초록 ▼

A system of articulation units is inserted between sections of a standard lindrical underwater vehicle, such as a torpedo, to provide a highly maneuverable vehicle. Each articulation unit consists of two bulkheads connected by a spherical joint which allows rotation about the joint. The bulkheads ar

A system of articulation units is inserted between sections of a standard lindrical underwater vehicle, such as a torpedo, to provide a highly maneuverable vehicle. Each articulation unit consists of two bulkheads connected by a spherical joint which allows rotation about the joint. The bulkheads are connected to adjacent torpedo sections by means of standard joint bands. A number of hydraulic actuators are spaced radially about the spherical joint between the bulkheads. By selectively activating the actuators, the joint bends the vehicle about its longitudinal axis. The pressure of the surrounding medium against the moving vehicle causes the vehicle to turn in the direction of the bend. Depending on the actuators activated, the vehicle can be made to bend, or turn, in any direction, making for a highly maneuverable vehicle. The articulation units have flexible cover membranes over the space between the bulkheads so as to present a smooth surface to the surrounding medium and hence not appreciably increase the drag on the torpedo.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A highly maneuverable underwater vehicle having an elongated shape and comprising:at least two sections;at least one first bulkhead transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle;at least one second bulkhead transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and space

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A highly maneuverable underwater vehicle having an elongated shape and comprising:at least two sections;at least one first bulkhead transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle;at least one second bulkhead transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and spaced a distance apart from the at least one first bulkhead along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle;at least one sphere attached to the at least one first bulkhead and extending in the direction of the at least one second bulkhead; andat least one concave, partial spherical surface receptor member attached to the at least one second bulkhead and extending in the direction of the at least one first bulkhead for receiving the at least one sphere in a manner preventing movement of the at least one sphere away from the at least one receptor member and allowing rotation of the at least one sphere within the at least one receptor member, the at least one first bulkhead, at least one second bulkhead, at least one sphere and at least one receptor member forming at least one articulation unit connecting adjacent sections of the vehicle, the at least one articulation unit providing for controlled angular rotation of adjacent sections with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sections, the angular rotation causing the vehicle to turn in the direction of the rotation when the vehicle is propelled through the water by a pushing force, the rotation of the sphere corresponding to the angular rotation of the sections of the vehicle.