Ships – Torpedoes – Steering mechanism
Patent
1996-10-10
1998-01-13
Carone, Michael J.
Ships
Torpedoes
Steering mechanism
114 201, 244 31, 244 321, 244 323, F42B 1000
Patent
active
057082324
ABSTRACT:
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.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2594766 (1952-04-01), Goddard
patent: 2654334 (1953-10-01), Wheeler
patent: 3356150 (1967-12-01), Ruszczycky et al.
patent: 3461829 (1969-08-01), Mosvold
patent: 3748711 (1973-07-01), Smith
patent: 4076187 (1978-02-01), Metz
patent: 4579298 (1986-04-01), Thomson
patent: 5139216 (1992-08-01), Larkin
Carone Michael J.
Gauthier Robert W.
Lall Prithvi C.
Lattig Matthew J.
McGowan Michael J.
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