CA2234359A1 - An easily deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device - Google Patents

An easily deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2234359A1
CA2234359A1 CA 2234359 CA2234359A CA2234359A1 CA 2234359 A1 CA2234359 A1 CA 2234359A1 CA 2234359 CA2234359 CA 2234359 CA 2234359 A CA2234359 A CA 2234359A CA 2234359 A1 CA2234359 A1 CA 2234359A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
radar
devices
pod
reflective
scuttling
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2234359
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Denis Barker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA 2234359 priority Critical patent/CA2234359A1/en
Publication of CA2234359A1 publication Critical patent/CA2234359A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01QANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/04Adaptation for subterranean or subaqueous use
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63BSHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B22/00Buoys
    • B63B22/16Buoys specially adapted for marking a navigational route
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/74Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
    • G01S13/75Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems using transponders powered from received waves, e.g. using passive transponders, or using passive reflectors
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01QANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/34Adaptation for use in or on ships, submarines, buoys or torpedoes
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01QANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q15/00Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
    • H01Q15/14Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures
    • H01Q15/18Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures comprising plurality of mutually inclined plane surfaces, e.g. corner reflector

Abstract

This invention is an easily deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device. The invention can be bout with sufficient reserve buoyancy to allow the fitting of a number of optional devices, such as a GPS transceiver or lighting. Thus, the device can be used for a variety of applications including:
man-overboard marker, radar testing, temporarily marking submerged objects or navigation points, search and rescue, naval gunnery practice and/or weapons testing, or any other application that requires a floating reflective station. The device is constructed of aluminum, and consists of a tetrahedron shape with a floatation pod with an integrated radar reflector at each apex. Each floatation pod is fitted either with scuttling devices, to cause the device to sink if recovery is not a preferred option, or plugs if recovery is required. The use of dissimilar metal in the scuttling devices and the pins that hold the device together allows the device to rapidly corrode once it sinks, alleviating environmental concerns. The device is collapsible for ease of storage, and can be either assembled by hand, or deployed automatically, depending upon usage requirements. The tetrahedron shape allows the device to roll due to the motion of the waves or the method of deployment, and always present the same shape and reflective area as a target for radar, or as a support for optional devices mounted on the structure.

Description

This inventio ' easily deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device. The invention can be bui sufficient reserve buoyancy to allow the fitting of a number of optional devices, such as a GI'S transceiver or ' 'ng. Thus, the device can be usad for a variety of applications includir~:
man-overboard marker, radar testing, rarity marking submerged objects or navigatio~a pozz~ts, search and rescue, naval gunnery practice aztdloz w s testuaa, oz az~y ether application that requires a floating refltc2ive station. The device is constructed of al and consists of a tetral~edzon sluipe with a floatation pad with an integrated radar reflector at each ape . h floatation pod is fitted either with scuttling devices, to cause the device to sink if recovery is not a pz d option, or plugs if recovery is requir. td. The use of dissimilar metal in the scuttling devices and tire pins old the device together allows the device to rapidly corrode once it sinks, EtlIevzatiag e~uvix'oxtrncntal con 'fhe device is collapsible foz ease of storage, and can be either assembled by hand, or deployed autoba ~ , depending upon usage requirements. the tetrahedron shape allows the device to toll dire to the motion of ves or the method of deployment, a~ad always present the same shape and reflective area as a target for xadar, o a support for optional devices mounted on the structure.
SPEC:IFICATIQN
This ii<aventioz~ relates to a device for temporarily marking positions at sea or on other waterways.
host tenxporary marking devices currently in use, are made of plastic oz zubber-like substaaces, and generally depend upon air for floatation. These devices do ~uat offer any real degree of radar reflectivity, and are therefore useful only in conditions of good visibility. They are also susceptible to rwiiixd, and if not well ancb~ozed, wfll not remain in position for very long. There are also some devices that are made of rne2a11ie substances. These are generally difficult to deploy, and art not well suited to temporary markiuzg applications. 'T"he inflatable and metallic devices currently avar~able are not designed with tnvimruntntal concerns in mimd, noz do they offer options for mounting different devices.
~y us;in~g a common geometric shape, a tetrahedron, made of eor~o~an material, aluminum, a unique unit has been produced that is a marked improvement on the devices eurrrutly in use. This invention improves effec~xveness aztd ease of operation, while reducing the negative impact of tlae use of such devices on the ezwi~onment_ It combines the advantages of good zadaz zefTectivity and good sea~ceeping chazactezistics inherent in metallic devicesy with the advantages of ease of deploymezat and compact stowage afforded by inflatable devices- Tht tetrahedron shape constructed of aIumizauxn poles produces little wind resistance, while providing a structure that maintaizzs a consistent shape rtgard3ess of the side that is lying in the water.
This ensures that the zequirod radar reflective component, provided by radar reflectors incorporated iao floatation pods at each apex of the tetrahedron, is always presented at the required height regardless of wave action. oz other envirorunental factors that may cause tlae uait to roll in the water occasionally. Tla inverrtiozt also incorporates the use of dissimilar metals to facilitate rapid corrosion of the device, should zecovezy not be possible or desirable, affozding a degree of environmental acceptability not currently available in otlxtr devices. The design, is suited to a number of uses, as desczibed in the Abstract.
Generally, the type of application for which the device will be used will determine the size of the unit required, the shape remaininø constant. Some other options, such as different hints ng meehank,~ms, can also be used to adapt the unit to specific applications.
An embodiment of. the invention is illustrated in Figures 1 through 3. This embodiment is a manually ass~n~bled design option, of a sizx that would be applicable to usage in the open ocean. In the drawings which illustrate this embodiment of the invention, Figure 1 is an OzthogFaphie Projection of the embodiment which illustrates the general layout of the design- Figure 2 are Plan and Blevatian Views, illustrating the approximate ratio of leg length to reflector height, and the typical dimensions of the material used for a device of dais size- Also included in Figure 2 is a view of the Paclmging l7etail foz a unit of this size when collapsed into four pod assembIi.es and packaged into two bundles.
Fide 3 is a detailed view of the pod assembly for this embodiment- It illustrates the angle of the hinge plate that keeps the radar refle<;toz at a prescribed angle relative to the tetrahedron shape, and other detail of the floatation pod lintel~attd radar reflector component of the invention, The invention comprises a tetrahedroB shape, constructed of aluzn~inuzxt tubing legs I . At each apex, floatation pods 2 with integrated radar reflectors 3 are mounted. The primary object of the invention is to improve oz~ the radar reflectivity of temporary marking devices. This has been accamplashed by manufacturing the unit from aluminum, with radar reflectors integrated into the desi~. The desigi, utilizing a tetralzedcon shape, extends the radar reflector an appropriate distance about the surface of the water. The distance of the radar reflector above xhe water is determined by the requirements of the application for which the unit is to be used. (hxce the distance required is determined, ~e unit is manufactured to that specification. The ratio of distance above the water required vs_ the length of the tetrahedmn's legs is zelatively caaustaz~t, being a standard geomeu~ic shape, and only affected by the size of rice floatation pods and very minimally by the density of the water in which the unit will be used. This is illustrated by the Elevation View in F acute 2. The size of the floatation pads 2, and associated integrated radar reflectors 3, can be altered as necessary to achieve the required radar reflective area far a particular application.
The gauge of the aluminum being used for ttte construction, indicated as 2-inch tubing in the Plan View in Rigure Z, is de~nined by the sire o~the application, usizr~g comzz~oz~
ez~esriz~g rnethads for determining suvctutal rigidity and strength. Tht size of the floatation pods ~ tan be altered as required to achieve the required reserve buoyancy for a pazticular application.
The necessity for tfi~e device to be used safely iua a variety of sea and weather conditions demands that the unit be designed far ease of handling, The aluminum construction ensures that the unit will be light, while an open tetzahedron desi,~ reduces the wiz~dage to a level acceptable in;
nnost operating scenarios. Lifting eyes 4. are at~thtd to the floatation pods 2 in larger models to accommodate deployment and recovery by lifting apparatus from the deck of a vessel or other platform.
An importgnt requirement of the device is sho nerd to be environmentally safe.
The device is designed to be either recovered, or expended. Each floatation pod 2 is fitted with two threaded fittings 5 to provide the option for either mode of employment. Should the device be intended for recovery after use, plugs are fitted in the openings, and the afit'ect of its use on the environment is inconsequential. Should the intent be to expend the device, scuttling plugs ~ nr~ade o~ copper are fitted iu~ the openings. Thtst scuttling plugs 6 are hallow in the centre, and use a sugar substance that slowly dissolves in water. They are nnanufactured in a variety ofthicIazesses, resultixzg iz~ a number a~tanne-delay options.
When the invention scuttles, the dissimilar metal in the scuttling plugs 6 causes raq>id corrosion of the unit.
Sacrificial zinc hinge pins 7 are used to attzch three aluminum tubing legs 1 to each floatation pod 2, ~oznxing pod assemblies 8_ These pins 7 will also corrode rapidly, causing the unit to collapse oz~ the sea botiorr~
reducing the likelihood that marine life will bCCOZtIe ezlta~agled in the unit.
Ta facilitate ease of ltaudlizxg arad assembly, and to provide for compact stowage, larger devices are broken down into four separate pod assemblies 8, as illustrated in the Packagnag Detail. oz~ Figuxe 2. Each pod assembly 8 has one flaatatioz~ pod 2 with three aluminum tubing legs 1 attached. Three of the pod assemblies 8 art the same, and are termed "A pods". The fourth pod assembly 8 is reacted ''B pod". The "A pods" differ from the "B pod" by the slip jaunts 9 that are pz-ovided at the end of each leg. Each "A
pod" has two mile slip joints and one female slip joint. The "B pod" has three female slip joirnts. The ''A
pocLs" are ~xrst fitted together i» a triangle form on a horizontal plane, fitting one male and oz~e ~em~ale leg ~rozrA each pod to the other pods- This Leaves the middle leg of each "A pod", with a male slip joitu, free on tack pod. The hinge plate 10 shown in the 3D View of the Assez~abled Floatation Pod in Figure 3 is designed such that the nxiddle, free leg will easily hinge up_ This allows it to achieve the required eagle to join the male slip joint with the associated female slip joint on one of the three legs of the "13 pod". All slip joints 9 are held together by clip pins 11.
As indicated, the embodiment detailed in Figures 1 through ~ is a large unit, designed for use in open ocean for such applications as marking submerged objects, by attaching a line from the object to the xzzarher, or as a target for radar trials ox gunnery practice.

Other applications for the invention include: man-overboard marker, temporarily marling navigation points and ::earth and rescue. The design has many applications, of which the aforementioned are only an ea:ample. The design is intended to offer the potential for many applications, and is therefore, very adaptive. Dit~erent apptications will demand variety in the size and same of the design elements. For exarnpla, in larger applications, slip joizxts are used in the centre of the legs of the tetrahedron. to allow the unit to be disassembled and stored in a smaller space. In other applicariorns, these joints may lx made to be flexible andlor spring-loaded, al.lowin,g the unit to be collapsble, and deployed mare rapidly arid automaticalty_ 1n very small designs, the tegs may not need to be jointed at all. 'fhe aluminum eonstrtretiozz also allows the welding of mounting plates far a variety of additional devices, such as GPS transceivers, lights or lift-saving apparatus, on any part of the structure. The intent of the invention has been to naaizztain the versatility of the desi,~ while maintaining its specific qualities.
s~

Claims

CA 2234359 1998-06-08 1998-06-08 An easily deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device Abandoned CA2234359A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2234359 CA2234359A1 (en) 1998-06-08 1998-06-08 An easily deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2234359 CA2234359A1 (en) 1998-06-08 1998-06-08 An easily deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2234359A1 true CA2234359A1 (en) 1999-12-08

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2234359 Abandoned CA2234359A1 (en) 1998-06-08 1998-06-08 An easily deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device

Country Status (1)

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CA (1) CA2234359A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105501322A (en) * 2016-01-20 2016-04-20 同济大学 Spatial tetrahedral rolling mechanism with large extending and retracting ratio
CN109031233A (en) * 2018-08-09 2018-12-18 南京信息工程大学 The method of quick obtaining radar complex reflectivity vector figure data

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105501322A (en) * 2016-01-20 2016-04-20 同济大学 Spatial tetrahedral rolling mechanism with large extending and retracting ratio
CN105501322B (en) * 2016-01-20 2018-07-24 同济大学 A kind of space tetrahedral rolling mechanism with big magnification
CN109031233A (en) * 2018-08-09 2018-12-18 南京信息工程大学 The method of quick obtaining radar complex reflectivity vector figure data
CN109031233B (en) * 2018-08-09 2023-02-28 南京信息工程大学 Method for rapidly acquiring radar combination reflectivity vector graphic data

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