DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION:
The present invention generally relates to a cradle for outfitting and joining submarine sections. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cradle for high precision joining of circular sections and transportation of submarines.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
Conventionally, modular hull sections of a submarine are joined using keel blocks and wooden shores. The keel blocks are used for axial adjustments in up and down position of sections, whereas the wooden shores are used for rotational adjustments in clockwise and anticlockwise rotation for aligning of sections. The said keel block and wooden shores however, occupy a large amount of floor space and also involve more manpower. Additionally, the conventional methods consume more time to achieve the required accuracy during the alignment of hull sections. The use of such methods also add complexity in terms of space and time.

Further, transportation of submarine platforms from one location to another location is also a major concern due to space limitation for crane lifting capacity.

CN110573449 discloses a conveying mechanism which can be easily installed for conveying airplane, airships, submarines, etc. The said mechanism comprises of a moving body, a conveying mechanism, a control device, plurality of winches and ropes, and a cylindrical rotatable drum with drive. The said device is however, limited to transportation from one location to another, and does not address the precision requirements for joining submarine sections.

Thus, to overcome the aforementioned problems, there is a need of a single cradle structure with inbuilt adjustable facilities for accurate alignment of modular sections and effective transportation of the submarine platform to a desired location with ease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a cradle for high precision joining of circular sections and transportation of submarines with ease.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cradle for aligning, joining, and welding of circular modular hull sections of submarine with high accuracy.

It is another object of the present invention to ensure safe transport of submarines from one location to other.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a provision for a self-propelled module transport (SPMT) vehicle beneath the cradle, to facilitate safe transport of submarine.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an open grid base for heating, grinding, and welding activities.

Accordingly, the cradle for joining submarine sections and transporting submarines of the present invention mainly comprises of, plurality of lifting mechanism for axial adjustment, and plurality of adjustable angled-arms for rotatory adjustment; wherein said angled-arms include plurality of adjustable screws.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
The figures below show an exemplary embodiment:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of the section joining cradle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
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.

The present invention relates to a cradle to achieve both high precision in aligning and joining submarine sections and effective transportation. The cradle includes a combination of lifting mechanisms and adjustable angle-arms that allow for both axial and rotational adjustments to precisely align the modular submarine sections with ease.

As illustrated in Figures 1, a cradle (100) for joining submarine sections and transporting submarines is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said cradle (100) mainly comprises an axial adjustment mechanism (1) having a plurality of lifting jacks (10) to enable vertical positioning and provide precise axial adjustments of the submarine sections; and a rotational adjustment mechanism (2) having a plurality of adjustable angled-arms (20) for precise clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of the sections and to achieve precise alignment of the circular hull sections. The said angled-arms (20) are equipped with plurality of adjustable screws to allow for fine adjustments during the alignment process.

In a same preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the base structure of the cradle (100) is configured with an open grid arrangement to allow unobstructed heating, grinding, and welding operations along the entire circumference of the joined sections.

In a same preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the underside of said cradle (100) is configured to ensure full contact and balance when positioned on a Self-Propelled Module Transport (SPMT) vehicle. This allows the cradle to facilitate easy and safe transport of the submarine sections from one location to another.

In a same preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the cradle (100) is designed with sufficient width and height to accommodate a Self-Propelled Module Transport (SPMT) vehicle (5) below the cradle, allowing for transportation of the submarine sections while fully loaded, and enabling jack-up and jack-down movements of the SPMT as well as uninterrupted turning and lateral movement operations.

In a same preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said cradle includes a locking mechanism (3) to securely hold the submarine platform during transportation and lifting operations.

In a same preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said locking mechanism (3) is selected from ratchet type locking belts.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said cradle (100) is configured with an arrangement to allow the connection of additional cradles on each side to extend the structure for accommodating larger or more complex submarine sections.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, the said cradle (100) provides an alignment accuracy of up to 1mm during the joining of the modular submarine sections.

Further, the said cradle (100) according to the present invention is suitable for the joining and transportation of various types of submarines, including military, tourist, and scientific submarines of small size, as well as other structures requiring similar alignment precision. Further, said cradle is capable of precise adjustment in all directions for the accurate alignment of the submarine sections, providing flexibility for different types and sizes of modular submarine hulls.

The advantages of the present invention include a significant reduction in time consumption and manpower requirements, as it streamlines the process of aligning, joining, and transporting submarine sections with high precision. The cradle’s design ensures an accuracy of up to 1mm, enabling precise alignment during both the joining and welding stages. It also enhances operational efficiency by integrating lifting mechanisms and adjustable angled-arms, making the setup and adjustment process easier and faster. Moreover, its compatibility with Self-Propelled Module Transport (SPMT) vehicles allows for safe, stable, and efficient transportation of the submarine sections. The modular nature of the cradle offers flexibility, enabling it to accommodate various submarine sizes and structures. Overall, the invention improves productivity, reduces costs, and ensures greater safety during both the construction and transportation phases.

The foregoing descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.
,CLAIMS:1. A cradle (100) for joining submarine sections and transporting submarines, comprising:
- an axial adjustment mechanism (1) having a plurality of lifting jacks (10) configured to provide axial adjustment of the submarine sections, allowing for precise vertical positioning; and
- a rotational adjustment mechanism (2) having a plurality of adjustable angled-arms (20) for precise clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of the sections and to achieve precise alignment of the circular hull sections.

2. The cradle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said a plurality of adjustable angled-arms (20) are equipped with plurality of adjustable screws to allow for fine adjustments during the alignment process.

3. The cradle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base structure of the cradle (100) is configured with an open grid arrangement to allow unobstructed heating, grinding, and welding operations along the entire circumference of the joined sections.

4. The cradle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the underside of the cradle (100) is configured to ensure full contact and balance when positioned on a Self-Propelled Module Transport (SPMT) vehicle.

5. The cradle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cradle (100) includes a locking mechanism (3), selected from a ratchet-type locking mechanism, to securely hold the submarine platform during transport and lifting operations, preventing unintended movement of the platform.

6. The cradle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cradle (100) is configured with an arrangement to allow the connection of additional cradles (8) on each side to extend the structure for accommodating larger or more complex submarine sections.