DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an actuation test set-up for underwater vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the actuation test set-up for testing the functionality of a tail unit of the underwater vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, an actuation test set-up is a specialized test set-up employed to check the functionality and load-carrying capacity of a tail unit of an underwater vehicle. The test set-up typically includes various components such as a control system, sensors, actuators, and test fixtures. The control system is used to simulate inputs that the tail unit would receive during actual use, while the sensors measure an output of the tail unit as a response to the inputs. The test fixtures are used to hold the tail unit in place during the testing process. The test fixtures include mechanisms for adjusting an orientation and a position of the tail unit.

However, there are various limitations of an existing actuation test setup that are related to the difficulties in using and operating the existing actuation test setup. The existing actuation test setup requires a significant amount of manual labour to operate. The tail unit requires frequent adjustments and modifications to perform different tests on the existing actuation test setup, which is time-consuming and physically demanding for operators.

Moreover, the existing actuation test setup requires a significant amount of time to set up and prepare for testing which results in delays in testing and slows down the overall product development process. Furthermore, the existing actuation test setup may have a bulky structure that makes it difficult to move or transport which limits the usage of the existing actuation test set-up to specific locations, which is inconvenient for the operators to perform testing at different sites.

Therefore, the efficiency and effectiveness of the existing actuation test set-up ultimately impact the quality of the testing of the tail unit. Hence, there is a requirement for an actuation test setup that overcomes the drawbacks of the existing actuation test setup and enhances the usability and effectiveness of the actuation test set-up.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to an actuation test setup for testing a tail unit of an underwater vehicle. The actuation test setup includes a frame, a plurality of holders, and at least one support bracket. The plurality of holders are attached to an inner surface of the frame and are adapted to support a plurality of rudders. The at least one support bracket is attached to the inner surface of the frame and is adapted to mount an attachment thereon to assume a plurality of configurations. The plurality of configurations includes at least one of a deflection test configuration, a spring load test configuration, a dead weight test configuration, a time response test configuration, and a frequency response analysis test configuration.

The actuation test setup of the present disclosure may be able to handle the loads experienced by the tail unit when the tail unit is actuated. The actuation test setup further measures a response of the tail unit within specific time limits and predefined conditions to check a manoeuvre efficiency of the tail unit. Therefore, the actuation test set-up tests the tail unit to ensure that the tail unit meets a required specifications for the tail unit to function correctly.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1a illustrates a front view of a frame of an actuation test setup, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 1b illustrates a top view of a holder from a plurality of holders of the actuation test setup, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 1c illustrates a side view of the holder of the actuation test setup, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the actuation test setup with a tail unit of an underwater vehicle mounted thereon in a spring load test configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the actuation test setup with the tail unit of the underwater vehicle mounted thereon in the spring load test configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the actuation test setup with the tail unit of the underwater vehicle mounted thereon in the spring load test configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the actuation test setup with the tail unit of the underwater vehicle mounted thereon in a dead weight test configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the actuation test setup with the tail unit of the underwater vehicle mounted thereon in the dead weight test configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 illustrates a front view of the actuation test setup with the tail unit of the underwater vehicle mounted thereon in the dead weight test configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 8a illustrates a front view of a pulley holder of the actuation test setup, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 8b illustrates a side view of the pulley holder of the actuation test setup, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, a plurality of components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which invention belongs. The system and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of a plurality of features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of the plurality of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “plurality of features” or “plurality of elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “plurality of” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be plurality of...” or “plurality of elements is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining plurality of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, plurality of particular features and/or elements described in connection with plurality of embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although plurality of features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present disclosure is related to an actuation test setup used for testing functionality of a tail unit of an underwater vehicle. The actuation test setup of the present disclosure enables a mounting of the tail unit thereon in a plurality of configurations to conduct various tests. The various tests are carried out to assess an ability of the tail unit of the underwater vehicle to withstand loads while submerged in water.

Figure 1a illustrates a front view of a frame 106 of an actuation test setup 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1b illustrates a top view of a holder 104 from a plurality of holders 104 of the actuation test setup 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1c illustrates a side view of the holder 104 of the actuation test setup 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to Figures 1a-1c together. The present invention discloses the actuation test setup 100 used for testing functionality of a tail unit (shown in Figure 2) of an underwater vehicle (not shown). The underwater vehicles may be one of, but is not limited to, a submarine, a glider, underwater drones, or torpedoes. The tail unit (shown in Figure 2) of the underwater vehicle may control a manoeuvrability of the tail unit (shown in Figure 2) of the underwater vehicle. The tail unit (shown in Figure 2) of the underwater vehicle includes electromechanical components, such as a plurality of control surfaces, a plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2), a plurality of fins, a rotary potentiometer, and actuation motors, that work together to control a movement of the underwater vehicle.

The plurality of control surfaces in the tail unit (shown in Figure 2) may be responsible for controlling directions and stability of the underwater vehicle during operation. The plurality of control surfaces may respond to changes in operating conditions, allowing the underwater vehicle to manoeuvre and maintain stability during operation.

A mechanical assembly in a rear portion of the underwater vehicle may be adapted to electrically interface with an electronic actuating amplifier present in a middle portion of the underwater vehicle. The electrical interface allows a command and a feedback system to operate effectively ensuring that the underwater vehicle may manoeuvre as per the changes in operating conditions. The electromechanical components in the tail unit may be assembled and tested to ensure that the tail unit (shown in Figure 2) may withstand the loads experienced during operation and respond to the changes in operating conditions.

The tail unit (shown in Figure 2) has the plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2) that may change the direction of the underwater vehicle during operation thereof. Each rudder (shown in Figure 2) may be assembled orthogonally from each other. The plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2) may be located in a yaw top position, a yaw bottom position, a starboard position, and a port side position. The plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2) works together to change a direction and depth of the underwater vehicle.

In addition to the plurality of rudders, the tail unit also has the plurality of fins. The plurality of fins may be connected to the plurality of rudders and aids in controlling the movement of the underwater vehicle. Further, the rotary potentiometer and the actuation motors may be responsible for controlling a movement of the plurality of rudders and the plurality of fins. The tail unit also includes a plurality of gearboxes with internal gears and linkages. The plurality of gearboxes may be responsible for transmitting a torque and power generated by the actuation motors to the plurality of rudders and the plurality of fins.

The actuation test setup 100 for testing the tail unit (shown in Figure 2) of the underwater vehicle involves evaluating a functionality of the tail unit (shown in Figure 2) to ensure that the underwater vehicle may perform as expected in different operating conditions and meet the performance and reliability requirements. To achieve this, the tail unit (shown in Figure 2) needs to undergo five types of acceptance tests. The tests evaluate a functionality, response time, and accuracy of the tail unit (shown in Figure 2), as well as ensure that the tail unit (shown in Figure 2) may withstand the loads experienced during operation.

The first test is a deflection test which evaluates that the plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2) may move and respond to the changes in operating conditions. The deflection test involves measuring the deflection of the plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2) and the plurality of fins at different angles and loads. The second test is a spring load test which ensures that the plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2) may withstand a force of water. The spring load test involves applying loads to the plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2) and the plurality of fins and measuring the resulting deflection.

The third test is a dead weight test which verifies a mechanical stability and rigidity of the tail unit (shown in Figure 2). The dead weight test involves applying a load on the plurality of rudders of the tail unit (shown in Figure 2) and measuring the resulting deflection. The fourth test is a time response analysis which evaluates a response time and accuracy of the tail unit (shown in Figure 2). The test involves measuring a time taken by the plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2) to respond to the changes in operating conditions. The fifth and final test is a frequency response analysis test which evaluates a response to changes in frequency of the tail unit (shown in Figure 2). The test involves measuring a response of the plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2) to changes in frequency and ensure that the plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2) may respond to a range of frequencies.

The actuation test setup 100 includes the frame 106, the plurality of holders 104, and at least one support bracket 102. In an embodiment, the frame 106 may be of rectangular shape. The frame 106 may serve as a structural foundation of the actuation test setup 100. The frame 106 may provide stability and support to one or more attachments and the tail unit (shown in Figure 2) while conducting a testing process.

The plurality of holders 104 may be attached to an inner surface of the frame 106. The plurality of holders 104 may be adapted to support the plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2). The plurality of holders 104 ensure that each rudder (shown in Figure 2) remains in proper position during the testing process thereby preventing an unintended movement. Further, an adjacent holder 104 from the plurality of the holders 104 may be attached orthogonally with respect to each other. In an embodiment, the plurality of holders 104 may be adapted to hold at least one support member (shown in Figure 2) whereas the at least one support member (shown in Figure 2) may be adapted to hold and keep each rudder (shown in Figure 2) in place.

The at least one support bracket 102 may be attached to the inner surface of the frame 106. The support bracket 102 may be provided to mount an attachment therein. The attachment may enable the actuation test setup 100 to assume a plurality of configurations for conducting different tests on the tail unit (shown in Figure 2). The plurality of configurations includes a deflection test configuration, a spring load test configuration (shown in Figure 2), a dead weight test configuration (shown in Figure 5), a time response test configuration, or a frequency response analysis test configuration.

Further, in the spring load test configuration (shown in Figure 2), the attachment may be a spring assembly mounted to the frame 106 adapted to apply a controlled load to each rudder (shown in Figure 2) from the plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2) to assess a response of each rudder (shown in Figure 2) subjected under spring-loaded conditions. Furthermore, in the dead-weight test configuration (shown in Figure 5), the attachment may be a dead-weight assembly adapted to record an impact of gravitational forces on each rudder (shown in Figure 2) from the plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2).

Similarly, the deflection test configuration involves application of controlled forces to measure a deflection or bending of the plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2) to assess a structural integrity. Also, the time response test configuration may involve a plurality of sensors (not shown) to measure each rudder's response over time under specific conditions. Further, the frequency response analysis test configuration also employs the plurality of sensors (not shown) to analyse the response of each rudder (shown in Figure 2) to varying frequencies of applied forces.

Further, the actuation test setup 100 may be connected to a data acquisition system (not shown). The data acquisition system (not shown) may be configured to collect, record, and analyze data related to the response of each rudder (shown in Figure 2) from the plurality of rudders (shown in Figure 2) under the application of the plurality of configurations.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the actuation test setup 100 with the tail unit 210 of the underwater vehicle mounted thereon in the spring load test configuration 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the actuation test setup 100 with the tail unit 210 of the underwater vehicle mounted thereon in the spring load test configuration 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the actuation test setup 100 with the tail unit 210 of the underwater vehicle mounted thereon in the spring load test configuration 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to Figures 1a to 4 together. The actuation test setup 100 may enable mounting of the spring assembly to assume the spring load test configuration 200. The spring assembly may include a spring 206, a first connecting rod 204a, and a second connecting rod 204b. In an embodiment, a pair of spring assemblies may be attached to each rudder 208 from both sides.

The frame 106 may be positioned such that the inner surface of the frame 106 faces the tail unit 210 of the underwater vehicle. In other words, the frame 106 may surround the tail unit 210 from all directions. The dimensions of the frame 106, both in terms of width and height, may be sufficient to accommodate the plurality of rudders 208 of the tail unit 210. Further, the plurality of rudders 208 may be supported by the plurality of holders 104. The plurality of holders 104 may be centrally located along the inner surface of the frame 106 and the adjacent holder 104 may be positioned orthogonally with each other. Furthermore, the frame 106 may have a plurality of support brackets 102 provided at each corner along the inner surface of the frame 106. Each support bracket 102 may be fastened with the first connecting rod 204a.

The spring 206 stores energy when compressed and releases energy when allowed to expand hence, the spring 206 may be used to generate a controlled force applied to the plurality of rudders 208. The first connecting rod 204a may be adapted to connect the spring 206 from one end to the frame 106 through at least one support bracket 102. The first connecting rod 204a may act as a linkage between the spring 206 and a fixed part of the actuation test setup 100.

The second connecting rod 204b may be adapted to connect at least one rudder 208 with another end of the spring 206. The second connecting rod 204b may establish a mechanical connection between the spring 206 and the rudder 208 thereby allowing the force of the spring 206 to be applied to each rudder 208 from the plurality of rudders 208. The application of the controlled load by compression and expansion of the spring 206 may assess the response of each rudder 208 to varying levels of force thereby evaluating the performance and structural integrity of the rudder 208 under the spring load conditions.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the actuation test setup 100 with the tail unit 210 of the underwater vehicle mounted thereon in a dead weight test configuration 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the actuation test setup 100 with the tail unit 210 of the underwater vehicle mounted thereon in the dead weight test configuration 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 illustrates a front view of the actuation test setup 100 with the tail unit 210 of the underwater vehicle mounted thereon in the dead weight test configuration 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8a illustrates a front view of a pulley holder 502 of the actuation test setup 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8b illustrates a side view of a pulley holder 502 of the actuation test setup 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The actuation test setup 100 may enable a mounting of the dead-weight assembly to assume the dead-weight test configuration 500. The dead weight assembly may include at least one axle 802, at least one pulley wheel 508, a belt 504, a load 506, and the pulley holder 502. The pulley holder 502 may be detachably attached to an outer surface of the frame 106. The pulley holder 502 may be adapted to receive the at least one axle 802, the at least one pulley wheel 508, the belt 504 and the load 506 connected to the belt 504.

The at least one axle 802 may be a shaft providing a stable and rotational support to the at least one pulley wheel 508. The at least one pulley wheel 508 may be a groove mounted on the at least one axle 802 and is free to rotate. The belt 504 may be made of a flexible and continuous material that may be looped around the pulley wheel 508. The belt 504 may be received and guided by the pulley holder 502 allowing the pulley holder 502 to rotate. One end of the belt 504 may be connected to the at least one rudder 208 and the other end may be connected to the load 506.

The load 506 includes one or more removable weights. The magnitude of the load 506 applied on the at least one rudder 208 is adjusted by one of attaching or detaching one or more removable weights. The purpose of the load 506 is to exert a downward force on the belt 504 which may be transmitted to the at least one rudder 208. The downward force on the at least one rudder 208 may aid in evaluating the performance and structural integrity of the at least one rudder 208 of the tail unit 210.

The actuation test setup 100 for testing the tail unit 210 of the underwater vehicle is user-friendly and easy to operate. The actuation test set-up 100 allows testing of all components of the tail unit 210 without a need for rotation of the tail unit 210 thereby reducing a need for additional manpower used to rotate the tail unit 210 to conduct various tests. The actuation test setup 100 may handle a variety of loads while testing the tail unit 210. Furthermore, the ability of the actuation test setup 100 to allow testing of all components of the tail unit 210 without the need for rotation of the tail unit 210 reduces the time required for operation and improves efficiency.

The actuation test setup 100 allows the underwater vehicle to maintain stability and accuracy during operation even when the actuation test setup 100 may be subjected to significant external forces and loads applied to test the tail unit 210. Further, the actuation test setup 100 requires less maintenance. The actuation test setup 100 is reliable and durable thereby reducing the need for frequent maintenance and repair.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
,CLAIMS:1. An actuation test setup (100) for testing a tail unit of an underwater vehicle, comprising:
a frame (106);
a plurality of holders (104) attached to an inner surface of the frame (106) and adapted to support a plurality of rudders (208); and
at least one support bracket (102) attached to the inner surface of the frame (106) and adapted to mount an attachment thereon to assume a plurality of configurations, the plurality of configurations includes at least one of a deflection test configuration, a spring load test configuration (200), a dead weight test configuration (500), a time response test configuration, and a frequency response analysis test configuration.

2. The actuation test setup (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment is one of a spring assembly and a dead weight assembly.

3. The actuation test setup (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the spring assembly comprising:
a spring (206),
a first connecting rod (204a) adapted to connect the spring (206) from one end to the frame (106) through at least one support bracket (102), and
a second connecting rod (204b) adapted to connect the at least one rudder (208) with another end of the spring (206).

4. The actuation test setup (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring test configuration (200) comprises a spring (206) adapted to apply a controlled load on at least one rudder (208) of the plurality of rudders (208) to assess a response of the at least one rudder (208) during application of the load.

5. The actuation test setup (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the dead weight assembly comprising:
at least one axle (802);
at least one pulley wheel (508) adapted to rotate on the at least one axle (802);
a belt (504) connected to at least one rudder (208) from one end and attached to the at least one pulley wheel (508); and
a load (506) connected to another end of the belt (504) adapted to transmit a force on the at least one rudder (208) through the belt (504).

6. The actuation test setup (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the dead weight assembly comprises a pulley holder (502) fixed to the frame (106), the pulley holder (502) is adapted to receive the at least one axle (802), the at least one pulley wheel (508), the belt (504), and the load (506) connected to the belt (504).

7. The actuation test setup (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the load (506) comprises one or more removable weights, a magnitude of the load (506) applied on the at least one rudder (208) is adjusted by one of attaching or detaching one or more removable weights.

8. The actuation test setup (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one support member (202) to mount the at least one rudder (208) onto at least one holder (104) of the plurality of holders (104).

9. The actuation test setup (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein adjacent holder (104) from the plurality of the holders (104) is attached orthogonally with respect to each other.

10. The actuation test setup (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a data acquisition system configured to collect and analyze data related to a response of at least one rudder (208) of the plurality of rudders (208) under the application of the plurality of configurations.