DESC:This complete specification seeks priority from provisional application number 202221044272 filed on 2nd day of August, 2022 with title “CRADLE FOR STIFFENING OF GRP PANEL OF THE SUBMARINE”

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[1] The present disclosure relates generally relates to the field of naval engineering and submarine construction, and more specifically, relates to a cradle, a specialized platform for enhancing the stiffness of Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) panels used in the construction of submarines.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[2] Submarines are advanced watercraft capable of independent underwater operation. In their construction, engineers use various materials to achieve strength, buoyancy, and durability. One such material widely used is Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP), also known as Glass-Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP). GRP panels offer numerous advantages, including high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ease of moulding into complex shapes. These panels are crucial components in the casing and other external structures of submarines, providing shape continuity, shelter for equipment, and a platform for personnel and material movement while in harbour.
[3] While GRP panels provide several benefits, achieving the required stiffness is essential for their effective use in submarines. Submarine GRP panels are supported by ribs, which are subsequently bolted to the external structure of the submarine. However, these GRP panels are initially provided without foam filling in the ribs. Consequently, to meet the necessary stiffness requirements, foam filling becomes imperative before the panels are installed onboard the submarine. Stiffening ensures that the panels can withstand the mechanical stresses and environmental pressures experienced during the submarine's underwater operations.
[4] Currently, the process of stiffening submarine GRP panels involves using various methods and tools to achieve the desired rigidity. Among the techniques employed, the use of wooden or metal supports has been common. These supports are manually positioned to provide structural reinforcement to the panels. However, such traditional methods often lack the precision required for complex geometries and large-scale submarine structures.
[5] Additionally, some existing tools for stiffening GRP panels may not be specifically designed for submarine applications. Consequently, they might not align perfectly with the panels' shapes, leading to potential inconsistencies in the stiffness achieved across the surface. This lack of precision can compromise the overall performance and structural integrity of the submarine, posing risks during its operational life.
[6] Thus, in light of the above-stated discussion, there exists a need for a more efficient and accurate solution to stiffen submarine GRP panels.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[7] 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.
[8] According to illustrative embodiments, the present disclosure focuses on a cradle for stiffening of GRP panels of submarines which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages or provides the users with a useful or commercial choice.
[9] The present disclosure solves all the above major limitations of stiffening of GRP panels used in submarine construction. Further, the present disclosure ensures that the disclosed system may provide a novel "Cradle for stiffening of GRP panels of submarines" and a corresponding method for enhancing the stiffness and structural integrity of Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) panels used in submarine construction.
[10] An objective of the present disclosure is to revolutionize the stiffening process of Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) panels used in submarine construction by introducing a cradle for stiffening of GRP panels of submarines.
[11] Another objective of the present disclosure is to enhance the structural integrity and stiffness of GRP panels used in submarines by providing a precise and consistent stiffening mechanism, the disclosed cradle and method contribute to the overall performance and durability of submarines.
[12] Another objective of the present disclosure is to improve submarine operational efficiency by offering an efficient and effective method for stiffening GRP panels. The telescopic framework, alignment features, and user-friendly components of the cradle enhance the stiffening process, making it easier and more streamlined for naval engineers and personnel.
[13] Another objective of the present disclosure is to reduce manual labour and time-consuming practices in stiffening GRP panels. The alignment features and adjustable framework allow for precise and rapid foam-filling of the ribs, optimizing the overall construction process.
[14] Another objective of the present disclosure is to achieve consistent and reliable stiffening of GRP panels. The disclosed cradle, with its precise alignment and foam-filling platform, ensures uniform stiffness across the entire surface of the GRP panels, eliminating potential weak points or distortions.
[15] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to foster advancements in naval engineering by providing an innovative and effective solution for stiffening GRP panels.
[16] In light of the above, in one aspect of the present disclosure, a cradle for stiffening of GRP panels of submarines is disclosed herein. The cradle comprises a telescopic framework made from steel square tubes, channels, angle plates, and nut bolts. The cradle also includes a means to align the telescopic framework with the GRP panels in all three dimensions and a support structure for the cradle to be positioned securely on the casing of the submarine.
[17] In one embodiment, the adjustable framework accommodates GRP panels of varying widths, ranging from 1.5 meters to 9.5 meters.
[18] In one embodiment, the cradle features a unique means to align the telescopic framework precisely with the GRP panels in all three dimensions, utilizing precision guides and locking mechanisms for stable positioning during the stiffening process.
[19] In one embodiment, the cradle incorporates cushioning elements and convenient handles or grips attached to the telescopic framework.
[20] In one another aspect of the present disclosure, the method for effectively stiffening GRP panels using the innovative cradle is disclosed herein.
[21] The method involves providing the cradle, adjusting its dimensions to fit the GRP panels, aligning the cradle with the panels, securely positioning the cradle on the submarine casing, and filling the GRP panel ribs with foam using the cradle as a platform. The result is improved stiffness and structural integrity of the GRP panels, making them suitable for use in submarines.
[22] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[23] 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.
[24] 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
[25] 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.
[26] 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:
[27] FIG. 1 illustrates a structural view of a cradle for stiffening of GRP panels of submarines, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[28] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of non-limiting method for stiffening GRP panels of submarines using a cradle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[29] Like reference, numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawing.
[30] The cradle and method for stiffening of GRP panels of submarines is 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
[31] 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.
[32] 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.
[33] 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.
[34] 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.
[35] The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.
[36] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to describe various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 1 illustrates a structural view of a cradle for stiffening of GRP panels of submarines 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[37] The cradle 100 may comprise a telescopic framework expertly fabricated from steel square tubes, channels, angle plates, and nut bolts. The cradle 100 may also include a means to align the telescopic framework with the GRP panels in all three dimensions and a support structure for the cradle 100 to be positioned securely on the casing of the submarine.
[38] The cradle consist of various 10 componentshorizonatllay laid C-Channels(1). These C-Channels are connected with vertical C-Channels(13) at both ends with of plates(5) welded on both the C-channels using nut bolts(6, 7) arrangement. These C-Channels are welded with Sqaure tubes(2, 18, 8, 11, 20). These Square tubes forms telescopic arragment with smaller size square tubes (3, 19, 9, 12, 21). The outer square tubes are welded with nuts(7) to hold the inner square tube by tightening the bolts(6). The top end of smaller square tube is welded with swivel pad assembly as indicated in the drawing(4, 22, 23, 25, 26 27). The horizaontal C-Channels are connected together by welding C-channels(10). The intermediate support is provided for the assembly by welding equal angles(14, 15 16, 17). The curvature of GRP is adjusted by adjustin the length of telescopic square tube assembly. The surface of GRP is supported by adjusting the screw swivel arragmnent provided on the top of the square tube assembly.
[39] The telescopic design of the cradle 100 may allow for easy adjustment of the dimensions of cradle 100, making it versatile and capable of accommodating GRP panels with varying widths. The cradle 100 is designed specifically for Submarine GRP panels stiffening, providing a tailored solution for the unique requirements of this submarine class.
[40] The cradle 100 may be equipped with the means to align the telescopic framework with the GRP panels in all three dimensions. Precision guides and locking mechanisms are employed to ensure accurate and stable positioning during the foam-filling process. This alignment process is crucial for achieving consistent stiffness across the entire surface of the GRP panels.
[41] The cradle 100 may also be equipped with a support structure that enables secure positioning on the casing of the submarine. The support structure includes adjustable legs with non-slip feet, allowing the cradle 100 to be securely placed on the submarine's surface regardless of its inclination.
[42] Moreover, adjustable brackets or clamps are incorporated into the support structure, providing flexibility in foam-filling operations and ensuring that the cradle 100 can be positioned on different sections of the submarine casing.
[43] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of non-limiting method for stiffening GRP panels of submarines using the cradle 100. The method 200 may involve providing a cradle 100 at 202, adjusting the dimensions of the cradle 100 at 204, aligning the telescopic framework with the GRP panels at 206, securing the cradle 100 on the casing of the submarine at 208, and filling the ribs of the GRP panels with foam using the cradle 100 as a platform at 210.
[44] The first step of the method 200 may involve providing the cradle 100 comprising the telescopic framework constructed from steel square tubes, channels, angle plates, and nut bolts at 202.
[45] The cradle 100 dimensions may be adjusted to correspond to the width of the GRP panels to be stiffened, accomplished through an extension mechanism within the telescopic framework at 204. This adjustment ensures a precise fit for GRP panels ranging from 1.5 meters to 9.5 meters in width.
[46] The telescopic framework is aligned with the GRP panels in all three dimensions using precision guides and locking mechanisms at 206. Once aligned, the cradle 100 is securely positioned on the casing of the submarine at 208. The support structure of the cradle includes adjustable legs with non-slip feet and adjustable brackets or clamps.
[47] Finally, the method may involve filling the ribs of the GRP panels with foam using the cradle 100 as a platform at 210. After the foam-filling process, quality inspections may be conducted to verify the achieved stiffness and make any necessary adjustments using the cradle 100 for optimal results.
[48] 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.
[49] 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.
[50] 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.
[51] 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.
[52] 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. A cradle (100) for stiffening of GRP panels of submarines,the cradle (100) comprising:
a telescopic framework constructed from steel square tubes, channels, angle plates, and nut bolts;
a means to align the telescopic framework with the GRP panels in all three dimensions; and
a support structure for the cradle to be positioned securely on the casing of the submarine.
2. The cradle (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising cushioning elements and handles or grips attached to the telescopic framework.
3. The cradle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the telescopic framework further comprises an extension mechanism that enables adjustment of the cradle (100) dimensions to accommodate GRP panels of varying widths ranging from 1.5 meters to 9.5 meters.
4. The cradle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means to align the telescopic framework with the GRP panels in all three dimensions includes precision guides and locking mechanisms.
5. The cradle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure includes adjustable legs with non-slip feet and adjustable brackets or clamps.
6. A method (200) for stiffening GRP panels of submarines, the method (200) comprising:
providing a cradle comprising a telescopic framework constructed from steel square tubes, channels, angle plates, and nut bolts (202);
adjusting the dimensions of the cradle to correspond to the width of the GRP panels to be stiffened (204);
aligning the telescopic framework with the GRP panels in all three dimensions using precision guides and locking mechanisms (206);
securing the cradle on the casing of the submarine (208); and
filling the ribs of the GRP panels with foam using the cradle as a platform (210).