ES2956932A1 - Fluid spray device (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for spraying a fluid comprising: a flight module (100) configured to fly over a certain fluid projection position, and to project a fluid over the fluid projection position, where the flight module (1) 100) is configured to connect to a hose; a deployment module (400), configured to allow the deployment or retraction of the flight module (100) by means of a motorized reel (401) configured to allow the winding of the hose, where the deployment module (400) comprises a regulator pressure (403) configured to connect with the hose and to regulate the pressure of the fluid through the hose, and; a control module (200), configured to regulate the power supplied to the flight module (100) and the deployment module (400), and to allow a user of the device (1) to enter instructions for the operation of the device (1). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Fluid spray device

Object of the invention

The present invention refers to a fluid spraying device, especially conceived as a maritime camouflage device and especially indicated for camouflaging a ship against projectiles equipped with infrared (IR) guidance systems.

The fluid spraying device designed especially as a maritime camouflage device object of the present invention allows reducing the effectiveness of the IR guidance system of a projectile directed against a ship that uses the device of the invention, managing to confuse the projectile so that it “lose sight” of the ship and produce its detonation without impact and at a sufficient distance from the ship so as not to cause substantial damage to it.

However, the device for spraying a fluid that is the object of the present invention can also be used as an irrigation system or as a fire extinguishing system, projecting water onto a crop surface or onto a burned area.

The device for spraying a fluid that is the object of the present invention, in its conception as a maritime camouflage device, is of special application in the naval industry and, more particularly, in the protection of ships or boats that carry a critical load due to their interest. economic and/or military.

Background of the invention and technical problem to be solved

Currently, missiles used to hit naval targets use different technologies to try to ensure that they meet their objective of damaging or destroying ships.

Thus, these missiles (generally, “projectiles”), generally self-propelled, can have:

a) High speed and agility: they are capable of traveling 1 km in three seconds and making abrupt turns in their trajectory that make their interception difficult in the event that a defense projectile is launched from the “target” ship that seeks to intercept the attacking projectile.

b) Some missiles can be extremely stealthy in the early stages of their flight, by not emitting energy with their radar and using the signal emitted by another (e.g. launching aircraft) for guidance.

c) Some missiles, during flight, may receive target reassignments, whether it is decided to attack another target other than the one initially assigned, or if the target has been better discriminated against the countermeasures with which it intends to hide.

d) For the last stages of the flight, they use infrared and echo radar images of the target for better discernment of the target among the decoys.

On the other hand, with regard to the defensive measures against missiles with which some ships are usually equipped, the following are worth highlighting:

- Guided interception systems. As already mentioned, some vessels have a defensive system based on missiles designed and configured to intercept another missile that is directed against the vessel. For their correct operation, these systems need: rapid detection of the launch of the missile along with the possibility of following the flight path with sufficient precision to guide the interceptor missile or guided munition.

- Concealment systems. Its purpose is to "deceive" the missile's sensors ("seekers"). Heat sources are generated against the missile's infrared sensors (for example by means of flares) that make it difficult to locate the thermal image of the ship, and radioelectric signals are generated against the radar sensors or decoys are launched that reflect the signals of the attacking radar and thus The location of the ship's radar image is difficult.

- Given the possibility of failure of the two defensive systems mentioned above, for short-range defense (very few hundred meters around the ship and low altitude), cannons with a high rate of fire are used to saturate the approach route of the ship. missile with a large number of projectiles. The success of the interception relies more on a high probability of impact than on precision aiming.

- Lately, systems based on “illuminating” the missile with powerful laser or microwave signals are being deployed (almost experimentally), with which to saturate or damage the missile systems through the large amount of heat energy that this “illumination” provides. generates in it.

However, the different defensive systems mentioned above have, to a greater or lesser extent, certain disadvantages, among which it is worth highlighting:

- In the event of repeated attacks in a short period of time, the ship may be short of “single-use” material: missiles and defensive ammunition, or radar and infrared decoys.

- Although the management of defensive systems has numerous automatisms, these defensive systems nevertheless require continuous attention by highly qualified personnel. A higher qualification of personnel is usually associated with a lower availability of personnel.

- Each defensive system requires maintenance intervals, including the replacement of parts subject to wear and calibration of sensors, during which the system is at least partially inoperative.

Description of the invention

In order to solve the aforementioned drawbacks, the present invention refers to a fluid spraying device, especially indicated to function as a maritime camouflage device.

The fluid spraying device, object of the present invention, comprises:

<o>a flight module configured to fly, by means of an actuation block (or propulsion assembly), over a given fluid projection position, and to project a fluid (e.g., water) onto the fluid projection position by a watering block (or spray assembly), where the flight module is configured to connect to a hose via a connection block (preferably comprising a connection nozzle);

<o>a deployment module, configured to allow the deployment or retraction of the flight module by means of a motorized reel configured to allow the winding of the hose connected to the flight module (the reel allows the hose to be wound or unwound from said reel with the aid of motorization), where the deployment module comprises a pressure regulator configured to connect with the hose and to regulate the pressure of the fluid through the hose to the flight module, and;

<o>a control module (or base), configured to regulate the power supplied to the flight module and the deployment module through a power submodule (which draws power from the electrical grid and/or from an on-board electrical system a vehicle, for example a ship or vessel), where the control module comprises a human-machine interface submodule (for example a touch screen or a keyboard and a screen, associated with a computer) configured to allow a user of the device to enter instructions for operating the device.

By means of the fluid spraying device described above, the flight module is allowed to be deployed over a projection position (an area in which there is a fire that must be put out, or a crop area that must be watered, or an area over which a curtain of fluid must be projected for the camouflage of a ship) and flies over said projection position, where a user or operator can control the operation of the device through the control module.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a supply module, configured to regulate the flow rate of fluid supplied to the hose by means of a flow regulator submodule (which for example comprises a valve).

This supply module may comprise a thermal regulator submodule configured to produce heating of the fluid to a certain temperature. This feature is especially useful when the fluid spray device functions as a maritime camouflage device, since the spray of hot fluid helps to camouflage a vessel or vessel from the IR detection systems of a projectile fired at said vessel or vessel. .

Preferably, the deployment module comprises a lightning protection submodule configured (for example, by means of a circuit breaker) to prevent the spread of lightning through the hose, to or from the flight module and, above all, not to cause damage. on the ship.

Also preferably, the connection block comprises a rotary joint that allows the irrigation block to rotate freely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the hose. This allows the flight module (and specifically the irrigation block) to be oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hose according to a plurality of planes.

According to a possible embodiment of the fluid spraying device, the actuation (or propulsion) block comprises a plurality of propellers distributed close to the perimeter of the flight module (for example, forming a regular hexagon configuration). This makes it possible to stabilize the flight module over the projection position, as well as to ensure the propulsion of the flight module, for example, during deployment and retracting maneuvers, and also ensures that the flight module can be oriented with an attitude (tilt relative to to a horizontal plane) determined, independently regulating the rotation speed of each propeller.

The irrigation block preferably comprises at least one spray nozzle configured to project the fluid flow onto the projection position. The number and geometry of spray nozzles may depend on the particular application of the fluid spray device.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the at least one spray nozzle comprises a geometry with a longitudinal dimension substantially greater than a transverse dimension, so that the at least one spray nozzle is configured to project the flow of fluid from so that the fluid curtain is formed over the projection position. This embodiment is especially indicated for the application of the invention as a maritime camouflage device, generating a curtain of water that is placed between the missile or projectile and the ship or ship.

Preferably, the actuation block is articulated with the irrigation block by means of a rotation axis configured to allow an angular displacement between the irrigation block and the actuation block. This allows the flight module to vary its attitude in situations in which fluid is being projected from the irrigation block.

Preferably, the fluid spraying device is configured so that the angular displacement allowed between the irrigation block and the actuation block is at least ± 30°.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the hose comprises a central conduit for channeling fluid and an electrical power conduit, isolated from the central conduit, configured to provide electrical power to the flight module. This feature allows, in addition to being able to provide fluid for continuously to the flight module, also provide electrical power to the flight module, making it possible for the flight module to not require heavy batteries installed on board.

Also according to a possible embodiment of the invention, the hose is configured to transmit data to/from the flight module, through electrical power conduction and through PLC communication.

When the fluid spraying device, object of the present invention, is used as a maritime camouflage device, sea water is preferably used, so that fluid shortage problems are avoided by always having a source of fluid. enough.

A ship that is capable of creating and maintaining camouflage using a water curtain will be able to distort and attenuate the infrared and radar signals that guide the missile. That is, it will have a defensive tool that can even be complemented by those existing in the state of the art.

Likewise, when the fluid spraying device, object of the present invention, is used as a maritime camouflage device, numerous advantages are obtained over other camouflage solutions of the state of the art.

Compared to the existing systems described above, the device of the present invention presents less demanding logistics requirements, because it does not consume single-use material: missiles, ammunition, flares or metal strips: Which provides:

- Low operation and deployment cost.

- Fewer restrictions to start a mission in which there is doubt between a real threat or a false threat; This leads to less tension in operational personnel and in the chain of command.

- It can be operated without degradation of performance during a continuous attack with several missiles.

- In its operation, the device of the invention does not depend on GPS positioning, (although it may have a GPS receiver that can provide useful information to the operator).

- Its control and telemetry preferably do not propagate via radio, so the device of the present invention has high immunity against electromagnetic countermeasures that may be present.

- The device of the present invention emits very little radioelectric energy which reduces the possibility of interfering with other defensive systems.

- New equipment can be manufactured on board (with 3D printing and a reduced list of components), which allows for new fluid spray devices if required.

- Maintenance of the device of the invention is simpler than maintenance of other state-of-the-art camouflage solutions, because it has few parts and because it does not require calibrations.

- The storage of equipment and spare parts does not entail the restrictions imposed by flammable or explosive materials present in other state-of-the-art camouflage solutions.

- The device of the invention allows rapid deployment, even on civil ships:

oil tankers, or commercial freighters.

Brief description of the figures

A figure is briefly described here as a non-limiting example, which helps to better understand the invention:

Figure 1: shows in a block diagram the different elements, modules and submodules that are part of a possible embodiment of the fluid spraying device object of the present invention

Figure 2: shows a top perspective view of the flight module, according to a possible embodiment of the fluid spraying device that is the object of the present invention.

Figure 3: Shows a bottom perspective view of the flight module of Figure 2.

Figure 4: Shows a side view of the flight module of Figure 2.

Detailed description

The present invention refers, as mentioned above, to a device (1) for spraying a fluid, especially conceived as a maritime camouflage device.

Figure 1 shows, schematically, the different modules and submodules that make up the fluid spraying device (1), object of the present invention.

The fluid spraying device (1) comprises a flight module (100), a control module (200), a supply module (300) and a deployment module (400).

The flight module (100) comprises different elements, mainly grouped into: an actuation block (101), a connection block (102) and an irrigation block (103).

The control module (200) comprises a human-machine interface submodule (201) (H-M interface) and a power submodule (202). The control module (200) is preferably connected to the ship's electrical system.

The supply module (300) comprises a flow regulator submodule (301) and a thermal regulator submodule (302).

Finally, the deployment module (400) comprises different elements among which it is worth highlighting: a motorized reel (401), a lightning protection submodule (402) and a pressure regulator (403).

The flight module (100) is connected to the supply module (300) by a hose (not shown).

The supply module (300) is connected to the control module (200).

The flight module (100) is configured to generate a curtain of hot water that is interposed between the ship (not shown) and the projectile (not shown).

This water curtain reduces and/or distorts the optical visibility of the vessel from the projectile and, additionally, distorts the thermal visibility in the IR spectrum, nullifying or minimizing the ability to distinguish the vessel by the projectile's IR detection systems.

The control module (200) is configured to send instructions to the supply module (300), about a certain flow rate of water that must be supplied to the flight module (100) through the hose, as well as the pressure at the at which said flow of water must be supplied and the temperature at which said flow of water must be supplied.

The control module (200) sends these instructions to the supply module (300), based on information entered by a user through the human-machine interface submodule (201).

Additionally, the control module (200) is configured to supply, through the energy submodule (202), the necessary energy to the supply module (300) so that the supply module (300) commands, through the flow regulator submodule (301), a valve for regulating the flow of water and, through the thermal regulator submodule (302), a heating system (located on board the ship or vessel and/or in the hose) for heating the water to a certain temperature. , sufficient for the water curtain generated by the flight module (100) to produce distortion of the thermal image in the IR spectrum captured by the IR detection systems of the projectile.

Additionally, the control module (200) is configured to supply, through the power submodule (202), the necessary energy to the pressure regulator (403) of the deployment module (400). Said pressure regulator (403) can be, for example, a water delivery pump for the pressurized delivery of water through the hose.

Additionally, the control module (200) is configured to supply, through the power submodule (202), the necessary power to the motorized reel (401) of the deployment module (400). The motorized reel (401) is configured to rotate at a certain speed (determined based on the speed and direction of travel of the flight module (100)), to allow the flight module (100) to take off and move at the same time. required speed to its deployment position, as well as perform the necessary movements during its operation and return to land on the ship at the time when its withdrawal is required.

The control module (200) is also configured to provide, through the energy submodule (202), the energy necessary for the flight of the flight module (100) and for the operation of the internal systems of the flight module (100). .

The hose is configured to supply the flight module (100) with pressurized water heated to a certain temperature, through a central conduit of the hose.

Likewise, the hose includes an electrical conduit, conveniently isolated from the central water conduit, to provide electrical power to the flight module (100), necessary to fly and maneuver the flight module.

Likewise, the hose is configured to transmit control data to/from the flight module (100), preferably through electrical power conduction and through PLC communication (Power Link Communications).

As previously introduced, the flight module (100) comprises an actuation block (101), a connection block (102) and an irrigation block (103).

The connection block (102) comprises the hydraulic connection to receive the flow of pressurized water from the central water conduit of the hose and channel it to the irrigation block (103).

Likewise, the connection block (102) includes the electrical power connection to receive electrical power from the electrical conduction of the hose and channel it towards the actuation block (103), as well as towards other possible systems (telemetry systems) of the module. flight (100).

Preferably, the connection block (102) also includes the data connection, for the remote control of the flight module (100), responsible for receiving instructions from the control module (200), as well as channeling telemetry information. (data from sensors located in the flight module (100)) sent from the flight module (100) to the control module (200).

The hose and the connection block (102) are preferably joined in correspondence with a rotary joint that allows the irrigation block (103) to rotate freely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the hose.

Figure 3 and Figure 4 show, schematically, a possible external configuration of the connection block (102) of the flight module (100), in the form of a connection nozzle (102a) with a rotating joint.

The actuation block (101) comprises the propulsion system of the flight module (100). This flight system may comprise a set of propellers (for example 6 propellers arranged at the vertices of a regular hexagon) configured to produce lift and propulsion of the flight module (100). The actuation block (101) may comprise the electric motors responsible for moving the propellers, the electrical energy regulation source, the electronic system that governs the propellers, the inertial sensors of the flight module (100) and the telemetry and remote control

Figure 2 and Figure 3 show schematically a possible configuration of the flight module (100) with the housings (101a) configured to house the propellers of the actuation block (101), distributed throughout the area. perimeter of the flight module (100).

The irrigation block (103) comprises one or more spray nozzles (103a) (or sprayers) configured to project the flow of pressurized water heated to a certain temperature, generating a curtain of water to camouflage the ship or boat. The irrigation block (103) may also comprise a water pump or compressor.

There may be a set of spray nozzles (103a) distributed along at least one section of the perimeter of the flight module (100), or there may be a single spray nozzle (103a), with a geometry with a substantially longitudinal dimension. greater than a transverse dimension, configured to project the flow of water so that the water curtain is formed to camouflage the ship or vessel.

Preferably, between the irrigation block (103) and the actuation block (101) there is an articulated connection by means of a shaft with bearings, so that a certain angular displacement is allowed (for example an angle of ± 30°) between the irrigation block (103) and the actuation block (101). The angle between the actuation block (101) and the irrigation block (103) can be measured, for example, by means of two redundant potentiometers located at each end of the axis of rotation of the irrigation block (103) and the actuation block (101). ).

Depending on the desired deployment position of the flight module (100) and/or the speed required for the movement of the flight module (100), also depending on the length of the deployed hose, whether the hose is full whether water or not, and the pressure of the water supply and projection of the water curtain, the actuation block (101) produces the propulsion and support of the flight module (100) with the energy necessary for its desired operation, There being an angle between the irrigation block (103) and the actuation block (101) so that the flight module (100) moves and/or positions itself with the necessary attitude when the water curtain is being projected from the module. irrigation (103).

The lightning protection submodule (402) of the deployment module (400) comprises at least one circuit breaker for protection against lightning that could propagate through the hose, from or to the flight module (100).

Optionally, the flight module may incorporate a location device configured to receive a global positioning signal (e.g., GPS).

Claims (12)

1. Device (1) for spraying a fluid characterized by comprising: <o>a flight module (100) configured to fly, by means of an actuation block (101), over a certain fluid projection position, and to project a fluid over the fluid projection position by means of a irrigation block ( 103), where the flight module (100) is configured to connect to a hose via a connection block (102); <o>a deployment module (400), configured to allow the deployment or retraction of the flight module (100) by means of a motorized reel (401) configured to allow the winding of the hose connected to the flight module (100), wherein the deployment module (400) comprises a pressure regulator (403) configured to connect with the hose and to regulate the pressure of the fluid through the hose to the flight module (100), and; <o>a control module (200), configured to regulate the power supplied to the flight module (100) and the deployment module (400) through a power submodule (202), where the control module (200) comprises a human-machine interface submodule (201) configured to allow a user of the device (1) to enter instructions for the operation of the device (1). 2. Device (1) for spraying a fluid according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a supply module (300), configured to regulate the flow rate of fluid supplied to the hose by means of a flow regulator submodule (301). 3. Device (1) for spraying a fluid according to claim 2, characterized in that the supply module (300) comprises a thermal regulator submodule (302) configured to produce heating of the fluid to a certain temperature. 4. Device (1) for spraying a fluid according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deployment module (400) comprises a lightning protection submodule (402) configured to prevent the propagation of lightning through the hose, from or towards the flight module (100). 5. Device (1) for spraying a fluid according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection block (102) comprises a rotating joint that allows the irrigation block (103) to rotate freely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the hose. 6. Device (1) for spraying a fluid according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation block (101) comprises a plurality of propellers distributed close to the perimeter of the flight module (100). 7. Device (1) for spraying a fluid according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the irrigation block (103) comprises at least one spray nozzle (103a) configured to project the fluid flow onto the projection position. 8. Device (1) for spraying a fluid according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one spray nozzle (103a) comprises a geometry with a longitudinal dimension substantially greater than a transverse dimension, so that the at least one nozzle The spray jet (103a) is configured to project the fluid flow so that the fluid curtain is formed over the projection position. 9. Device (1) for spraying a fluid according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation block (101) is articulated with the irrigation block (103) by means of a rotation axis configured to allow an angular displacement between the irrigation block (103) and the actuation block (101). 10. Device (1) for spraying a fluid according to claim 9, characterized in that the angular displacement allowed between the irrigation block (103) and the actuation block (101) is at least ± 30°. 11. Device (1) for spraying a fluid according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hose comprises a central conduit for channeling fluid and an electrical power conduit, isolated from the central conduit, configured to provide electrical power to the module. flight (100). 12. Device (1) for spraying a fluid according to claim 11, characterized in that the hose is configured to transmit data to/from the flight module (100), through electrical power conduction and through communication. PLC.