe to use from environment point of view. It will resolve the purpose of simulating the warhead weight which can be discarded at the end of mission/practice.

Tungsten: Tungsten (pure) has a density of 19280 kg/m3 and Tungsten-Copper alloy (content: W90Cu10) which is heavy compared to lead and steel. Blocks of this alloy can also be used to simulate the weight. As Tungsten and its alloys are safe for marine environment, these are safe to use for the intended purpose.

Therefore, the present invention provides a design of an alternative dead weight release mechanism wherein the dead weight is a Tungsten alloy/Lead SS Composite load which is safe for marine environment.

The invention designs a unique arrangement of the torpedo for recovery mechanism to create positive buoyancy for a negative buoyant torpedo for smooth recovery of the torpedo thereby ensuring less recovery time to the user. It provides a redundant load (dead weight) release mechanism in practice torpedo.

In one aspect of the invention, the present invention discloses a novel recovery mechanism of the lightweight torpedo underwater by using a dead weight release mechanism. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a recovery mechanism of the lightweight torpedo to float. The present invention is developed by less changing in the existing shell ensuring easy modification.

Figures 1-5 show the lightweight torpedo recovery mechanism and components of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows the horizontal sectional view of the lightweight torpedo (100) of the present invention. It includes a redundant load (dead weight) (103) at one end of the torpedo (100) or at a-a’ axis of the torpedo (100). The said dead weight (103) is a Tungsten load or Lead load block which is used to recover the lightweight torpedo (100) underwater.

Figure 2 shows the vertical sectional view in a-a’ axis of the Figure 1 of the lightweight torpedo (100) in a shell (101). It comprises a spring (102), a dead weight (103), an ejection cap (104) equipped with compression spring (102), steel strips (105) and a bottom block (106) as shown in figure 3. The spring (102) is used for releasing of ejection cap (104) which releases the steel strips (105) along with the bottom block (106) at the time of firing the torpedo (100). Figure 2 is the view of before firing the torpedo.

To create positive buoyancy to the practice torpedo and ensure easy recovery, Tungsten load/Lead load as a dead weight (103) is attached, which is dumped after the mission sequence is completed by maintaining the Center of Gravity (CG), Roll & Vertical Center of Gravity (VCG) of the torpedo (100). Roll is defined as rotational movement of the torpedo about longitudinal axis measured in degrees, Vertical Center of Gravity (VCG) is defined as the vertical distance of torpedo from longitudinal axis.

Figure 3 is a model of concept showing release of Tungsten load/Lead load as dead weight (103), steel strips (105) and an ejection cap (104) which are ejecting out of the shell (101) after the mission sequence is completed and ensuring positive buoyancy to the practice torpedo (100). Herein, the compression spring (102) pushes the ejection cap (104) once the tensile load on the steel strips (105) is released to ensure proper release of the dead weight (103).

The load release mechanism is proposed to consist of Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) mechanism (107) which shears the standard wire gauge (SWG) wire (110) and ejection cap (104) (holding the steel strip (105)) is released using hydrostatic pressure. Also, on operation of squib (109), the steel strips (105) along with the bottom block (106) are released, and dead weight (103) is dumped.

Figure 4 shows the connection of dead weight (103) with Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) mechanism (107) through steel strips (105) wherein the dead weight (103) is supported by the bottom block (106).

Figure 5 shows Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) mechanism (107).

Description of Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) mechanism (107) is described below:
? A MASD Piston (108) is placed inside Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) Mechanism (107) along with squibs (109).
? The MASD piston (108) can be actuated by hydrostatic pressure or gas pressure generated by squibs (109).
? A SWG wire (110) is used based on the selected operating depth of torpedo.
? Once MASD Piston (108) is activated either by squibs (109) or by hydrostatic pressure, MASD Piston (108) shears the SWG wire (110), releasing the ejection cap (104), steel strips (105) along with the bottom block (106) get detached from shell (101) and dead weight (103) will be released from torpedo (100) making the torpedo (100) positive buoyant.

In one embodiment, the existing Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) Mechanism can be used for release of the steel strip (105). In one embodiment the steel strips (105) are self-hinged at the bottom of the shell (101) so that the release of Tungsten load/Lead load can be ensured.

Only necessary changes are made on the existing shell design thus, it is easy for modification. All the internal assembly mounting points are kept unchanged. All existing electronic subsystems can be accommodated on their existing mounting location thus no changes in Center of Gravity (CG), Vertical Center of Gravity (VCG) & Roll of the torpedo. The shell has to be made through forged pipes readily available in the market.

Thus, the above-mentioned description can be summarized as, a dead weight dump mechanism for a light weight torpedo (100), wherein the mechanism comprises:
(a) a dead weight (103) mounted at one end of the torpedo (100),
(b) an ejection cap (104),
(c) steel strips (105) mounted at bottom of a shell (101),
(d) a compression spring (102), and
(e) a bottom block (106);
wherein the mechanism creates positive buoyancy for a negative buoyant torpedo for smooth recovery of the torpedo (100) thereby ensuring less recovery time to the user; and
wherein the mechanism comprises the Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) mechanism (107) to float and assist the torpedo (100) in open seas after firing practice.

The present invention designs a recovery mechanism for lightweight torpedo by using dead weight dump mechanism wherein Tungsten load/Lead load is used as dead weight by creating positive buoyancy for a negative buoyant torpedo for smooth recovery of the torpedo thereby ensuring less recovery time to the user in open seas after firing practice.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION:

The novel recovery mechanism for lightweight torpedo of the invention have following advantageous features over the currently known release mechanism:
? The novel mechanism for recovery of lightweight torpedo is simple in design.
? Cost-effective.
? Less manufacturing lead time.
,CLAIMS:1. A dead weight dump mechanism for a light weight torpedo (100), wherein the mechanism comprises:
(a) a dead weight (103) mounted at one end of the torpedo (100),
(b) an ejection cap (104),
(c) steel strips (105) mounted at bottom of a shell (101),
(d) a compression spring (102), and
(e) a bottom block (106);
wherein the mechanism creates positive buoyancy for a negative buoyant torpedo for smooth recovery of the torpedo (100) thereby ensuring less recovery time to the user; and
wherein the mechanism comprises the Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) mechanism (107) to float and assist the torpedo (100) in open seas after firing practice.

2. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein a dead weight (103) to be incorporated in the torpedo (100) is selected from Tungsten load or Lead load.

3. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dead weight (103) is supported by the bottom block (106).

4. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ejection cap (104) is equipped with the compression spring (102).

5. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dead weight (103) is connected to Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) mechanism (107) through steel strips (105).

6. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Mechanical Anti Sinking Device (MASD) mechanism (107) comprises ejection of MASD piston (108) to shear wire by employing squibs (109) or hydrostatic pressure and upon reaching specific depth or operation of squibs (109), MASD piston (108) shears the wire, the steel strips (105) along with the bottom block (106) are released and the dead weight (103) is dumped.

7. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steel strips (105) are self-hinged at the bottom of the shell (101) of the torpedo (100) to ensure the release of the dead weight (103).

8. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dead weight (103), the steel strips (105) and the ejection cap (104) eject out of the shell (101) of the torpedo (100) on completion of the mission sequence to ensure positive buoyancy to the practice torpedo (100).

9. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compression spring (102) pushes the ejection cap (104) once the tensile load on the steel strips (105) is released to ensure proper release of the dead weight (103).

10. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dead weight (103) is dumped on completion of the mission sequence by maintaining Center of Gravity (CG), Roll and Vertical Center of Gravity (VCG) of the torpedo (100).