DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention generally relates to a tool useful in submarines. More specifically, the present invention relates to the tool for aligning the centerline of the aft hydroplane ram with connecting rod of the hull structure of the submarine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
The submarine has movable sets of short wings called hydroplanes on the stern that help to control the angle of the dive. The hydroplanes are horizontal control surfaces used to control the vertical motions of submarines and other underwater vehicles. The Aft hydroplanes are used to control the submarine's dive and ascent angle, and to maintain a level attitude when the submarine is at a fixed depth.
The steering and diving control surfaces of submarines are positioned using a mechanical linkage controlled by a hydraulic ram. The hydraulic systems used to operate the ram vary significantly among the different types of submarines. The hydroplane and rudder system are operated with the help of a ram assembly and is interconnected by a connecting rod passing through a fixed coaming. The rams or ram assembly, transform hydraulic power into mechanical power to move the rudder and hydraulic plane. The submarine's rudder angle indicator and the aft hydroplane angle indicator, which are used to control the submarine's pitch and roll movements are mounted at the forward end of the ram. The alignment of the rudder system and hydroplane is critical for the safe and efficient operation of the submarine. Improper alignment can cause issues such as poor handling, increased drag, and unstable diving.
Conventionally, the centerline of the Aft hydroplane ram is aligned and matched with respect to the connecting rod in dry dock state using a dummy connecting rod that is passed through the fixed coaming with attachments for mounting dial gauges. Oil leaks in the ram assembly are observed while the submarine is in operation. To rectify the situation, the ram is removed from the submarine, repaired, and reinstalled. However, the alignment of the axis is disturbed during removal, and re-alignment can only be accomplished in dry dock conditions. The alignment of these shafts is very critical and is to be achieved within the tolerances.

Therefore, there is a need for an alignment tool that provides easy alignment of the centerline of the aft hydroplane ram assembly with the connecting rod assembly in the floating condition of a submarine. The result is the saving of a lot of time and manpower. This alignment tool ensures that the centerline of the aft hydroplane ram assembly is correctly positioned along the length of the connecting rod while the submarine is in the floating condition.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The principal object of the present invention is to provide an aft hydroplane ram alignment tool for aligning the centerline of the aft hydroplane ram with respect to the connecting rod in a floating state of the submarine.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an alignment tool that can be used for the alignment of other shafts of a submarine in floating conditions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an alignment tool that takes less time for the alignment of connecting rod with the centerline of the ram through an aft hydroplane ram alignment tool.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an alignment tool that could greatly reduce the complexity of the alignment process by easily aligning the centerline of the aft hydroplane ram with respect to the connecting rod assembly in the floating state of the submarine.
Another object of the present invention is to provide the highest precision during alignment by using the aft hydroplane ram alignment tool.

Accordingly, the present invention discloses an alignment tool for the alignment of the centerline of the aft hydroplane ram in accordance with the connecting rod assembly. The alignment tool includes a supporting rod, a first circular cylinder, and a second circular cylinder. The first circular cylinder is a hollow cylinder, and the second circular cylinder is attached to the first circular cylinder. The second circular cylinder has a smaller diameter than the first circular cylinder. The first circular cylinder and the second circular cylinder are connected to the supporting rod. Four grub screws are threaded through the first circular cylinder to help secure the shims during the alignment process. The alignment tool also provides the arrangement for mounting the dial gauge for measurement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
The objects, features and advantages of the invention will best be understood from the following description of various embodiments thereof, selected for purposes of illustration, and shown in the accompanying figure.
FIGURE 1: illustrates the perspective view of the aft hydroplane ram alignment tool of the Present Invention.
List of reference numerals
Part ref Description
100 Alignment tool
1 Supporting rod
2 First circular cylinder
3 Second circular cylinder
4A,4B,4C, 4D Securing means

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to optional and preferred embodiments so that various aspects of the invention will be more clearly understood, however, should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

The present invention generally relates to the aft hydroplane ram alignment tool. In particular, the present invention alignment tool for aligning the centerline of the aft hydroplane ram with respect to the connecting rod.

The present invention elaborates upon an alignment tool for aligning the centerline of the aft hydroplane ram with respect to the connecting rod in the floating state of the submarine. The alignment tool allows for the precision alignment of any shafts which facilitates the proper functioning of the submarine.

FIG. 1 shows the perspective view of the aft hydroplane ram alignment tool (100). The alignment tool 100 comprises a supporting rod (1), a first circular cylinder (2), and a second circular cylinder (3). The first circular cylinder (2) is a hollow cylinder, and the second circular cylinder (3) is attached to the first circular cylinder (2). The second circular (3) cylinder has a smaller diameter than the first circular cylinder (2). The first circular cylinder (2) and the second circular cylinder (3) are connected to the supporting rod (1). Four securing means, grub screws (4A,4B,4C, 4D) are threaded through the first circular cylinder (2) to help secure the shims during the alignment process. The alignment tool (100) also provides the arrangement for mounting the dial gauge for measurement.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, an aft hydroplane ram alignment tool (100) comprises, a supporting rod (1); a first circular cylinder (2) axially connected to said supporting rod (1); a second circular cylinder (3) attached to the first circular cylinder (2); and a plurality of securing means (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) for securing shims for fine alignment; wherein said second circular cylinder (3) is inserted within said first circular cylinder (2).

In a same preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said plurality of securing means (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) are selected from grub screws.

In a same preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said plurality of securing means are 4 in numbers.

In a same preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said tool (100) is made of material selected from aluminium.

In a same preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said tool (100) consists of the profiles of connecting rod and ram assembly.

In a preferred embodiment and a mode of working, the tool (100) has two cylindrical portions (2,3) exactly on same center axis with relative rotational movement between them. The bigger cylinder acts as a housing for ram connecting rod which acts as a reference for afloat alignment of the Aft Hydroplane Ram. The supporting rod (1) is inserted into the big cylinder of the tool which is in turn held with the help of Grub Screws (4A,4B,4C,4D). At least two dial gauges are mounted on the extended rectangular rod, which is pre-welded on the bigger cylinder, and which aligns perfectly on the connecting rod so that both dial gauge shows zero-zero reading simultaneously through out on the periphery of connecting rod.

At this juncrture, the tool (100) is ready for alignment of the Ram Shaft considering reference of the Ram Connecting Rod.

On the other side of the tool, two Dial Gauges are mounted on the extended rectangular rod which is pre-welded on the smaller cylinder for verification of the alignment of Ram Shaft with respect to Ram Connecting Rod.

Now, the ram shaft is set by adjusting shims of Ram press so that both the dial gauge shows simultaneous reading of zero-zero.

This procedure is followed till all the dial gauges shows simultaneous reading of zero-zero and when this is achieved Ram Connecting Rod and Ram Shaft are perfectly aligned.

This procedure can also be used for alignment of other Rams (both Hydraulic & Pneumatic) of the submarine like Bow Hydroplane and Rudder Ram]

In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said tool (100) comprises an arrangement for mounting of dial gauges required for comparison and measurements.
ADVANTAGE:
• The present invention provides an alignment tool that can easily achieve alignment in a floating condition.
• The present invention provides an alignment tool that reduces the time required to align the connecting rod with the centerline of the aft hydroplane ram.
• The present invention provides an alignment tool that can be useful for aligning any kind of shaft of the submarine in the floating condition.
• The present invention provides an alignment tool that is significantly cost-effective.

,CLAIMS:1. An aft hydroplane ram alignment tool (100) comprising,
a supporting rod (1) provided with at least a pair of dial gauges;
a first circular cylinder (2) axially connected to said supporting rod (1);
a second circular cylinder (3) attached to the first circular cylinder (2); and
a plurality of securing means (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) for securing shims for fine alignment;
wherein said second circular cylinder (3) is inserted within said first circular cylinder (2).

2. The alignment tool (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of securing means (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) are selected from grub screws.

3. The alignment tool (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said plurality of securing means are 4 in numbers.

4. The alignment tool (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tool (100) is made of material selected from aluminium.

5. The alignment tool (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tool (100) consists of the profiles of connecting rod and ram assembly.