Description:We Claim:
1. A casket (100) for engaging a plurality of fins of an underwater vehicle, comprising:
an outer shell (102);
a plurality of rails (106) adapted to receive the plurality of fins;
a holder block (116) extending from a rear end of the outer shell (102) and adapted to arrest the outer shell (102) with a fin from the plurality of fin; and
a spacer (118) detachably attached to an end of the holder block (116) and adapted to change a length of the casket (100).

2. The casket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spacer (118) comprising:
a header (120); and
a threaded leg (122) partially installed inside the holder block (116).

3. The casket (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a lanyard clamp (112) fixed on an inner surface of the outer shell (102) and adapted to receive and secure an umbilical cable of the underwater vehicle, wherein the clamp (112) is aligned with an umbilical connector on the underwater vehicle.

4. The casket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rails (106) comprising a pair of parallel rails (106), wherein a gap between the pair of parallel rails (106) is based on a thickness of a fin of the plurality of fins.

5. A launch tube (200) for launching an underwater vehicle having a plurality of fins, comprising:
a cylindrical body (202) adapted to receive the underwater vehicle, the cylindrical body (202) comprising a plurality of guides (204) extending up to a length on an interior surface (202A) of the cylindrical body (202);
a breech door (206) adapted to provide access to an interior of the cylindrical body (202); and
a casket (100) for engaging the plurality of fins of the underwater vehicle, the casket (100) comprising:
an outer shell (102);
a plurality of rails (106) adapted to receive the plurality of fins;
a holder block (116) extending from a rear end of the outer shell (102) and adapted to arrest the outer shell (102) with a fin from the plurality of fin; and
a spacer (118) detachably attached to an end of the holder block (116) and adapted to change a length of the casket (100).

6. The launch tube (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the spacer (118) comprising:
a header (120); and
a threaded leg (122) partially installed inside the holder block (116).

7. The launch tube (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the header (120) is adapted to abut an inner face (206A) of the breech door (206) when the breech door (206) is closed.

8. The launch tube (200) as claimed in claim 5, comprising a lanyard clamp (e) fixed on an inner surface of the outer shell (102) and adapted to receive and secure an umbilical cable of the underwater vehicle, wherein the clamp (112) is aligned with an umbilical connector on the underwater vehicle.

9. The launch tube (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of rails (106) comprising a pair of parallel rails (106), wherein a gap between the pair of parallel rails (106) is in accordance with a thickness of a fin of the plurality of fins.

10. The launch tube (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the outer shell (102) comprising a plurality of longitudinal slots (108) adapted to receive a portion of the plurality of guides (204).
, Claims:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates to a casket with a spacer for launching an underwater vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Unmanned underwater vehicles are a category of vehicles that can travel underwater. One type of unmanned underwater vehicle is a test vehicle adapted to test the performance of equipment, such as a navigation system or a propulsion system. Generally, the unmanned underwater vehicles are launched using a launch tube. For instance, the unmanned underwater vehicle may be placed in the launch tube and the launch tube may be pressurized to eject the unmanned underwater vehicle from the launch tube. Conventionally, a casket is used to temporarily install the unmanned underwater vehicle in the launch tube. The casket is an accessory placed in the launch tube after the loading of the unmanned underwater vehicle for securing an umbilical cord of the unmanned underwater vehicle and for the protection of fins.

Conventionally, the casket is designed to avoid the fitment issues with the launch tubes and is designed for use in a specific type of launch tube. Accordingly, the conventional caskets are not compatible with different types of the launch tube and accordingly, caskets of different sizes and designs are required for different type of launch tube. In addition, an attachment point in the conventional casket that secures the umbilical cord is at an offset from a umbilical connector on the unmanned underwater vehicle. As a result, the umbilical cord tends to snap during the launch. Moreover, the design of the casket tends to foul the fins of the unmanned underwater vehicle. In some cases, the fouling of the fins can affect the manoeuvrability of the launched unmanned underwater vehicle.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, which is 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 a casket for engaging a plurality of fins of an underwater vehicle that includes an outer shell and a plurality of rails adapted to receive the plurality of fins. The casket also includes a holder block extending from a rear end of the outer shell and is adapted to arrest the outer shell with a fin from the plurality of fins. In addition, the casket includes a spacer detachably attached to an end of the holder block and adapted to change a length of the casket.

The present disclosure also relates to a launch tube for launching an underwater vehicle having a plurality of fins. The launch tube includes a cylindrical body adapted to receive the underwater vehicle. Further, the cylindrical body comprises a plurality of guides extending up to a length on an interior surface of the cylindrical body. The launch tube also includes a breech door adapted to provide access to an interior of the cylindrical body. In addition, the launch tube includes a casket for engaging a plurality of fins of an underwater vehicle that includes an outer shell and a plurality of rails adapted to receive the plurality of fins. The casket also includes a holder block extending from a rear end of the outer shell and is adapted to arrest the outer shell with a fin from the plurality of fins. In addition, the casket includes a spacer detachably attached to an end of the holder block and adapted to change a length of the casket.

According to the present disclosure, the spacer changes an effective length of the casket thereby enabling the use of the casket in different kinds of the launch tube. Moreover, the spacer is detachable and thereby allowing the casket to be set to a specific type of launch tube.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are 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 in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention 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 1 illustrates a perspective view of a casket with an enhanced view of a spacer, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and
Figure 2 illustrates different kinds of launch tubes that employ the casket of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate those elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more 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 invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the 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 this invention belongs. The system, methods, 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 one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more 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 “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” 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 one or more...” or “one or more element 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 one or more 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, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more 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 one or more 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 invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a casket 100 for launching an unmanned underwater vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The casket 100 may be used to launch the unmanned underwater vehicle from different types of launch tubes. The casket 100 is designed in such a way that the casket 100 gets attached to the unmanned underwater vehicle in the launch tube and the casket 100 gets detached when the unmanned underwater vehicle exits from the launch tube upon the launch. The casket 100 is also designed in such a way that the casket 100 can be retrieved after the unmanned underwater vehicle exits the launch tube. The casket 100 of the present disclosure is also reinforced so that the casket 100 does not deform during the launch of the unmanned underwater vehicle.

The casket 100 may include an outer shell 102 that may be formed as a body of the casket 100. The outer shell 102 may have a diameter equal to a diameter of the unmanned underwater vehicle. In another example, the outer shell 102 may have a larger diameter than the diameter of the unmanned underwater vehicle. In either case, the outer shell 102 gets installed at a rear end of the unmanned underwater vehicle. The outer shell 102 is made of mild steel (MS) although other types of material can be used to make the outer shell 102. In one example, the outer shell 102 may have an outer surface 104A and an inner surface 104B. Further, the outer surface 104A and/or the inner surface 104B may include reinforcement elements (not visible) that reinforces the outer shell 102 so that the casket 100 does not deform when the unmanned underwater vehicle is launched. In another example, the outer shell 102 may be made of a material stronger than MS.

The casket 100 may include various structural implements. For instance, the casket 100 may include a plurality of rails 106 formed on the inner surface 104B of the outer shell 102. In one example, the number of rails 106 may be equal to or greater than the number of fins in the unmanned underwater vehicle. Further, the rails 106 are radially spaced at an equal distance from each other. For instance, the outer shell 102 has a set of four rails 106 spaced at 90 degrees from each other. In another example, the outer shell 102 may have a set of eight rails 106 spaced at 45 degrees from each other. Further, each rail 106 may include a pair of parallel guide rails 106A having a gap G therebetween. Furthermore, the gap ‘G’ may be based on a thickness of the fin of the unmanned underwater vehicle. The gap ‘G’ ensures that the fins are not fouled by the rails 106. Further, the rails 106 may extend up to a complete length of the outer shell 102.

In addition to the rails 106, the casket 100 may include a plurality of slots 108 that are coaxial to the rails 106. Slots 108 may be adapted to receive guides (not visible) inside the launch tube. The slots 108, in one example, may extend up to half of the length of the outer shell 102. In addition, the casket 100 may include a plurality of cut-out portions 110 that are formed on a rear portion of the outer shell 102. The cut-out portions 110 enable the reduction of weight of the casket 100. Moreover, the cut-out portions 110 enables the compressed air to pass therethrough and act on a rear end of the unmanned underwater vehicle.

In one example, the casket 100 may include a lanyard clamp 112 fixed on the inner surface 104B of the outer shell 102. The lanyard clamp 112 may receive and secure an umbilical cable of the unmanned underwater vehicle. According to the present disclosure, the lanyard clamp 112 is installed on the inner surface 104B at a location and in an orientation, such that the lanyard clamp 112 is aligned with an umbilical connector on the unmanned underwater vehicle. In one example, the lanyard clamp 112 is parallel to the umbilical connector on the unmanned underwater vehicle. The lanyard clamp 112 may have a first section 112A that is installed proximate to the rear end of the outer shell using a pillar 114. The lanyard clamp 112 may also include a second section 112B which is formed at a first pre-set angle from the first section 112A. Hereto, the second section 112B is installed on the inner surface 104B using additional pillar 114. The first section 112A and 112B are designed to support the umbilical cord of the unmanned underwater vehicle.

The lanyard clamp 112 may also include a third section 112C that extends at a second pre-set angle with the second section 112B. The third section 112C is angled in such a way that the third section 112C is parallel to a rail 106 which receives a vertical fin of the unmanned underwater vehicle and to the umbilical connector of the unmanned underwater vehicle. As a result, when the unmanned underwater vehicle is launched the umbilical connector does not experience lateral forces that the umbilical connector would otherwise experience in case the lanyard clamp 112 is formed at an offset from the umbilical connector.

In one example, the casket 100 may also include a holder block 116 that extends from the rear end of the outer shell 102. The holder block 116 performs two tasks. First, the holder block 116 may arrest the outer shell 102 with a fin from the plurality of fins of the launch tube and second, the holder block 116 may rest against a breech door of the launch tube when the unmanned underwater vehicle. The holder block 116 is an extension that extends rearward from the outer shell 102. In one example, a dimension between a tip of the holder block 116 and a front end of the outer shell 102 defines a length ‘L’ of the casket 100.

According to the present disclosure, the casket 100 may include a spacer 118 that may detachably attach to the holder block 116. The spacer 118 is adapted to change the overall length ‘L’ of the casket 100, such that the casket 100 becomes compatible for use in different types of launch tubes. Details of the spacer 118 are explained in the enhanced view A. The spacer 118 may include a header 120 and a threaded leg 122. Further, the threaded leg 122 may be connected to the header 120 by a bolt 124. In one example, the threaded leg 122 may be installed inside the holder block 116. As shown in the enhanced view ‘A’, the holder may have a height ‘H’ that adds to the overall length ‘L’. Further, based on the type of launch tube, the spacer 118 may be attached to increase the overall length ‘L’ of the casket 100. Such exemplary embodiments are explained with respect to Figure 2.

Figure 2 illustrates different kinds of launch tubes that employ the casket 100 of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The launch tubes 200 may either be a first launch tube 200A, a second launch tube 200B, or a third launch tube 200C. Further, each of the first launch tube 200A, the second launch tube 200B, and the third launch tube 200C may have similar constructional features albeit different in their placement. Further, the casket 100, shown in Figure 1, may be a part of either of the first launch tube 200A, the second launch tube 200B, or the third launch tube 200C. Each launch tube 200 may include a cylindrical body 202 that may be adapted to receive the unmanned underwater vehicle. The cylindrical body 202 may include a plurality of guides 204 that extends up to a length on an interior surface 202A of the cylindrical body 202.

In addition, the launch tube 200 may include a breech door 206 that may be pivotably attached to a rear end 208 of the cylindrical body 202. The breech door 206, in an open state provides access to the interior of the cylindrical body 202. On the other hand, the breech door 206, in a closed state, seals off the rear end 208 of the cylindrical body 202 prior to the launch of the unmanned underwater vehicle. Although not shown, the launch tube 200 may include a launch mechanism coupled to the rear end 208 of the launch tube 200 and adapted to launch the unmanned underwater vehicle from the launch tube 200.

According to the present disclosure, the launch tubes 200 can have different sizes and may have different internal configurations. For instance, the first launch tube 200A may have a greater length than the second launch tube 200B and the second launch tube 200C. Further, the guides 204 in the first launch tube 200 may extend up to a complete length of the cylindrical body 202, such that the feet of the guides 204 may be proximate to the rear end 208 of the cylindrical body 202. In such a configuration, the casket 100 may be installed after detaching the spacer 118 from the holder block 116.

During the installation, the unmanned underwater vehicle may be installed in the cylindrical body 202, such that the fins of the unmanned underwater vehicle are inserted in the guides 204. Thereafter, the casket 100 is installed behind the unmanned underwater vehicle. In one example, the slots 108 (shown in Figure 1) receive the guides 204 and the rails 106 (shown in Figure 1) engage with the plurality of fins of the unmanned underwater vehicle. The casket 100 enters the cylindrical body 202 until the tip of the guides 204 makes contact with a bottom of the slot 108. In the first launch tube 200A, owing to the greater length of the guides 204, the casket 100 is installed just at the rear end 208 of the cylindrical body 202. Once the casket 100 is installed, the umbilical cord from the umbilical connector is coupled to the lanyard clamp 112. Finally, the breech door 206 is closed, such that the tip of the holder block 116 abuts an inner face 206A of the breech door 206. Since the holder block 116 abuts the breech door 206, there is no relative motion therebetween thereby ensuring a tight fit. Such an arrangement prevents any damage to the casket 100 when the unmanned underwater vehicle is launched which otherwise would occur if relative play existed.

The casket 100 is also compatible with the second launch tube 200B and the third launch tube 200C. In the second launch tube 200B and the third launch tube 200C, the guides 204 may not extend up to the rear end, such that a clearance ‘C’ may exist. In such a case, the casket 100 is installed at a depth from the rear end 208 of the cylindrical body 202. Further, since the casket 100 is not installed at the rear end and further inside the cylindrical body 202, the holder block 116 may not be able to abut the inner face 206A of the breech door 206. In such a case, the spacer 118 may be attached to the holder block 116 so that an overall length of the casket 100. For instance, a height ‘H’ (shown in Figure 1) of the header 120 (shown in Figure 1) of the spacer 118 may be greater than the clearance ‘C’, such that the header 120 abuts the inner face 206A when the breech door 206 is closed. Thus, the spacer 118 ensures that the casket 100 is physically abutting the breech door 206 and there is no relative play therebetween.

Therefore, the spacer 118 enables the use of the same casket 100 in different kinds of launch tubes 200 thereby making the casket 100 a universal component for each of the first launch tube 200A, the second launch tube 200B, and the third launch tube 200C. Moreover, the re-aligned lanyard clamp 112 is aligned and parallel to the umbilical connector thereby preventing the risk of damage. In addition, the gap between the rails of the pair of rails 106 ensures that the fins of the unmanned underwater vehicle do not get fouled by either the guides 204 or the rails 106. Finally, the reinforcement members ensure that the casket 100 does not deform during the launch of the unmanned underwater vehicle. The combination of the spacer 118 and the reinforcement members ensures that the casket 100 can be used for different kinds of the launch tubes 200 and can be used repeatedly.

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 in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing 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.