DESC:This complete specification seeks priority from provisional application number 202221044268 filed on 2nd day of August, 2022 with title “ALIGNMENT TOOL FOR STERN GLAND HULL SLEEVE”
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[1] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of maritime engineering and submarine propulsion tools and, more specifically, to a tool and method for alignment of stern gland hull sleeves in submarines.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[2] Submarine shaft line alignment refers to the precise and proper positioning of the propeller shaft and related components within the submarine's hull to ensure smooth and efficient propulsion. This alignment process is crucial for the submarine's performance, stability, and safety during underwater operations. The submarine shaft line typically includes the propeller shaft, stern tube bearing, gland packing or mechanical seal, and, in some cases, intermediate bearings. The correct alignment of these components ensures that the propeller shaft remains centred and perfectly aligned with the submarine's longitudinal axis. While the alignment process is commonly carried out during the construction and maintenance of submarines, the level of precision and accuracy required demands innovative tools and methods to achieve reliable results.
[3] The stern gland hull sleeve is a critical component in the propulsion system of submarines. It serves as housing for the propeller shaft, ensuring its smooth rotation while maintaining a watertight seal between the interior of submarine and the surrounding water. Proper alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve with the submarine axis is of utmost importance for efficient propulsion and the overall performance of the submarine during its underwater operations. Misalignment of the sleeve can lead to increased friction, vibration, and wear, ultimately affecting the submarine's energy efficiency and manoeuvrability. Achieving precise alignment within tolerances is essential to avoid potential operational issues and to ensure the long-term integrity of the submarine's propulsion system.
[4] Currently, alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve with the submarine axis has been attempted using conventional methods, such as cranes or hydraulic jacks. However, these methods lack the precision needed to achieve alignment within the tight tolerances necessary for optimal performance. The use of cranes or hydraulic jacks for alignment can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, often requiring multiple adjustments and iterations to achieve satisfactory alignment. This prolonged alignment process can delay the overall construction or maintenance schedule of the submarine. Furthermore, the existing methods may not adequately address alignment issues in all four directions, potentially leaving room for misalignment in certain planes, which could lead to uneven stress distribution and premature wear of components.
[5] Thus, in light of the above-stated discussion, there exists a need for an innovative alignment tool specifically designed for aligning the stern gland hull sleeve with the submarine axis accurately and efficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[6] The following is a summary description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is provided as a preface to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed design discussion which ensues and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims which are appended hereto in order to particularly point out the invention.
[7] According to illustrative embodiments, the present disclosure focuses on an alignment tool that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages or provides the users with a useful or commercial choice.
[8] The present disclosure solves all the above major limitations of alignment tool. The present disclosure further provides a method for accurately aligning a stern gland hull sleeve with the submarine axis during submarine construction or maintenance.
[9] An objective of the present disclosure is to provide an alignment tool and method that ensure precise alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve with the submarine axis.
[10] Another objective of the present disclosure is to improve the efficiency of submarine propulsion by aligning the stern gland hull sleeve correctly. Proper alignment reduces friction and wear on components, leading to smoother rotation of the propeller shaft.
[11] Another objective of the present disclosure is to align the stern gland hull sleeve accurately, preventing water ingress and maintaining a secure environment within the submarine.
[12] Another objective of the present disclosure is to minimize operational issues caused by misaligned stern gland hull sleeves by providing a precise alignment solution. Reduced vibration, wear, and potential breakdowns contribute to smoother submarine operations and increased reliability.
[13] Another objective of the present disclosure is to smoother maintenance procedures when used during maintenance operations, enables technicians to maintain consistent alignment and reduces the risk of misalignment due to human error.
[14] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is that the disclosed alignment tool can be adapted to various submarine hull configurations and sizes, making it a versatile solution for different submarine models and designs.
[15] In light of the above, in one aspect of the present disclosure, an alignment tool is disclosed herein. The alignment tool is composed of mild steel U-Channels, angles, plates, and nut bolts, along with four sets of adjustment mechanisms. These adjustment mechanisms enable precise alignment in all four directions: vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, and lateral.
[16] In one embodiment, the alignment tool includes threaded rods with locking nuts for the first set of adjustment mechanisms, precision screws and guides for the second set, sliding plates with locking mechanisms for the third set, and lateral adjustment plates with calibrated markings for the fourth set. This configuration allows for easy and precise adjustments in all four directions, ensuring accurate alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve.
[17] In another embodiment, the alignment tool may include a haptic feedback mechanism, providing tactile feedback to operators when making adjustments. The haptic feedback helps operators maintain a steady hand during the alignment process, enhancing precision.
[18] In one another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for aligning the stern gland hull sleeve is disclosed herein. The method involves securing the alignment tool to the submarine hull, making initial adjustments using the adjustment mechanisms, conducting precision measurements, and using the adjustment mechanisms for incremental adjustments. After achieving the desired alignment, the adjustment mechanisms are locked in place to maintain the accurate alignment during subsequent welding operations.
[19] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[20] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
[21] These elements, together with the other aspects of the present disclosure and various features are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of the present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[22] To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can derive other implementations from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts. All of the embodiments or the implementations shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
[23] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
[24] FIG. 1 illustrates a structural view of an alignment tool for Stern Gland hull sleeve, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[25] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a non-limiting method for aligning a stern gland hull sleeve with the submarine axis using the alignment tool of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[26] Like reference, numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawing.
[27] The alignment tool and the method thereof are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[28] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[29] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It may be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[30] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term is used, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[31] The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
[32] The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.
[33] Referring now to FIG. 1 to describe various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 1 illustrates a structural view of an alignment tool 100for Stern Gland hull sleeve, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[34] The tools consist of four numbers of vertical U-channels (1) which are welded on horizontal U-channels as indicated in the drawing. Two equal angles (3) are welded on top of vertical U-channels and two equal angles are welded on horizontal U-channels. Four numbers of brackets are welded on horizontal U-channels for support. The nut and bolts (5, 6 and 7) are provided on equal angles in order to align the Stern Gland hull sleeve properly at the center of Submarine Axis.
[35] The alignment tool 100 may include a combination of mild steel U-Channels, angles, plates, and nut bolts, along with four sets of adjustment mechanisms that are integrated into the alignment tool to enable precise alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve in all four directions: vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, and lateral.
[36] The first set of adjustment mechanisms may comprise threaded rods with locking nuts to ensure secure and controlled adjustments. These adjustment mechanisms are attached to the mild steel U-Channels, facilitating incremental adjustments in the vertical alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve.
[37] The second set of adjustment mechanisms may comprise precision screws and guides used to enable fine-tuning of the horizontal alignment. The second set of adjustment mechanisms is connected to the mild steel angles, designed to deliver accurate adjustments in the horizontal alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve.
[38] The third set of adjustment mechanisms may comprise sliding plates and locking mechanisms to provide the required adjustments in this direction. The third set of adjustment mechanisms is integrated with the mild steel plates, facilitating precise fine-tuning of the longitudinal alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve.
[39] The third set of adjustment mechanisms may comprise lateral adjustment plates with calibrated markings allowing for accurate lateral alignment. The fourth set of adjustment mechanisms is integrated with the mild steel U-Channels, enabling precise alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve in the lateral direction.
[40] Referring now to FIG. 2 to describe various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a non-limiting method 200 for aligning a stern gland hull sleeve with the submarine axis using the alignment tool 100.
[41] The method 200 involves securely attaching the alignment tool 100 is to the submarine hull at 202 using clamping mechanisms to ensure a stable and rigid positioning of the tool during the alignment process.
[42] Initial adjustments are made at 204 using the four sets of adjustment mechanisms in the alignment tool 100. The threaded rods with locking nuts in the first set, precision screws and guides in the second set, sliding plates and locking mechanisms in the third set, and lateral adjustment plates in the fourth set are utilized to achieve approximate alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve.
[43] Precision measurements are conducted at 206 using laser measurement devices or other suitable tools to determine the deviation from the desired alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve.
[44] Based on the precision measurements at 206, incremental adjustments are made using the four sets of adjustment mechanisms at 208. Fine-tuning adjustments are carried out in each plane to achieve precise alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve.
[45] After achieving the desired alignment within the specified tolerance (1mm), the adjustment mechanisms are locked in place at 210. Locking nuts, clamps, or similar mechanisms secure the adjustments to maintain the precise alignment during subsequent welding operations. This step ensures that the stern gland hull sleeve remains accurately aligned, providing a strong and watertight seal between the interior of submarine and the surrounding water.
[46] The method 200 may further include verifying the accuracy of the alignment at 212 by conducting final measurements after locking the adjustment mechanisms in place. This step ensures that the stern gland hull sleeve is aligned with the submarine axis within the specified tolerance, validating the effectiveness of the alignment process.
[47] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[48] A person of ordinary skill in the art may be aware that, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, units and algorithm steps may be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof.
[49] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[50] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
[51] In a case that no conflict occurs, the embodiments in the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments may be mutually combined. The foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.
,CLAIMS:I/We Claim:
1. An alignment tool (100) for accurately aligning a stern gland hull sleeve with the submarine axis, comprising of:
a set of mild steel U-Channels, angles, plates, and nut bolts;
a first set of adjustment mechanisms attached to said mild steel U-Channels;
a second set of adjustment mechanisms attached to said mild steel angles;
a third set of adjustment mechanisms connected to said mild steel plates;
a fourth set of adjustment mechanisms integrated with said mild steel U-Channels.
2. The alignment tool (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of adjustment mechanisms comprises threaded rods with locking nuts configured to provide incremental adjustments in the vertical alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve.
3. The alignment tool (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second set of adjustment mechanisms includes precision screws and guides, designed to deliver accurate adjustments in the horizontal alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve.
4. The alignment tool (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third set of adjustment mechanisms consists of sliding plates and locking mechanisms, facilitating precise fine-tuning of the longitudinal alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve.
5. The alignment tool (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fourth set of adjustment mechanisms comprises lateral adjustment plates with calibrated markings, enabling precise alignment of the stern gland hull sleeve in the lateral direction.
6. A method (200) for aligning a stern gland hull sleeve with the submarine axis using an alignment tool, the method comprising:
securing the alignment tool to the submarine hull;
making initial adjustments using the first, second, third, and fourth sets of adjustment mechanisms;
conducting precision measurements;
utilizing the first, second, third, and fourth sets of adjustment mechanisms; and
locking the adjustment mechanisms in place during subsequent welding operations (210).
7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein locking the adjustment mechanisms in place during subsequent welding operations involves securing the adjustment mechanisms with locking nuts or clamps.
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising verifying the accuracy of the alignment by conducting final measurements after locking the adjustment mechanisms in place.