CA2248382C - Deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device - Google Patents
Deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2248382C CA2248382C CA 2248382 CA2248382A CA2248382C CA 2248382 C CA2248382 C CA 2248382C CA 2248382 CA2248382 CA 2248382 CA 2248382 A CA2248382 A CA 2248382A CA 2248382 C CA2248382 C CA 2248382C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- radar
- floating
- radar reflective
- devices
- reflective device
- 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.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B45/00—Arrangements or adaptations of signalling or lighting devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B22/00—Buoys
- B63B22/16—Buoys specially adapted for marking a navigational route
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
- B63C9/20—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like characterised by signalling means, e.g. lights
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q15/00—Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
- H01Q15/02—Refracting or diffracting devices, e.g. lens, prism
- H01Q15/12—Refracting or diffracting devices, e.g. lens, prism functioning also as polarisation filter
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
- Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
Abstract
This invention is an easily deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device. The invention can be built 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 an internally supported tetrahedron shape with a floatation pod with an integrated radar reflector at each apex. 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. 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.
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 an internally supported tetrahedron shape with a floatation pod with an integrated radar reflector at each apex. 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. 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.
Description
SPECIFICATION
This invention relates to a device for temporarily marking positions at sea or on other waterways.
Most temporary marking devices currently in use, are made of plastic or rubber-like substances, and generally depend upon air for floatation. These devices do not offer any real degree of radar reflectivity, and are therefore useful only in conditions of good visibility. They are also susceptible to wind, and if not well anchored, will not remain in position for very long. There are also some devices that are made of metallic substances. These are generally difficult to deploy, and are not well suited to temporary marking applications. The inflatable and metallic devices currently available are not designed with environmental concerns in mind, nor do they offer options for mounting different devices.
By using a common I;eometric shape, a tetrahedron, made of common material, aluminum, a unique unit has been produced that is a marked improvement on the devices currently in u.se. This invention improves effectiveness and ease of operation, while reducing the negative impact of the use of such devices on the environment. It combines the advantages of good radar reflectivity and good sea-keeping characteristics inherent in metallic devices, with the advantages of ease of deployment and compact stowage afforded by inflatable devices. The internally supported tetrahedron shape constructed of aluminum poles produces little wind resistance, while providing a structure that maintains a consistent shape regardless of the side that is lying in the water. This ensures that the required radar reflective component, provided by radar reflectors incorporated in floatation pods at each apex of the tetrahedron, is always presented at the required height regardless of wave action or other environmental factors that may cause the unit to roll in the water occasionally.
The invention also incorporates the use of dissimilar metals to facilitate rapid corrosion of the device, should recovery not be possible or desirable, affording a degree of environmental acceptability not currently available in other devices. The design is suited to a number of uses, as described 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 remaining constant. Some other options, such as different hinging mechanisms, can also be used to adapt the unit to specific applications.
An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures I through 3. This embodiment is a manually assembled design option, of a size that would be applicable to usage in the open ocean. In the drawings which illustrate this embodiment of the invention, Figure 1 is an Orthographic Projection of the embodiment which illustrates the general layout of the design. Figure 2 are Plan and Elevation Views, illustrating the approximate ratio of leg length to reflector height, and the typical dimensions of the material used for a device of this size. Also included in Figure 2 is a view of the Packaging Detail for a unit of this size when fully disassembled and packaged into one bundle. Figure 3 is, a detailed view of the pod assembly for this embodiment. It illustrates the detail of the floatation pod/ integrated rauiar reflector component of the invention.
The invention comprises an internally supported tetrahedron shape, constructed of aluminum tubing legs 1. At each apex, floatation pods 2 with integrated radar reflectors 3 are mounted. The primacy object of the invention is to improve on the radar reflectivity of temporary marking devices. This has been accomplished by manufacturing the unit from aluminum, with radar reflectors integrated into the design. The design extends the radar reflector an appropriate distance above the surface of the water. The distance of the radar reflector above the water is determined by the requirements of t:he application for which the unit is to be used. Once the distance required is detE;rmined, the unit is manufactured to that specification. The ratio of distance above ~:he water required vs. the length of the device's legs is relatively constant, being a standard geometric shape, and only affected by the size of the floatation pods and 'very minimally by the density of the water in which the unit will be used. This is ilbustrated by the Elevation View in Figure 2. The size of the floatation pods 2, and a~:~sociated integrated radar reflectors 3, cam be altered as necessary to achieve the: required radar reflective area for a particular application.
The gauge of the aluminum being used for the construction, indicated as 2-inch tubing in the Plan View in Figure 2, is determined by the size of the application, using common engineering methods for determining structural rigidity and strength.
The size of the floatation pods 2 can be altered as required to achieve the required reserve buoyancy for a particular application.
The necessity for the device to be used safely in a varriety of sea and weather conditions demands that the unit be designed for ease of handling. The aluminum construction ensures that the unit will be light, while an internally supported tetrahedron design reduces the windage to a level acceptable in most operating scenarios. Lifting eyes 4 are attached 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 important requirement of the device is the need to be environmentally safe.
The device is designed to bc; either recovered, or expended. Each floatation pod 2 is fitted with two threaded fittings 7 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 affect of its use on the environment is inconsequential. Should the intent be to expend the device, scuttling plugs made of copper are fitted in the openings.
These scuttling plugs are hollow in the centre, and use a substance that slowly dissolves in water. They are manufactured in to provide a number of time-delay options.
When the invention scuttles, t:he dissimilar metal in the scuttling plugs causes rapid corrosion of the unit. Sacrificial zinc hinge pins 5 are used to attach three aluminum tubing legs 1 to each floatation pod 2, and to the central connector 6. These pins 5 will also corrode rapidly, causing the unit to collapse on the sea bottom, reducing the likelihood that marine life will become entangled in the unit.
To facilitate ease of handling and assembly, and to provide for compact stowage, the device can be completely disassembled. Slip joints are provided at the central connector 6, and on each flotation pod 2, to facilitate ease of assembly and disassembly. All slip joints are held together by connector pins 5. The Packaging Detail on Figure 2 illusl:rates the device in the stowage configuration.
As indicated, the embodiment detailed in Figures 1 through 3 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 marker, or as a target for radar trials or gunnery practice.
Other applications for the invention include: man-overboard marker, temporarily marking navigation points and search and rescue. The design has many applications, of which the aforementioned are only an example. The design is intended to offer the potential for many applications, and is therefore, very adaptive. Different applications will demand variety in the size and some of the design elements. For example, in larger applications, slip joints are used in the central connector of the device to allow the unit to be disassembled and stored in a smaller space. In other applications, these joints may be made to t>e flexible andlor spring-loaded, allowing the unit to be collapsible, and deployed more rapidly and automatically. The aluminum construction also allows the welding of mounting plates for a variety of additional devices, such as GPS transceivers, lights or life-saving apparatus, on any part of the structure. The intent of the invention has been to maintain the versatility of the design while maintaining its specific qualities.
This invention relates to a device for temporarily marking positions at sea or on other waterways.
Most temporary marking devices currently in use, are made of plastic or rubber-like substances, and generally depend upon air for floatation. These devices do not offer any real degree of radar reflectivity, and are therefore useful only in conditions of good visibility. They are also susceptible to wind, and if not well anchored, will not remain in position for very long. There are also some devices that are made of metallic substances. These are generally difficult to deploy, and are not well suited to temporary marking applications. The inflatable and metallic devices currently available are not designed with environmental concerns in mind, nor do they offer options for mounting different devices.
By using a common I;eometric shape, a tetrahedron, made of common material, aluminum, a unique unit has been produced that is a marked improvement on the devices currently in u.se. This invention improves effectiveness and ease of operation, while reducing the negative impact of the use of such devices on the environment. It combines the advantages of good radar reflectivity and good sea-keeping characteristics inherent in metallic devices, with the advantages of ease of deployment and compact stowage afforded by inflatable devices. The internally supported tetrahedron shape constructed of aluminum poles produces little wind resistance, while providing a structure that maintains a consistent shape regardless of the side that is lying in the water. This ensures that the required radar reflective component, provided by radar reflectors incorporated in floatation pods at each apex of the tetrahedron, is always presented at the required height regardless of wave action or other environmental factors that may cause the unit to roll in the water occasionally.
The invention also incorporates the use of dissimilar metals to facilitate rapid corrosion of the device, should recovery not be possible or desirable, affording a degree of environmental acceptability not currently available in other devices. The design is suited to a number of uses, as described 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 remaining constant. Some other options, such as different hinging mechanisms, can also be used to adapt the unit to specific applications.
An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures I through 3. This embodiment is a manually assembled design option, of a size that would be applicable to usage in the open ocean. In the drawings which illustrate this embodiment of the invention, Figure 1 is an Orthographic Projection of the embodiment which illustrates the general layout of the design. Figure 2 are Plan and Elevation Views, illustrating the approximate ratio of leg length to reflector height, and the typical dimensions of the material used for a device of this size. Also included in Figure 2 is a view of the Packaging Detail for a unit of this size when fully disassembled and packaged into one bundle. Figure 3 is, a detailed view of the pod assembly for this embodiment. It illustrates the detail of the floatation pod/ integrated rauiar reflector component of the invention.
The invention comprises an internally supported tetrahedron shape, constructed of aluminum tubing legs 1. At each apex, floatation pods 2 with integrated radar reflectors 3 are mounted. The primacy object of the invention is to improve on the radar reflectivity of temporary marking devices. This has been accomplished by manufacturing the unit from aluminum, with radar reflectors integrated into the design. The design extends the radar reflector an appropriate distance above the surface of the water. The distance of the radar reflector above the water is determined by the requirements of t:he application for which the unit is to be used. Once the distance required is detE;rmined, the unit is manufactured to that specification. The ratio of distance above ~:he water required vs. the length of the device's legs is relatively constant, being a standard geometric shape, and only affected by the size of the floatation pods and 'very minimally by the density of the water in which the unit will be used. This is ilbustrated by the Elevation View in Figure 2. The size of the floatation pods 2, and a~:~sociated integrated radar reflectors 3, cam be altered as necessary to achieve the: required radar reflective area for a particular application.
The gauge of the aluminum being used for the construction, indicated as 2-inch tubing in the Plan View in Figure 2, is determined by the size of the application, using common engineering methods for determining structural rigidity and strength.
The size of the floatation pods 2 can be altered as required to achieve the required reserve buoyancy for a particular application.
The necessity for the device to be used safely in a varriety of sea and weather conditions demands that the unit be designed for ease of handling. The aluminum construction ensures that the unit will be light, while an internally supported tetrahedron design reduces the windage to a level acceptable in most operating scenarios. Lifting eyes 4 are attached 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 important requirement of the device is the need to be environmentally safe.
The device is designed to bc; either recovered, or expended. Each floatation pod 2 is fitted with two threaded fittings 7 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 affect of its use on the environment is inconsequential. Should the intent be to expend the device, scuttling plugs made of copper are fitted in the openings.
These scuttling plugs are hollow in the centre, and use a substance that slowly dissolves in water. They are manufactured in to provide a number of time-delay options.
When the invention scuttles, t:he dissimilar metal in the scuttling plugs causes rapid corrosion of the unit. Sacrificial zinc hinge pins 5 are used to attach three aluminum tubing legs 1 to each floatation pod 2, and to the central connector 6. These pins 5 will also corrode rapidly, causing the unit to collapse on the sea bottom, reducing the likelihood that marine life will become entangled in the unit.
To facilitate ease of handling and assembly, and to provide for compact stowage, the device can be completely disassembled. Slip joints are provided at the central connector 6, and on each flotation pod 2, to facilitate ease of assembly and disassembly. All slip joints are held together by connector pins 5. The Packaging Detail on Figure 2 illusl:rates the device in the stowage configuration.
As indicated, the embodiment detailed in Figures 1 through 3 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 marker, or as a target for radar trials or gunnery practice.
Other applications for the invention include: man-overboard marker, temporarily marking navigation points and search and rescue. The design has many applications, of which the aforementioned are only an example. The design is intended to offer the potential for many applications, and is therefore, very adaptive. Different applications will demand variety in the size and some of the design elements. For example, in larger applications, slip joints are used in the central connector of the device to allow the unit to be disassembled and stored in a smaller space. In other applications, these joints may be made to t>e flexible andlor spring-loaded, allowing the unit to be collapsible, and deployed more rapidly and automatically. The aluminum construction also allows the welding of mounting plates for a variety of additional devices, such as GPS transceivers, lights or life-saving apparatus, on any part of the structure. The intent of the invention has been to maintain the versatility of the design while maintaining its specific qualities.
Claims (7)
1. A floating, radar reflective device comprising legs and flotation pods with each pod incorporating a radar reflector, arranged in a tetrahedron shape with the pods located at each of the extreme corners of the device, and the tetrahedron shape ensuring that the visual and radar reflective characteristics remain the same, with one pod supported above the water surface, regardless of the rolling of the device due to deployment method, sea state or wind conditions.
2. A floating, radar reflective device as described in claim 1 in which the distance of the reflector above the water is adjustable, by changing the length of the device's legs.
3. A floating, radar reflective device as described in claims 1 and 2 in which the size of the floatation pods can be altered as necessary to achieve the required buoyancy for a particular application.
4. A floating, radar reflective device as described in claims 1, 2 and 3 in which the radar reflectors can be altered to achieve different cross sections to allow the device to be used for many purposes.
5. A floating, radar reflective device as described in claims 1, 2, 3 and 4 in which the lightweight aluminum construction and the open geometric shape that reduces windage, will facilitate handling.
6. A floating, radar reflective device described in claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in which the primary construction material is aluminum, but incorporating zinc pins and PVC
plugs on all devices that will be recovered.
plugs on all devices that will be recovered.
7. A floating, radar reflective device described in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in which the plugs are made of copper on all devices that will be scuttled, which will enhance the corrosion of the sunken device.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2248382 CA2248382C (en) | 1998-10-08 | 1998-10-08 | Deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2248382 CA2248382C (en) | 1998-10-08 | 1998-10-08 | Deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2248382A1 CA2248382A1 (en) | 2000-04-08 |
| CA2248382C true CA2248382C (en) | 2001-07-03 |
Family
ID=4162846
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2248382 Expired - Fee Related CA2248382C (en) | 1998-10-08 | 1998-10-08 | Deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2248382C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7474206B2 (en) | 2006-02-06 | 2009-01-06 | Global Trek Xploration Corp. | Footwear with embedded tracking device and method of manufacture |
| US8077030B2 (en) | 2008-08-08 | 2011-12-13 | Global Trek Xploration Corp. | Tracking system with separated tracking device |
| CN112407196B (en) * | 2020-12-04 | 2022-05-31 | 广东福顺天际通信有限公司 | Life buoy |
-
1998
- 1998-10-08 CA CA 2248382 patent/CA2248382C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2248382A1 (en) | 2000-04-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20141008 |