GB2595050A

GB2595050A - An underwater propellable device

Info

Publication number: GB2595050A
Application number: GB2105441.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jones Roy
Original assignee: ECS Special Projects Ltd
Current assignee: ECS Special Projects Ltd
Priority date: 2021-04-16
Filing date: 2021-04-16
Publication date: 2021-11-17
Anticipated expiration: 2041-04-16
Also published as: GB2595050B; GB202105441D0

Abstract

An underwater propellable device 2 comprises a source of compressed gas 4 and a shroud 14. The source of compressed gas 4 comprises a first end 6 defining a nozzle 8 having a pierceable seal 10 extending thereacross, and an opposed second end 12. The shroud 14 is mountable on the opposed second end 12 of the source of compressed gas 4. The shroud 14 comprises a first open end 16 in communication with a first elongate bore 18 for receiving the opposed second end 12 of the source of compressed gas, and a second opposed closed end 20 configured to substantially encompass the opposed second end 12 of the source of compressed gas 4 and in which the second opposed end 20 of the shroud 14 comprises at least one aperture 22 extending therethrough. The device 2 may comprise a colour source, such as a paintball 42 located within the first elongate bore 18 of the shroud 14 and configured to be released through the at least one aperture 22 on impact of the shroud 14 with an obstacle. The source of compressed gas 4 may be a compressed gas cylinder, specifically a compressed carbon dioxide cylinder.

Description

AN UNDERWATER PROPELLABLE DEVICE

FIELD

The present invention provides an underwater propellable device, an underwater propellant device, methods of producing the same, and underwater vehicles comprises an underwater propellant device.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Marine based technology, such as wind farms and power stations, and their infrastructure can be prone to damage, sabotage and theft. Such damage, sabotage and theft can be time consuming, and costly to repair and replace Surveillance systems may be in place to help protect and monitor these structures.

There is however a need for a system which is capable of deterring third parties from coming into proximity with the infrastructure.

PRIOR ART

United States patent US 3 417 719 (Nitenson) discloses an adapter means for an underwater projectile.

United States patent US 5 499 619 (Tarte) discloses an underwater dart gun.

United States patent US 5 909 000 (Rakov) discloses a system for shooting using compressed gas.

United States patent US 7 083 141 (Nitenson) self-propelled projectile. SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided underwater propellable device comprising: a source of compressed gas comprising a first end defining a nozzle having a pierceable seal extending thereacross, and an opposed second end; and a shroud mountable on the opposed second end of the source of compressed gas, in which the shroud comprises a first open end in communication with a first elongate bore for receiving the opposed second end of the source of compressed gas, and a second opposed closed end configured to substantially encompass the opposed second end of the source of compressed gas and in which the second opposed end of the shroud comprises at least one aperture extending therethrough.

Ideally a colour source is located within the first elongate bore of the shroud and configured to be released through the at least one aperture on impact of the shroud with an obstacle.

The source of compressed gas may be for example a compressed gas cylinder. In one embodiment, the compressed gas cylinder is a compressed carbon dioxide cylinder.

The first bore may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions. In one embodiment, the first bore is a substantially cylindrical bore configured to receive for example a compressed gas cylinder.

Optionally a cover tail is provided to shroud.

The colour source preferably comprises a dye cartridge, ink or paint ball.

Optionally a drug, such as tranquiliser, may also be included on the head of the shroud of the projectile.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an underwater propellant device comprising: an underwater propellable device as herein described; and a housing comprising: a first end providing an opening in communication with a second elongate bore configured to receive at least a portion of the source of compressed gas of the underwater propellable device; and a piercing mechanism comprising a piercing pin in communication with a driving mechanism, in which the piercing mechanism is operable in use to drive the piercing pin through the pierceable seal of the source of compressed gas to release the compressed gas therefrom.

The second bore may have any suitable shape and/or dimensioned. Preferably, the second bore is a substantially cylindrical bore such that for example the second bore is configured to receive a compressed gas cylinder.

Ideally there is provided a space or recess for receiving a colour source or dye located within the first elongate bore of the shroud, the shroud being configured to release the colour source or dye through the at least one aperture on impact of the shroud with an obstacle or target.

The second elongate bore is configured to receive at least the first end of the source of compressed gas. Preferably, the second elongate bore is configured to receive the first end of the source of compressed gas and at least a portion, for example the first end of the shroud.

The piercing mechanism is preferably mounted at or adjacent a second opposed end of the housing.

The piercing mechanism preferably comprises a motor, for example a stepper motor, operable to drive the piercing pin through the pierceable seal of the source of compressed gas. The piercing mechanism is preferably operable to move the piercing pin, towards the source of compressed gas, in a direction extending substantially parallel to the elongate axis of the second bore of the housing.

The piercing pin is preferably a threaded piercing pin.

The piercing mechanism is preferably operable to move the piercing pin towards the first end of the source of compressed gas whilst imparting rotational movement to the piercing pin.

In one embodiment, the underwater propellant device further comprises a clamping mechanism operable to secure the source of compressed gas in position within the second bore. The clamping mechanism may be operable to secure any portion of the source of compressed gas. For example, the clamping mechanism may be operable to secure the first end of the source of compressed gas in position within the second bore.

The clamping mechanism may be operable to secure the source of compressed gas prior to and during operation to drive the piercing pin through the pierceable seal.

The underwater propellant device may further comprise a detent mechanism operable to release the clamping mechanism from the source of compressed gas.

In one embodiment, the piercing pin has a first end operable to pierce through the pierceable seal of the first end of the source of compressed gas, and a second opposed end, and in which the detent mechanism is in communication with the second opposed end.

The housing may comprise: a first end providing a plurality of openings and a plurality of second elongate bores, each opening being in communication with a corresponding second elongate bore; and a plurality of piercing mechanisms, each piercing mechanism comprising a piercing pin in communication with a driving mechanism, in which each piercing mechanism is operable in use to drive the corresponding piercing pin through the pierceable seal of the corresponding source of compressed gas to release the compressed gas therefrom.

The housing may be configured to receive a plurality of underwater propellable devices therein. The underwater propellant device, for example the piercing mechanism, may be operable to activate a plurality of underwater propellable devices. In one embodiment, each underwater propellable device may be independently activated (i.e. pierced) by a corresponding piercing mechanism.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a method for producing an underwater propellable device as herein described, the method comprising: obtaining a source of compressed gas comprising a first end defining a nozzle having a pierceable seal extending thereacross, and an opposed second end; mounting a shroud on the opposed second end of the source of compressed gas, in which the shroud comprises a first open end in communication with a first elongate bore for receiving the opposed second end of the source of compressed gas, and a second opposed closed end configured to substantially encompass the opposed second end of the source of compressed gas and in which the second opposed end of the shroud comprises at least one aperture extending therethrough; and locating a colour source located within the first elongate bore of the shroud such that the colour source is configured to be released through the at least one aperture on impact of the shroud with an obstacle.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a method for producing an underwater propellant device as herein described, the method comprising: obtaining an underwater propellable device as herein described; and obtaining a housing comprising a first end providing an opening in communication with a second elongate bore; and a piercing mechanism comprising a piercing pin in communication with a driving mechanism; inserting the underwater propellable device into the second elongate bore in communication with the piercing mechanism.

According to a further aspect, there is provided an underwater vehicle comprising an underwater propellant device as herein described.

The underwater vehicle may for example be a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying Figures:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the underwater propellant device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2A to 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the piercing mechanism of the underwater propellant device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an image of a cartridge which houses a plurality of underwater propellant devices; Figure 4 is an image of an underwater vehicle (ROV or UUV) which receives one or more of the cartridges shown ion Figure 3; Figures 5A and 5B are overall views of an alternative embodiment of the underwater propellant device in which the device is shown disassembled in Figure 5B; Figure 6A is an overall views of an alternative embodiment of the underwater propellant device which does not carry a colour; Figures 6B shows the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6A; and Figure 6C is a sectional view of the underwater propellant device shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to Figures 1 and 2A to 2C, the underwater propellant device 1 comprises an underwater propellable device 2. The underwater propellable device 2 comprises a source of compressed gas 4 comprising a first end 6 defining a nozzle 8 having a pierceable seal 10 extending thereacross, and an opposed second end 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the source of compressed gas is a gas cylinder. A shroud 14 is mounted on the opposed second end of the source of compressed gas 4.

The shroud 14 comprises a first open end 16 in communication with a first elongate bore 18 for receiving the opposed second end 12 of the source of compressed gas 4. The shroud 14 also comprises a second opposed closed end 20 configured to substantially encompass the opposed second end 12 of the source of compressed gas 4. The second opposed end 12 of the shroud 14 comprises a plurality of spaced apart apertures 22 extending therethrough.

There is a tail shroud 30 which is mounted on the pierceable end of the source of compressed gas 4, such as a gas canister 4. An image of the assembled projectile is shown in Figure 5A. The assembly of the underwater propellable device 2 is shown disassembled form in Figure 5B, in which like parts bear the same reference numerals as in the other Figures.

A colour source 42, in the form of a paint ball, is located within the first elongate bore 18 of the shroud 14 and configured to be released through the apertures 22 on impact of the shroud 14 with an obstacle.

The device 1 further comprises a housing 24 comprising a first end 26 providing an opening 28 in communication with a second elongate bore 30. The bore 30 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The underwater propellable device 2 may be fitted with at least one fin 44 or appendage to stabilise or trim or limit the motion of the projectile following release from the housing 24.

The housing 24 further comprises a piercing mechanism 32 comprising a piercing pin or needle 34 in communication with a driving mechanism 36.

The housing 24 further comprising a clamping mechanism 38 operable to secure the first end 6 of the source of compressed gas 4 in position within the second bore 30 of the housing 24.

The housing 24 further comprises a detent mechanism 40 operable to release the clamping mechanism 38 from the second bore 30. The tail shroud include a groove into which the locking mechanism 38 keys fit.

In use, the underwater propellable device 1 is inserted into the second bore 30 of the housing 24 such that the first end 6 of the compressed gas cylinder abuts and is retained in position by the clamping mechanism (Figure 2A). The outer surfaces of the shroud 14 abut the inner surface of the second bore 30.

The piercing mechanism 32 is activated such that the piercing pin or needle 34 is moved in a direction extending substantially parallel to the elongate axis of the second bore 30, and towards the first end 6 of the compressed gas cylinder 4 (Figure 2B). As the piercing needle 34 is moved towards the gas cylinder 4, the piercing pin or needle 34 is also rotated.

The piercing pin or needle 34 abuts the pierceable seal 10 as the detent mechanism 40 releases the clamping mechanism 38 (Figure 2B). Further lateral and rotational movement of the piercing pin or needle 34 by the piercing mechanism causes the seal to be pierced thereby causing release of the compressed gas which drives the underwater propellable device 2 out of the elongate bore 30 of the housing 24 to impinge on the target object (Figure 2C). The compressed gas canister 4 is self-propelled out of the housing 24 towards the target object.

As the second end 20 of the shroud 14 impinges on the object, the force of impact causes the colour source 42 to be expelled through apertures 22 and depositing on the target object providing a visible indication to the operator.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an underwater propellant device 101 in which the piercing pin has a first end operable to pierce through the pierceable seal of the first end of the source of compressed gas, and a second opposed end, and in which the detent mechanism is in communication with the second opposed end.

As shown in Figure 3, shows a cartridge 111 with a rigid outer wall 112 for receiving six underwater propellable devices 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the propellant device 101 is in the form of a cartridge, shown in Figure 4, which comprises six underwater propellable devices in a 3 x 2 array. It is however to be understood that the cartridge 111 may comprise any suitable number of devices 102 in any suitable configuration.

As shown in Figure 4, cartridges 111A and 111B with underwater propellable devices may be mounted on an underwater vehicle, such as for example an ROV 120. The ROV 120 has support struts 121 and forward looking imaging system 122 and starboard 124 and port 125 forward looking lights. The ROV 120 also has an aft steerable drive 126 and a forward steerable drive 128. It is understood that the ROV is therefore driveable and steerable in order to orient the direction of fire of the propellable devices 102 Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are views of an alternative embodiment of the underwater propellant device which does not carry a colour dye as can be seen from the sectional view in Figure 6C. The embodiment of the underwater propellant device shown in Figures 6A, 66 and 6C therefore is shorter than the aforementioned embodiment and may be lighter.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and variation may be made to the embodiments shown and described above, without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMSAn underwater propellable device comprising: a source of compressed gas comprising a first end defining a nozzle having a pierceable seal extending thereacross, and an opposed second end; and a shroud mountable on the opposed second end of the source of compressed gas, in which the shroud comprises a first open end in communication with a first elongate bore for receiving the opposed second end of the source of compressed gas, and a second opposed closed end configured to substantially encompass the opposed second end of the source of compressed gas and in which the second opposed end of the shroud comprises at least one aperture extending therethrough.
2. An underwater propellable device as claimed in claim 1 includes a space or recess for receiving a colour source or dye located within the first elongate bore of the shroud, the shroud being configured to release the colour source or dye through the at least one aperture on impact of the shroud with an obstacle or target.
3. An underwater propellable device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the source of compressed gas is a compressed gas cylinder.
4. An underwater propellable device as claimed in claim 3, in which the compressed gas cylinder is a compressed carbon dioxide cylinder.
5. An underwater propellable device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first bore is a cylindrical bore.
6. An underwater propellable device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the colour source comprises a paintball.
7. An underwater propellant device comprising: an underwater propellable device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6; and a housing comprising: a first end providing an opening in communication with a second elongate bore configured to receive at least a portion of the source of compressed gas of the underwater propellable device; and a piercing mechanism which comprises a piercing pin in communication with a driving mechanism, in which the piercing mechanism is operable in use to drive the piercing pin through the pierceable seal of the source of compressed gas to release the compressed gas therefrom.
8. An underwater propellant device as claimed in claim 7, in which the piercing mechanism is mounted at or adjacent a second opposed end of the housing.
9. An underwater propellant device as claimed in either of claims 7 or 8, in which the second bore is a cylindrical bore.
10. An underwater propellant device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, in which the second elongate bore is configured to receive at least the first end of the source of compressed gas.
11. An underwater propellant device as claimed in claim 10, in which the second elongate bore is configured to receive the first end of the source of compressed gas and at least a portion of the shroud.
12. An underwater propellant device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11, in which the piercing mechanism comprises a stepper motor operable to drive the piercing pin through the pierceable seal of the source of compressed gas.
13. An underwater propellant device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12, in which the piercing mechanism is operable to move the piercing pin in a direction extending substantially parallel to the elongate axis of the second bore of the housing.
14. An underwater propellant device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13, in which the piercing pin is a threaded piercing pin.
15. An underwater propellant device as claimed in claim 14, in which the piercing mechanism is operable to move the piercing pin towards the first end of the source of compressed gas whilst imparting rotational movement to the piercing pin.
16. An underwater propellant device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 15, further comprising a clamping mechanism operable to secure the source of compressed gas in position within the second bore.
17. An underwater propellant device as claimed in claim 16, in which the clamping mechanism is operable to secure the first end of the source of compressed gas.
18. An underwater propellant device as claimed in claim 17, in which the clamping mechanism is operable to secure the source of compressed gas prior to and during operation to drive the piercing pin through the pierceable seal.
19. An underwater propellant device as claimed in either of claims 17 or 18, in which the device further comprises a detent mechanism operable to release the clamping mechanism from the source of compressed gas.
20. An underwater propellant device as claimed in claim 19, in which the piercing pin has a first end operable to pierce through the pierceable seal of the first end of the source of compressed gas, and a second opposed end, and in which the detent mechanism is in communication with the second opposed end.
21. An underwater propellant device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 20, in which the housing comprises a first end providing a plurality of openings and a plurality of second elongate bores, each opening being in communication with a corresponding second elongate bore; and a plurality of piercing mechanisms, each piercing mechanism comprising a piercing pin in communication with a driving mechanism, in which each piercing mechanism is operable in use to drive the corresponding piercing pin through the pierceable seal of the corresponding source of compressed gas to release the compressed gas therefrom.
22. A cartridge contains a plurality of underwater propellant devices as claimed in any of claims 7 to 20.
23. An underwater vehicle includes at least one underwater propellant device as claimed in claim 21 or at least one cartridge as claimed in claim 21.
24. An underwater vehicle as claimed in claim 23, in which the underwater vehicle is a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV).
25. A method for producing an underwater propellable device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, the method comprising: obtaining a source of compressed gas comprising a first end defining a nozzle having a pierceable seal extending thereacross, and an opposed second end; mounting a shroud on the opposed second end of the source of compressed gas, in which the shroud comprises a first open end in communication with a first elongate bore for receiving the opposed second end of the source of compressed gas, and a second opposed closed end configured to substantially encompass the opposed second end of the source of compressed gas and in which the second opposed end of the shroud comprises at least one aperture extending therethrough; and locating a colour source located within the first elongate bore of the shroud such that the colour source is configured to be released through the at least one aperture on impact of the shroud with an obstacle.
26. A method for producing an underwater propellant device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 20, the method comprising: obtaining an underwater propellable device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6; and obtaining a housing comprising a first end providing an opening in communication with a second elongate bore; and a piercing mechanism comprising a piercing pin in communication with a driving mechanism; and inserting the underwater propellable device into the second elongate bore in communication with the piercing mechanism.